Democracy in Pakistan: A Philosophical Perspective
The idea of democracy has been both lauded and critiqued throughout the annals of history. From Athenian’s experience of democratic norms, Rousseau’s social contract to Mill’s advocacy for individual liberty, and Hobbes’ need for a sovereign, — these philosophical milestones have contributed to weaving the fabric of democracy.
The Athenians’ experiment with pure democracy underlines the volatility of a system where every citizen bears the torch of state-making. Socrates’ fate at the hands of democracy, an outcome of popular opinion over reasoned debate, mirrors contemporary Pakistan’s impulsive constitutional amendments and political vindictiveness.
Aristotle foresaw the risks of democratic fervor unmoored from constitutional restraints — something Pakistan has grappled with amid efforts to find balance. With his keen understanding of various forms of government, he advocated for a ‘polity’ — a balanced mixture of oligarchy and democracy.
Yet, Aristotle’s feared ‘ochlocracy’ — the perversion of democracy into mob rule, which occasionally rears its head in the form of political unrest and populist narratives.
Pakistan’s tumultuous political journey mirrors an unsolved Aristotelian puzzle, where the ideal polity remains elusive. The complicated array of tribal and feudal elements calls for a calibration to maintain checks and balances essential for a functional democracy.
Rousseau’s social contract revolves around cultivating the ‘general will’ of the people. The concept talks about individuals giving up their natural rights and freedom to a collective body (the state).In return, the members of the society are entrusted with stability and protection.
In Pakistan, democracy remains an elusive mirage due to the absence of a robust social contract. The democratic process had been repeatedly interrupted by the cacophony of martial boots and political discord.
Moreover, society remains divided along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. Hence, a social contract built on mutual respect and shared goals appears fractured.
The potential of the homeland to reflect Rousseau’s democratic norms lies in its ability to re-engage the disenfranchised voice while arresting the growth of political apathy and disillusionment with the system.
Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan talks about the ‘state of nature’ as brutal, short, and needs a strong sovereign. Pakistan’s turbulent history depicts its share of Hobbessian moments.
The need for an authoritative government to prevent chaos and ensure security remains a crucial challenge for Pakistan’s democratic evolution. However, such coercive measures often hinder the democratic process.
While political instability in Pakistan continues to plague the nation, Hobbes’ social contract remains highly pertinent to establishing security and order. The government has been struggling to maintain law and order, particularly in the face of terrorist threats.
Such a precarious situation highlights the need for a strong central authority. However, Hobbes’ warning about absolute power should not be overlooked. It warns that authoritarianism can lead to oppression and injustice in the long run. History has repeatedly shown that authoritarianism has stunted Pakistan’s democratic evolution.
When it comes to freedom of speech and expression, the work of JS Mill in “On Liberty” cannot be overlooked. Propounding the ‘harm principle,’ he emphasized freedom of speech as a cornerstone of a functional democracy.
Despite being a democratic country, Pakistan has most of the time remained under autocratic governance where censorship and reprisals remained the norm.
Various censorship laws restricted the media from opening and criticizing government policies. Such malpractice hindered citizens’ right to information and acted as a breeding ground for silencing dissenting opinions.
As society evolves and becomes more diverse, it is essential to consider Mill’s ideas on individual freedom. It includes the right to speak and act freely without fear of discrimination or persecution.
A Millian approach to Pakistan’s governance could lead to the flourishing of ideas and constructive debates essential for a dynamic democracy.
The philosophical foundations of democracy provide a universal framework that can guide Pakistan towards a functional democratic state. However, these ideologies must be aligned with the unique context and challenges of the country.
The journey of the French Revolution in achieving its ideals ( liberty, equality, and fraternity ) serves as a reminder that democracy is not achieved overnight. It is an ongoing process shaped by historical events and philosophical concepts.
From getting independence from colonial rule to the recent calls for systemic change and reform, Paine’s words ring true: “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”
Hence, it is high time to mold the narrative and the reality of Pakistani democracy — not as an imitation of Western models but as a living testament to the universal virtues extolled by democracy’s strongest proponents.
