Instructor:

Dr. Shahab E Saqib

It is one of the best forms of government ever created or preserved by modern-day civilizations. “It is a form of government which supports extensive participation of
people in government and also promotes the views of citizens for the smooth functioning of society.”

“‫"یہ ایک حکومتی نظام ہے جو لوگوں کی وسیع پیمانے پر شرکت کی حمایت کرتا ہے اور شہریوں کے خیاالت کو سماج کے ہموار عملدرآمد کے لیے فروغ دیتا ہے۔‬

Democracy in Pakistan

Democracy in Pakistan is designed to empower citizens from various ideological backgrounds to engage in the political process and elect leaders who represent
their views and preferences. This democratic framework facilitates political participation and allows for shifts and reforms in governance based on the will of the
people.

‫پاکستان میں جمہوریت اس طرح ڈیزائن کی گئی ہے کہ مختلف نظریاتی پس منظر رکھنے والے شہریوں کو سیاسی عمل میں شامل ہونے اور اپنے خیاالت اور ترجیحات کی نمائندگی کرنے والے رہنماؤں کو منتخب کرنے کا موقع فراہم‬
‫کرے۔ یہ جمہوری ڈھانچہ سیاسی شرکت کو فروغ دیتا ہے اور عوام کی خواہشات کے مطابق حکمرانی میں تبدیلیاں اور اصالحات کی اجازت دیتا ہے۔‬

However, the current state of chaos in Pakistan, intensified by acts of terrorism and demands for an Islamic revolution, can be traced back to a fundamental
misunderstanding of what democracy truly entails in the country. A significant portion of the Pakistani population, predominantly Muslim, aspires to see their
governance aligned with Islamic principles. This sentiment has been manipulated by extremist groups who falsely claim that Pakistan is a secular state and that they
can establish an Islamic state by enforcing Shariah law.

‫ ملک میں جمہوریت کی اصل تفہیم کی بنیادی غلط فہمی سے منسلک کی جا سکتی ہے۔ پاکستانی‬،‫ جو دہشت گردی کے واقعات اور اسالمی انقالب کی درخواستوں سے شدت اختیار کر گئی ہے‬،‫ پاکستان کی موجودہ انتشار کی حالت‬،‫تاہم‬
‫ جو جھوٹے طور‬،‫ اپنے حکومتی نظام کو اسالمی اصولوں کے مطابق دیکھنے کی خواہش رکھتا ہے۔ اس جذبات کو انتہاپسند گروپوں نے مبالغہ آمیز دعووں کے ساتھ استحصال کیا ہے‬،‫ جو زیادہ تر مسلمان ہے‬،‫آبادی کا ایک بڑا حصہ‬
‫پر یہ دعویٰ کرتے ہیں کہ پاکستان ایک سیکولر ریاست ہے اور وہ شریعت کے قوانین نافذ کر کے اسالمی ریاست قائم کر سکتے ہیں۔‬

In actuality, Shariah law is already embedded within Pakistan's legal system. This includes the implementation of Hadood laws, which address specific offenses such
as theft and adultery, and inheritance laws that govern the distribution of assets. Tazir laws, which deal with offenses not covered by the stringent criteria of Hadood,
are applied to address various other crimes and violations. Despite this integration of Islamic principles into the legal framework, the extremists' rhetoric seeks to
mislead and exploit public sentiment, undermining the true democratic and legal nature of the state.

