Q.

1 Analyze the prevailing economic condition of

Pakistan. How can Pakistan maintain economic
sustainability? Suggest.
Answer;

Economic Condition of Pakistan (2025)

Pakistan's economy is facing numerous challenges, which include high

inflation, fiscal deficits, low foreign exchange reserves, a growing debt
burden, political instability, and the need for structural reforms. The key
elements that define the economic condition of Pakistan as of early 2025
are:

1. Inflation: Inflation remains a persistent issue, affecting the cost of

living, with food and energy prices escalating. This is partly due to global
commodity price increases and domestic production bottlenecks.

2. Debt Crisis: Pakistan’s external debt is significant, with the country

facing challenges in meeting repayment obligations. Debt servicing takes
a substantial portion of the national budget, and there are concerns about
further downgrades in the country’s credit ratings.

3. Currency Depreciation: The Pakistani Rupee has been depreciating

against major currencies like the U.S. dollar. This has exacerbated
inflation, making imports more expensive and impacting the trade
balance.

4. Unemployment and Poverty: Unemployment, especially among the

youth, remains high. Many Pakistanis are living below the poverty line,
with an underdeveloped job market that struggles to absorb new
entrants.
5. Industrial and Agricultural Challenges: Key sectors like agriculture face
stagnant growth due to climate change, outdated farming practices, and
water shortages. The industrial sector also grapples with energy
shortages, regulatory bottlenecks, and declining competitiveness.

6. Political Instability: Political uncertainty and governance challenges

often disrupt economic policies, creating an unstable environment for
investment and development.

7. Trade Deficit: Pakistan continues to face a substantial trade deficit,

with exports failing to grow significantly while imports remain high. This
is primarily due to an over-reliance on imports of energy, machinery, and
consumer goods.

Strategies for Economic Sustainability

To address these challenges and maintain economic sustainability,

Pakistan needs to implement a series of long-term structural and policy
reforms. The following suggestions could help:

1. Fiscal Discipline: Pakistan needs to control its fiscal deficit by curbing

unnecessary expenditures and improving revenue collection.
Strengthening the tax base and addressing issues like tax evasion and
corruption are essential for improving fiscal health.

2. Debt Management: A comprehensive debt management strategy,

including renegotiation of loan terms where possible, should be pursued.
The government should focus on diversifying financing sources, reducing
reliance on external borrowing, and promoting domestic savings.

3. Economic Diversification: Pakistan should move away from over-reliance

on a few sectors like textiles and agriculture. Boosting sectors like
technology, services, manufacturing, and renewable energy would provide
greater economic stability and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

4. Export Promotion: The government should focus on enhancing export-

oriented industries through incentives, trade facilitation, and better
integration into global value chains. This would improve the trade balance
and create employment opportunities.

5. Industrial Upgradation: Revamping the industrial sector through

innovation, modernization of technology, and infrastructure improvement
would enhance productivity. Policies that encourage value-added
production in key industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food
processing could help improve export competitiveness.

6. Energy Sector Reform: Pakistan’s energy sector is crucial for industrial

growth. Investment in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and
hydro power can reduce reliance on expensive imported oil and gas,
contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

7. Human Capital Development: Investing in education, skills

development, and vocational training can equip the young population with
the necessary skills to compete in the modern economy. The government
should focus on improving the quality of education and healthcare to build
a productive workforce.
8. Agricultural Reforms: Given the importance of agriculture in Pakistan’s
economy, implementing water management techniques, improving seed
varieties, and modernizing farming practices are crucial steps. The
agricultural sector must also adapt to climate change by adopting
sustainable farming practices.

9. Political Stability and Governance: Creating an environment of political

stability and improving governance is vital for attracting both domestic
and foreign investments. Institutional reforms and addressing corruption
would also ensure the efficient use of public resources.

10. Social Protection Programs: To address the issues of poverty and

inequality, Pakistan should strengthen social protection schemes that
offer safety nets for vulnerable groups. Expanding access to healthcare,
education, and affordable housing can significantly improve living
standards.

