PAKISTAN stands at a precarious crossroads as we embark on a new year. Pildat’s Quality of Democracy report has painted a sobering portrait of democratic regression in 2024, marked by systematic efforts to centralise power and curtail fundamental rights. What makes this erosion particularly alarming is that it occurred not under martial law, but through legal mechanisms wielded by the civilian leadership in apparent cooperation with the establishment. The delayed 12th general election, marred by alleged pre- and post-poll rigging, has emerged as a symbol of this backsliding. The disenfranchisement of opposition parties, most notably the PTI, through manipulation of poll symbols and reserved seats, has raised doubts about the ECP’s impartiality. Constitutional ‘re-engineering’ through the 26th Amendment, which altered judicial independence, and the unprecedented extension of service chiefs’ tenures to potentially 10 years during peacetime, represent a concerning consolidation of authority. These changes, rushed through parliament with minimal debate, indicate our political leaders’ willingness to compromise democratic principles for short-term gains.

Equally disturbing is the increasing restriction on civil liberties. Media censorship has intensified, with the government blocking X and disrupting other platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram under the guise of national security. More troublingly, citizens’ discourse on social media has been labelled as “digital terrorism” by the establishment, setting a dangerous precedent for further curbs on digital rights. Military trials of civilians have raised particularly grave concerns about due process and judicial independence. After keeping 85 civilians in custody for over a year without clear legal status, military courts handed down convictions with prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. That these proceedings continued despite international outcry about fair trial rights, and that they were justified as serving “Pakistan’s public” rather than addressing their constitutional validity, speaks volumes about the state of civil rights. In addition, the ban on the PTM and the continuing incarceration of political opponents signal shrinking space for dissent and political opposition. The only glimmer of hope lies in the recent initiation of dialogue between the government and the PTI. However, for this dialogue to yield meaningful results, both sides must move beyond ultimatums and grandstanding. Democracy in Pakistan is on life support. Its revival can only occur with bold reforms and unwavering commitment to constitutional principles.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025