‫ اور وراثت کے قوانین جو اثاثوں کی تقسیم کو منظم کرتے ہیں۔‬،‫ جو چوری اور زنا جیسے مخصوص جرائم کو حل کرتے ہیں‬،‫ شریعت کے قوانین پہلے ہی پاکستان کے قانونی نظام میں شامل ہیں۔ اس میں ہڈود قوانین شامل ہیں‬،‫درحقیقت‬
‫ مختلف دیگر جرائم اور خالف ورزیوں کو حل کرنے کے لیے نافذ کیے جاتے ہیں۔ اسالمی اصولوں کے قانونی فریم ورک میں اس‬،‫ جو ہڈود کے سخت معیارات کے تحت نہ آنے والے جرائم کو نمٹانے کے لیے ہوتے ہیں‬،‫تذیرب قوانین‬
‫ جو ریاست کی حقیقی جمہوری اور قانونی نوعیت کو کمزور کرتی ہیں۔‬،‫ انتہاپسندوں کی بیانات عوامی جذبات کو گمراہ کرنے اور استحصال کرنے کی کوشش کرتی ہیں‬،‫انضمام کے باوجود‬

Source: Waqas, M., & Khattak, M. (2017). Democracy in Pakistan: problems and prospects in making informed choices. International Journal of Social Sciences and
Management, 4(1), 9-11.
▪ Popular Sovereignty (‫)عوامی خودمختاری‬: The ultimate power and authority in a democracy lie with the
people. The government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
▪ Rule of Law (‫)قانون کی حکمرانی‬: All individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject
to and accountable under the law. The law is applied equally and fairly.
▪ Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent
the concentration of power and to provide checks and balances.
▪ Free and Fair Elections: Elections must be conducted in a manner that is transparent, competitive,
and accessible, allowing citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
▪ Protection of Human Rights: Democracies safeguard fundamental human rights and freedoms,
including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion.
▪ Pluralism (‫)کثرت پسندی‬: A democratic society values and encourages diversity of opinions, cultures,
and interests, recognizing the right of different groups to coexist and be heard.
▪ Accountability and Transparency (‫)احتساب اور شفافیت‬: Elected officials and public institutions are
accountable to the people and must operate openly, allowing for scrutiny and oversight.
▪ Majority Rule with Minority Rights (‫)اکثریت کی حکمرانی اور اقلیت کے حقوق‬: Decisions are made based on
the majority's preference, but the rights of minority groups are protected to ensure that they are not
oppressed or marginalized.
▪ Political Participation: Citizens have the right and opportunity to engage in political activities,
including voting, running for office, and participating in public debate.
▪ Equal Protection: All individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law, without
discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.
▪ The authority that organizes and directs the affairs of a state or community. It establishes and enforces laws, provides public services,
and manages resources.
▪ ‫ اور وسائل کا انتظام کرتا ہے۔‬،‫ عوامی خدمات فراہم کرتا ہے‬،‫وہ اتھارٹی جو ریاست یا برادری کے معامالت کو منظم اور ہدایت کرتی ہے۔ یہ قوانین قائم اور نافذ کرتا ہے‬

▪ Levels of Government

▪ National/Federal: The central government that handles national and international affairs. It typically has authority over issues such
as defense, foreign policy, and national economic policies.
▪ Regional/State: Governments at the regional or state level manage local affairs and may have their own legislative, executive, and
judicial branches. They handle matters like education, transportation, and local regulations.
▪ Local: Government at the municipal or local level manages community services and local issues such as zoning, local policing, and
public works.
▪ Forms of Government