11. International Relations: Strengthening ties with international financial

institutions, neighboring countries, and global markets can unlock access
to funding, technology, and trade opportunities. Pursuing a balanced
foreign policy and enhancing regional cooperation could help Pakistan
enhance its geopolitical standing.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s economic condition in 2025 is precarious, but with bold reforms

and a focus on diversification, fiscal discipline, and human capital, the
country can stabilize its economy. Implementing these measures will
require both political will and long-term commitment, but they are
essential for ensuring that Pakistan can achieve economic sustainability in
the coming years.

Q.2 Analyze the salient features of the current national

budget of Pakistan.
Answer;

Salient Features of Pakistan’s Current National Budget (2025)

Pakistan’s national budget for the fiscal year 2025 is a critical document
that outlines the government’s fiscal policies, revenue targets, and
expenditure plans. The budget reflects the challenges Pakistan faces,
including its economic instability, rising debt burden, inflation, and
political turmoil. Below are some of the salient features of Pakistan’s 2025
budget:

1. Total Size of the Budget

Overall Size: The total size of the national budget for 2025 has been
significantly impacted by the country’s high debt and inflationary
pressures. The budget is expected to exceed PKR 10 trillion.

Deficit: The fiscal deficit remains a major concern, with the government
projecting a deficit of around 6.5% of GDP. This means the government will
be borrowing a large part of its expenditure, further adding to the debt
burden.

2. Revenue Targets
Tax Revenue: The government aims to raise tax revenue of around PKR 6
trillion in 2025. However, the tax-to-GDP ratio remains low compared to
international standards, and improving tax collection continues to be a
major challenge.

The budget includes efforts to improve tax compliance through

automation and digitalization of the tax system, alongside measures to
broaden the tax base and curb tax evasion.

There is also a push for better monitoring of the informal economy, which
is a significant contributor to the country’s overall economic activity but
remains largely untaxed.

Non-Tax Revenue: Non-tax revenues, including income from state-owned

enterprises (SOEs) and other government resources, are expected to
provide additional funding. However, the performance of SOEs has been
poor, and privatization efforts have been slow.

3. Expenditure Allocations

Defense and Security: Given the regional security environment and

ongoing security challenges, defense spending has been allocated a
substantial portion of the budget, estimated to be around PKR 1.6 trillion.
This continues to be one of the highest spending areas.

Public Debt Servicing: A significant portion of the budget (around 40-45%)

is dedicated to debt servicing, which is a critical issue. The budget
allocates approximately PKR 4 trillion to service both external and internal
debt.
Social Sector: The government has earmarked funds for poverty
alleviation programs, education, and health, with a focus on expanding
social safety nets. However, these allocations often remain inadequate to
meet the growing demand for quality services in these sectors.

Education: Approximately PKR 200 billion is allocated to education, aiming

to improve literacy rates and invest in technical education.

Healthcare: The healthcare budget is set at PKR 300 billion, with an

emphasis on strengthening public health infrastructure and addressing
issues related to disease outbreaks and healthcare access.

Infrastructure Development: Significant funds are allocated to large

infrastructure projects, particularly roads, transport, and energy, in line
with the government’s long-term development goals. Projects like the
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continue to receive funding.

4. Taxation and Reforms

Tax Rate Changes: The budget includes proposals to increase certain

taxes, such as excise duties on luxury items and sin taxes (on tobacco and
alcohol). There are also changes in the corporate tax rate and personal
income tax brackets, aiming to increase government revenues from high
earners and large corporations.

GST and Sales Tax: A reduction in sales tax on some essential goods has
been proposed, but the government also plans to introduce reforms to
make the General Sales Tax (GST) system more efficient and reduce
leakages.
Wealth and Property Tax: The government is focusing on addressing the
underreporting of wealth and property. There are indications of increased
scrutiny of property values and the introduction of taxes on high-value
real estate.

