DEMOCRACY in Pakistan is under attack. It may be recalled that the year 2008 brought a long-lasting dictatorship to an end. With the hard struggle and sacrifices of precious lives, democracy was restored, a new democratic regime started the journey with lots of problems -- such as terrorism, financial breakdown, shortage of food and energy -- left behind by a dictator's regime. But now it seems that there are some elements at home and abroad who are not really happy with a democratic Pakistan. Perhaps democracy challenges their interests. Along with others, the media and the judiciary are also seen critical of the new government: the media wants to create its own hegemony and the judiciary wants to maintain and sustain its legitimacy over parliament. Such rivalry will bring nothing but break up the coalition of institutions and democracy.

Now the government has to accommodate these two and accept their legitimacy, or these three shall learn their boundaries and parameters of power and responsibilities to work accordingly. If not, non-democratic elements are waiting to avail themselves of such clash of institutions and will definitely try to break up the existing democratic structure.

Removal of the government, midterm elections and portraying a negative image of the democratic representatives are not the solutions. Rather such options will further destabilise the system and society. Opposition and coalition parties will not be helpful in making a ground for nonpolitical regimes once again.

It is time people and political parties learnt some lessons from the past and protected democracy.

SHAFIQ SOLANGI

Islamabad

'Save the system'

YOUR editorial 'Save the system' (Sept 29) is prudent and suggests to the government to take appropriate measures to correct the wrongs.

It appears that the troika meeting was mainly aimed at having consensus on the appointment of CJSC to replace the present incumbent who is to retire on Oct 6.

The ongoing rumours and unwarranted hype created by a section of the press predicting the fall of the government under the prevailing conditions have brought relief in the government quarters and at the same time have surprised many.

It is true that the government has erred in not implementing the Supreme Court decisions in totality, thus leaving room for the judiciary to react to fulfil its obligations according to the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.

Moreover, wasting time on dead issues will do no good to anybody. The army has ruled this country for 32 years and equally failed to deliver and strengthen the institutions. Calling them again in any form is not in the interest of the country and will do no good to the army itself.

There cannot be two opinions about the army to concentrate on security issues facing the country internally and externally. Any attempt to derail this fragile democracy at this critical juncture may lead to disastrous consequences, the course that must be avoided at all costs.

During this process of confrontation the image of the country has been mutilated beyond repair. We have to reestablish national pride and dignity, and have an identity as a nation of which we can be proud and which is respected worldwide.

MUKHTAR A. BUTT

Karachi

Length of tenure

THIS is apropos of the write-up 'Back from the brink' (Sept 28).

The democratic government, which has been in office since February 2008 elections, is struggling through a very turbulent journey to complete its tenure due to rampant corruption, lack of control and bad governance.

This setup may not complete the entire tenure of five years.

It seems that the government, unlike the claim they make of following the policy of reconciliation, is seen pursuing a policy of taking U-turns and dilly-dally tactics.

Politicians accuse their predecessors and past military dictatorships for almost every ill this country faces. Their argument in defending bad governance and non-deliverance on their part is that they haven't been given enough time to show their performance and deliver.

While 'unjust' criticism starts pouring from all quarters, the government offers the same rhetorical statements that the 'establishment' is trying to dislodge them.

There are no two opinions about significance of democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution. However, the present example of democracy regarding governance and service delivery is a shambles.

Some modifications need to be made to this structure to make it work better for the people. The five-year tenure of an elected government should be reduced as it saps people's patience. They have already suffered enough during the 11 years and nine years of dictatorial rules; this term should be reduced to three years or four years.

This will make the incumbent government take quick decisions and ensure promptness in getting the work done on a war footing.

We have undoubtedly a lot of honest, honourable and upright people. They are conscious people but remain a silent majority.Once they take charge, everything will fall into place. There is no need for a bloody revolution. There can be a smooth transition but with a sense of urgency.

ANAS A. KHAN

Canada