▪ Democracy: A system where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.
Democracies emphasize free elections, individual rights, and the rule of law.
▪ Monarchy (‫)بادشاہت‬: A system where a single ruler, often a king or queen, holds significant power. Monarchies can be absolute (where
the monarch has total control) or constitutional (where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution).
▪ Authoritarianism(‫)آمریت‬: A system where power is concentrated in a single leader or a small group, often with limited political
freedoms and restricted public participation.
▪ Communism: A system where the government controls all aspects of economic and political life, aiming for a classless society
where resources and wealth are shared equally.
▪ Socialism: A system where the government plays a significant role in regulating the economy and providing social services, with a
focus on reducing inequality and providing welfare.
▪ Roles and Responsibilities
▪ Lawmaking (‫)قانون سازی‬: Creating, amending, and repealing laws that govern society.
▪ Administration (‫)انتظامیہ‬: Implementing and managing policies and public services.
▪ Judiciary (‫)عدلیہ‬: Interpreting laws and ensuring that justice is served.
▪ Representation: Reflecting the will and interests of the people through elected officials and
public consultations.
▪ Defense and Security (‫)دفاع اور سالمتی‬: Protecting the nation from external and internal threats
and maintaining public order.
▪ Governance: Provides structure and organization for managing societal affairs.
▪ Public Services: Ensures the provision of essential services such as education, healthcare,
and infrastructure.
▪ Stability and Order (‫)استحکام اور امن و امان‬: Maintains social order and resolves conflicts through
established legal processes.
▪ Economic Management (‫)اقتصادی انتظام‬: Regulates economic activities and manages resources
to promote prosperity and welfare.
The three main pillars of government, commonly referred to as the branches of government.
▪ Legislature
▪ Executive
▪ Judiciary
Legislature
The legislative branch is the component of government responsible for making laws, debating policy
issues, and representing the interests of the public. It has the authority to create, amend, and repeal
laws that govern society.
▪ ‫ پالیسی کے مسائل پر بحث کرنے اور عوام کے مفادات کی نمائندگی کرنے کے‬،‫قانون سازی کی شاخ حکومت کا وہ جزو ہے جو قوانین بنانے‬
‫ ترمیم کرنے اور منسوخ کرنے کا اختیار حاصل ہے۔‬،‫لیے ذمہ دار ہے۔ اسے معاشرے پر حکومت کرنے والے قوانین بنانے‬
▪ Key Functions:
▪ Lawmaking: Drafts, debates, and passes legislation. This includes creating new laws, modifying
existing ones, and repealing outdated or ineffective laws.
▪ Budget Approval: Reviews and approves the government’s budget, including the allocation of funds
to various departments and programs.
▪ Oversight: Monitors and reviews the activities of the executive branch to ensure that laws are
implemented properly and that the executive branch acts within its legal authority.
▪ Representation: Represents the interests and concerns of the electorate. Members of the legislative
branch are elected to voice the needs and preferences of their constituents.
▪ Components:
▪ Bicameral Systems (‫)دو طرفہ نظام‬: In some countries, the legislature is divided into two houses
(e.g., the Senate and the Parliament in Pakistan, or the House of Commons and the House of
Lords in the United Kingdom).
▪ Unicameral Systems: In other countries, there is only one legislative chamber (e.g., the
National Assembly in Sweden).
▪ Executives
The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws passed by the
legislative branch. It manages the daily operations of the government and sets national policies.
‫ایگزیکٹو برانچ قانون ساز شاخ کے منظور کردہ قوانین کو نافذ کرنے اور نافذ کرنے کی ذمہ دار ہے۔ یہ حکومت کے روزمرہ کے کاموں‬
‫کا انتظام کرتا ہے اور قومی پالیسیاں مرتب کرتا ہے۔‬
Key Functions:
Law Enforcement: Ensures that laws are implemented and enforced. This includes overseeing
various government agencies and departments responsible for specific areas such as health,
defense, and education.
Policy Making: Develops and implements national policies and strategies. This includes
crafting regulations, setting priorities, and guiding economic, social, and foreign policies.
National Defense: Manages the country's defense forces and national security. This includes
overseeing military operations and protecting the nation from external threats.
Foreign Relations: Handles diplomatic relations and negotiations with other countries. This
includes signing treaties, engaging in trade agreements, and representing the country in
international forums.
▪ Components:
▪ Head of State/Government: The leader of the executive branch, such as a president, prime