5. Focus on Economic Growth and Investment

Agriculture and Rural Development: The government has allocated funds

to support the agriculture sector through subsidies, improved irrigation
facilities, and investment in high-yielding crop varieties. The aim is to
increase agricultural productivity to ensure food security and reduce
reliance on imports.

Industrial and Manufacturing Support: A key component of the budget is

an emphasis on improving industrial output, particularly in sectors such
as textiles, automobiles, and food processing. The government has
proposed various incentives for industrial development, including tax
breaks and subsidies on energy costs.

Export Promotion: The government has introduced measures aimed at

boosting exports. These include increased subsidies for export-oriented
industries and measures to improve market access through trade
agreements.

6. Social Welfare Programs

Ehsaas Program: The Ehsaas Program, a social welfare initiative,
continues to receive a significant allocation in the 2025 budget. It includes
cash transfers to low-income households and support for vulnerable
groups such as women, children, and elderly citizens.

Benazir Income Support Program (BISP): The BISP is also allocated funds
to continue providing financial aid to millions of Pakistanis living below
the poverty line.

7. Inflation and Cost of Living Adjustments

Inflation Mitigation Measures: Given the high inflation rate in the country,
the budget includes measures to mitigate the cost of living, such as
increasing subsidies on food and essential commodities.

Wages and Salaries: The government has announced an increase in public

sector wages and pensions to help cope with inflation. This aims to ease
the burden on public servants and pensioners.

8. Structural Reforms and Governance

Anti-Corruption and Transparency: The government has committed to

improving governance and transparency, focusing on reducing corruption
in public sector institutions. Digitalization of government services and
better monitoring systems are being implemented to increase efficiency
and accountability.
Privatization: There is a continued emphasis on privatization and reducing
the fiscal burden of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The
budget mentions the sale of shares in key SOEs, such as energy and
telecommunications companies.

9. Environmental Sustainability

Green Initiatives: With growing concerns over climate change, the budget
includes allocations for environmental protection programs, focusing on
renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and the reduction of carbon
emissions. The government plans to invest in projects that help mitigate
the effects of climate change, especially in vulnerable areas like coastal
regions and urban centers.

Conclusion

The 2025 national budget of Pakistan addresses several critical issues,

including fiscal deficits, inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It outlines
measures to improve tax revenue, reduce the fiscal deficit, and boost
economic growth. However, the success of this budget will depend on its
implementation, the political climate, and global economic factors.
Pakistan needs to balance fiscal consolidation with the need for
investment in development, welfare, and industrial growth to ensure long-
term economic stability and sustainability.

Q.3 Make a comparison between traditional and social

media in the creation of political awareness among the
masses with and emphasis on Pakistan
Answer;
Comparison Between Traditional and Social Media in Creating
Political Awareness in Pakistan

The creation of political awareness plays a significant role in shaping

public opinion and influencing the political landscape of any country. In
Pakistan, both traditional media (television, radio, newspapers) and social
media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) are key players in informing and
engaging the masses. However, their methods, reach, and impact on
political awareness differ significantly. Below is a comparison of the two in
the context of Pakistan.

1. Reach and Accessibility

Traditional Media:

Widespread but Limited: Traditional media such as television and radio

reach a large audience in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, where
internet access might be limited. Newspapers are also widely read,
particularly in urban regions.

Audience Segmentation: Traditional media has a broader segmentation

based on language (Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, etc.) and regional preferences.
However, it is still more centralized in terms of programming and content
delivery, focusing on general issues that cater to mass audiences.

Challenges: High costs and limited availability of local content in some

areas reduce accessibility to certain segments of the population.

Social Media:
Global Reach, Local Impact: Social media has a broad, global reach but
offers the advantage of targeting specific demographic groups based on
interests, regions, or political affiliations.

Young Population: The majority of Pakistan’s population is young, and

many are digitally active. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter,
TikTok, and YouTube allow for rapid and widespread dissemination of
political messages among the youth, especially in urban centers.

