PAKISTAN was achieved as a result of a democratic struggle, and its founders wanted it to be governed by a parliamentary form of government. Despite this clarity, a debate about the system of governance has been started by some vested quarters.

This seems to be a tussle between democratic and non- democratic forces in their quest for power and control.

The sad part is that many proponents of both forms of government seem to have mala fide intentions. The sincere elements on both sides have either been silenced or made irrelevant. Sides were taken and switched not on a constructive or ideological basis but for petty vested interests.

Knowing, the Pakistani mindset, I am afraid every system will fail miserably. A system can work and deliver only if it is run with conviction and competence, with everyone being equal before the law.

Dr Arshad Saeed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2020