minister, or monarch. In some systems, the roles of head of state and head of government are
separate.
▪ Cabinet and Ministers: Key officials who head various government departments (e.g., the
Secretary of State, Minister of Finance) and assist in executing policies and managing specific
areas of government.
▪ Judiciary
The judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws, adjudicating disputes, and ensuring that
justice is administered fairly. It reviews the constitutionality of laws and resolves legal conflicts.
‫ اور انصاف کے منصفانہ انتظام کو یقینی بنانے کی ذمہ دار ہے۔ یہ قوانین کی‬،‫ تنازعات کا فیصلہ کرنے‬،‫عدلیہ قوانین کی تشریح کرنے‬
‫آئینی حیثیت کا جائزہ لیتا ہے اور قانونی تنازعات کو حل کرتا ہے۔‬
Key Functions:
Interpretation of Laws: Examines and clarifies the meaning and application of laws. This
involves interpreting statutes and legal principles to resolve disputes.
Judicial Review: Reviews laws and government actions to ensure they comply with the
constitution. This includes striking down unconstitutional laws or executive actions.
Dispute Resolution: Resolves legal disputes between individuals, organizations, and between
the government and individuals. This includes civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
Protection of Rights: Ensures that the rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution and
laws are protected and upheld.
▪ Components:
▪ Supreme or Constitutional Court: The highest court in the country, which has the authority to
make final decisions on important legal issues and constitutional matters.
▪ Appellate Courts: Intermediate courts that review decisions made by lower courts. They
handle appeals and ensure consistency in the application of the law.
▪ Trial Courts: The courts where cases are initially heard and decided. They handle both civil
and criminal cases and conduct trials.
Shared governance is a management and decision-making framework that involves the
participation of various stakeholders in the governance process. This approach is designed to
distribute authority and responsibility among different groups or individuals, fostering
collaboration and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. The concept can be applied
in various contexts, including educational institutions, corporations, and public organizations.
‫شیئرڈ گورننس ایک انتظامی اور فیصلہ سازی کا فریم ورک ہے جو مختلف اسٹیک ہولڈرز کی شرکت پر مشتمل ہوتا ہے۔ اس نقطہ نظر کا‬
‫ تاکہ باہمی تعاون کو فروغ دیا جا سکے اور مختلف‬،‫مقصد مختلف گروپوں یا افراد کے درمیان اختیار اور ذمہ داری کو تقسیم کرنا ہے‬
‫ اور‬،‫ کارپوریشنیں‬،‫ بشمول تعلیمی ادارے‬،‫نظریات کو مدنظر رکھا جا سکے۔ یہ تصور مختلف سیاق و سباق میں اپالئی کیا جا سکتا ہے‬
‫عوامی تنظیمیں‬
Principles of Shared Governance
1. Inclusivity (‫)شمولیت‬:
Participation: Involves a range of stakeholders in decision-making processes, including
employees, faculty, students, community members, or other relevant groups.
Representation: Ensures that all affected parties have a voice in governance matters, leading to
more balanced and representative decision-making.
2. Collaboration:
Teamwork: Encourages cooperation among different groups or individuals to achieve common
goals. Collaboration helps in pooling expertise and resources.
Shared Responsibility: Distributes the responsibilities of governance among various
stakeholders, promoting collective ownership and accountability
3. Transparency:
Open Communication: Fosters clear and open communication channels among stakeholders,
ensuring that information is accessible and decisions are made transparently.
Accountability: Ensures that all parties involved are accountable for their roles and
contributions in the governance process.
4. Empowerment
Authority: Delegates decision-making authority to various groups or individuals, empowering
them to influence outcomes and contribute to strategic planning.
Engagement: Increases stakeholder engagement and commitment by involving them in
meaningful ways in the decision-making process.
5. Equity (‫)انصاف اور برابری‬
Fairness: Ensures that all stakeholders are treated fairly and that their input is valued equally in
the decision-making process.
Balance: Strives to balance power and influence among different groups to prevent dominance
by any single entity.
▪ Universities and colleges often use shared governance to involve faculty, staff,
students, and administrators in decision-making processes related to academic
policies, budget allocation, and institutional planning.
▪ Companies may adopt shared governance practices by involving employees,
management, and shareholders in strategic planning, policy development, and
organizational change.
▪ Local governments, community organizations, and nonprofits may use shared
governance to engage community members, volunteers, and stakeholders in
policy-making and program development.