Barriers: Limited internet access in rural areas, data cost, and digital
illiteracy can reduce the overall reach in Pakistan. However, mobile data
penetration is increasing, enhancing accessibility.

2. Speed and Information Flow

Traditional Media:

Slower Information Dissemination: News and political debates on

traditional media are often scheduled, with specific airtime for news
programs, and thus, information tends to flow at a slower pace. The
traditional media cycle (e.g., daily newspapers) also leads to a delay in
real-time updates.

Controlled Newsflow: Information is filtered by media owners and

regulatory bodies (e.g., PEMRA in Pakistan). The content often undergoes
editing and editorial review, resulting in a more structured presentation of
political narratives.
Social Media:

Instant Information Spread: Social media provides real-time updates on

political events, debates, and news, allowing immediate access to
breaking stories and live commentary.

Unfiltered and User-Driven: Social media platforms are less regulated than
traditional media. Individuals and political activists can post content
without editorial filters, leading to the fast spread of both factual and
biased political information.

Misinformation: The rapid flow of information on social media can also

lead to the spread of misinformation, rumors, and fake news, particularly
during election seasons or political crises.

3. Content Delivery and Engagement

Traditional Media:

One-Way Communication: Traditional media is more passive, providing

information that audiences consume without much direct interaction.
While there may be audience feedback through letters, phone-ins, or SMS,
it is still not as direct and interactive as social media.

Expert-Driven: Content is often delivered by news anchors, political

analysts, or journalists who interpret political events, provide analysis,
and shape public discourse.
Limited Audience Interaction: Viewers or readers have limited ability to
engage with the content or creators. Interaction is generally limited to the
letters-to-the-editor sections or call-in programs.

Social Media:

Two-Way Communication: Social media platforms facilitate two-way

communication, where users can not only consume political content but
also comment, share, and debate it. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and
Instagram allow for greater interaction between political figures and the
general public.

Direct Engagement: Politicians and political parties use social media to

directly communicate with the masses, bypassing traditional media filters.
For example, Pakistani politicians often use Twitter and Facebook to
release statements, promote policies, or respond to controversies.

Citizen Journalism: Social media encourages ordinary citizens to create

and share political content, offering diverse viewpoints and personal
narratives that might not be represented in mainstream media.

4. Political Influence and Propaganda

Traditional Media:

Government Influence: Traditional media in Pakistan has often been

accused of being influenced or controlled by the government, political
parties, or powerful business interests. State-run television channels or
newspapers may present political narratives that align with the ruling
party’s agenda.

Limited Political Diversity: While private media channels may offer diverse
opinions, there are still limitations on dissent or controversial political
views, especially when they challenge the status quo.

Social Media:

Political Polarization: Social media can be a double-edged sword in

Pakistan. While it allows for political discourse, it also deepens political
polarization. Users often create echo chambers where only like-minded
opinions are shared, leaving little room for balanced debate.

Political Campaigning and Propaganda: Political parties in Pakistan use

social media platforms to launch political campaigns, promote policies,
and attack rivals. Social media has become a tool for political
mobilization, often relying on slogans, memes, and viral content to sway
public opinion.

5. Credibility and Trust

Traditional Media:

Perceived as More Credible: In Pakistan, traditional media is still

perceived as more credible than social media, especially among older
generations. News outlets like Geo News, Dawn, and ARY News are trusted
sources of information for many citizens.
Regulation and Accountability: Traditional media is more regulated and is
subject to legal and ethical standards. This means there is greater
accountability for misleading or false information.

Social Media:

Lack of Accountability: Social media platforms in Pakistan face criticism

for spreading misinformation and lacking accountability. Many posts,
memes, and videos do not go through rigorous fact-checking, leading to
false narratives.

Trust Issues: While social media platforms are highly influential, many
people question the accuracy and objectivity of content, especially when it
comes to political discussions.

6. Political Mobilization

Traditional Media:

Limited Mobilization: Traditional media, while effective in raising political

awareness, is less effective in mobilizing people for political action such
as protests or rallies.

Longer Feedback Loop: The time required to organize events or rallies

using traditional media means that the mobilization process is slower and
less spontaneous.
Social Media:

Rapid Mobilization: Social media is particularly powerful in mobilizing

large groups of people for political rallies, protests, and political
campaigns. For instance, social media played a significant role in
mobilizing young voters during Pakistan’s general elections and during
political movements like #GoNawazGo.

Grassroots Movements: Social media enables grassroots political

movements to gain traction quickly and efficiently, often bypassing
traditional political structures.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, both traditional and social media are integral to creating

political awareness, but they function in different ways. Traditional media
has a broader reach, especially among older generations and rural
populations, and it remains a trusted source of information. However, it is
more controlled, less interactive, and slower in disseminating political
content. Social media, on the other hand, offers real-time updates,
greater engagement, and political mobilization but comes with risks like
misinformation and political polarization.

Ultimately, a combination of both media types—traditional media for

credibility and social media for engagement and speed—can be an
effective strategy for creating informed political awareness among the
masses in Pakistan.
Q.4 How has climate change impacted Pakistan? What
measures do you suggest to make the country clean and
green?
Answer;

Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change,

despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the past few decades, the country has experienced various adverse
environmental changes that have significantly affected its social,
economic, and ecological systems. Some of the key impacts of climate
change on Pakistan are as follows:

1. Temperature Rise and Heatwaves

Increasing Temperatures: Pakistan has witnessed a rise in average

temperatures, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, particularly in
the southern and central regions. Cities like Jacobabad, Larkana, and
Cholistan have recorded extreme temperatures that exceed 50°C during
the summer months.

Health Impact: Heatwaves have led to increased cases of heatstroke,

dehydration, and mortality, especially among vulnerable groups such as
the elderly, children, and those working outdoors.

2. Water Scarcity and Glacial Melting

Glacial Retreat: Pakistan’s northern areas, including the Himalayas,
Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, are home to the largest
glaciers outside the polar regions. Rising temperatures have caused rapid
glacial melting, contributing to flooding and eventually leading to reduced
water availability in the long run.

Water Shortages: The melting glaciers feed major rivers such as the Indus
River, which is essential for irrigation and drinking water. Climate change
has altered precipitation patterns, exacerbating water scarcity in
agricultural regions.

3. Extreme Weather Events and Flooding

Flooding: Pakistan is prone to floods, particularly during the monsoon

season. Intense rainfall due to climate change has caused devastating
floods in recent years, such as the 2010 floods, which displaced millions of
people and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and
crops.

Cyclones: The frequency of cyclones and tropical storms in the coastal

areas of Sindh and Balochistan has increased, threatening coastal
infrastructure, fishing communities, and causing loss of life.

4. Agriculture and Food Security

Crop Failures: Climate change has caused shifts in weather patterns,

leading to erratic rainfall, droughts, and extreme temperatures that are
detrimental to crop production. Key crops like wheat, rice, and cotton
have been affected, resulting in lower yields and food shortages.

Food Security: The agricultural sector, which is the livelihood of a large

portion of Pakistan’s population, has been hit hard. Reduced crop
productivity leads to food insecurity, especially in rural areas where
alternative sources of income are limited.

5. Desertification and Soil Degradation

Desertification: In arid and semi-arid regions, such as Thar Desert and

Balochistan, climate change has accelerated desertification, causing the
loss of productive land. This has led to a decline in pasture land, reducing
the ability of communities to graze livestock.

Soil Erosion: Changes in rainfall patterns, coupled with deforestation and

unsustainable agricultural practices, have led to soil erosion and land
degradation in several parts of the country.

6. Biodiversity Loss

Impact on Flora and Fauna: Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems, including

forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, are under threat due to climate
change. The loss of habitat and changes in temperature and rainfall
patterns have endangered many species of flora and fauna. Iconic species
like the Indus River Dolphin and Snow Leopard face declining populations.
Measures to Make Pakistan Clean and Green

To mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable, clean,

and green future for Pakistan, the following measures can be taken:

1. Renewable Energy Transition

Promote Solar and Wind Energy: Pakistan has immense potential for solar
and wind energy. The government should invest in solar power,
particularly in the Thar Desert and coastal areas, and wind energy in
regions like Sindh. Transitioning to renewable energy sources would
reduce Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas
emissions.

Hydropower Projects: Pakistan should continue investing in hydropower

projects, especially those that are environmentally sustainable and
minimize displacement. The potential of the Indus River for generating
hydroelectricity should be fully utilized.

2. Water Conservation and Management

Efficient Water Use: Pakistan must adopt water-efficient agricultural

practices, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, to conserve water.
Large-scale awareness campaigns should be launched to promote these
methods among farmers.

Water Storage and Dams: The government should invest in new water
storage projects, including smaller dams and reservoirs, to manage water
resources effectively. The Bhasha Dam and Dasu Dam are key projects in
this regard.

Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting at both the

household and community levels could significantly improve water
availability, particularly in rural areas.

3. Afforestation and Green Spaces

Tree Plantation Campaigns: Large-scale tree planting initiatives like “Ten

Billion Tree Tsunami” should be expanded across the country, especially in
urban and rural areas facing deforestation. Afforestation projects can help
absorb CO2, combat soil erosion, and restore ecosystems.

Urban Green Spaces: In cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, there is
a need for the development of more green spaces, parks, and urban
forests to mitigate the heat island effect, reduce air pollution, and
improve the overall quality of life.

4. Sustainable Agriculture
Climate-Resilient Crops: The government should invest in developing and
promoting climate-resilient crops that can withstand extreme weather
conditions such as drought, floods, and heatwaves. This could involve
research into drought-resistant varieties of wheat, rice, and other staple
crops.

Sustainable Farming Practices: Educating farmers on the importance of

crop rotation, organic farming, and water-efficient irrigation systems can
help increase agricultural productivity without harming the environment.

5. Waste Management and Recycling

Plastic Waste Reduction: Pakistan should implement stricter regulations to

limit plastic use, promote recycling, and encourage biodegradable
alternatives. Effective plastic waste management programs, including
collection, recycling, and public awareness, are crucial to prevent
environmental pollution.

Waste-to-Energy: Pakistan can invest in technologies that convert waste

into energy, thus reducing landfill accumulation and providing a
renewable source of power.

6. Climate Change Education and Advocacy

Public Awareness: Government and NGOs should work together to raise

awareness about climate change and its effects on Pakistan’s future.
Educational programs should be introduced at schools, colleges, and in
communities to foster a culture of sustainability.

Youth Engagement: Encouraging youth participation in environmental

conservation and climate action is crucial. Pakistan’s youth population can
be an important force in pushing for sustainable policies and practices.

7. Policy and Legislation

Climate-Smart Policies: Pakistan needs to adopt comprehensive climate

change policies that address both mitigation and adaptation. These
policies should be enforced strictly, ensuring that all sectors contribute to
reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns.

Environmental Protection Laws: Strengthening and enforcing

environmental protection laws related to industrial emissions,
deforestation, water pollution, and waste management can make a
significant difference.

Conclusion

Climate change has already made a significant impact on Pakistan,

causing environmental degradation, economic losses, and exacerbating
social challenges. To combat these issues and create a clean and green
future, the country must focus on sustainable development, renewable
energy, efficient resource management, and the preservation of natural
ecosystems. Implementing the measures outlined above will not only
mitigate the impacts of climate change but also contribute to economic
stability, improved health, and enhanced quality of life for Pakistan’s
citizens.

Q.5 Discuss the current political situation in Pakistan.

How can democracy be strengthened in the country? Write
dozen some workable suggestions.
Answer;

Current Political Situation in Pakistan

The political situation in Pakistan remains complex, with a history of

political instability, military interventions, economic challenges, and
periodic tensions between democratic institutions and the military. As of
2025, several key factors characterize the current political landscape in
Pakistan:

1. Political Instability

Frequent Changes in Government: Pakistan has experienced frequent

changes in government due to elections, political infighting, and
sometimes judicial or military intervention. In recent years, the Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan was in power, but political
upheavals, legal battles, and controversies surrounding his leadership led
to his ousting in 2022. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have had a more stable presence, though
their leadership faces significant challenges from opposition factions.

Civil-Military Relations: The Pakistani military has historically played a key

role in politics. Although the country has had periods of civilian rule, the
military is seen as a powerful actor that sometimes influences decision-
making, particularly in foreign policy, security, and internal matters.
 2. Economic Crisis

Economic Struggles: Pakistan is facing a severe economic crisis,

characterized by high inflation, rising debt, and an unstable currency.
Economic challenges undermine political stability, as political leaders
struggle to manage financial resources and deal with issues such as
poverty, unemployment, and energy shortages.

External Debt and IMF Programs: Pakistan’s reliance on external loans and
its dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial
support further complicates its political situation. The economic pressures
often lead to popular discontent, influencing political dynamics.

3. Corruption and Governance Issues

Corruption: Corruption remains a major issue in Pakistan, with both major

political parties and individuals facing accusations of financial
mismanagement and corruption. This problem has undermined public
trust in political institutions and hampered effective governance.

Accountability Issues: Although there are institutions like the National

Accountability Bureau (NAB) designed to tackle corruption, they often
face criticism for being politically motivated, selective in their actions, or
ineffective in enforcing accountability.
 4. Political Polarization

Divided Public Opinion: Pakistan’s political environment is deeply

polarized, with large segments of the population supporting opposing
political parties such as PTI, PPP, and PML-N. This has often led to social
and political unrest, especially during elections, with disputes over
electoral integrity and fairness.

Violence and Protests: Political protests, especially those led by

opposition parties, have been common, and sometimes escalate into
violent clashes. For instance, the PTI-led protests following the 2022
ousting of Imran Khan and allegations of election rigging demonstrated
the tensions within the country’s political fabric.

5. Judiciary and Political Influence

Judicial Intervention: The Pakistani judiciary has sometimes played a

controversial role in political affairs, with some judges seen as politically
aligned. While it has often taken a stand on issues of national interest, its
interventions have been perceived as politicized by some.

Role of Judiciary: Judicial independence remains a critical issue. Political

interference in judicial decisions can create a perception of bias, which
weakens the public’s faith in the justice system.

6. Role of Media
Media’s Political Role: The media plays a central role in shaping public
opinion in Pakistan. However, it is often accused of bias, either towards
political parties or military interests. Media outlets can sometimes amplify
political divides or serve as a platform for political agendas.

Suggestions to Strengthen Democracy in Pakistan

For Pakistan to transition into a stable democracy, there must be

comprehensive reforms across various sectors. Below are twelve
suggestions to strengthen democracy:

1. Electoral Reforms

Ensure Free and Fair Elections: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
must strengthen its capacity to ensure free, fair, and transparent
elections. Technology, such as electronic voting machines (EVMs), should
be used to reduce electoral fraud and rigging.

Election Transparency: Independent election observers and greater

scrutiny of the electoral process should be encouraged to improve public
confidence in the electoral system.

2. Strengthening Political Institutions

Institutional Independence: Political institutions, such as the Parliament
and Election Commission, must be independent from political influence.
Strengthening these institutions will help ensure that democratic
processes are respected.

Judicial Independence: The judiciary must be made free from political

interference to ensure the rule of law and accountability. There should be
checks and balances on the influence of political parties over judicial
appointments.

3. Reducing Corruption

Accountability Mechanisms: Strengthen the role of accountability

institutions such as NAB and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to
make them more effective and transparent, ensuring they function free
from political influence.

Political Will to Tackle Corruption: Political leaders must demonstrate a

genuine commitment to tackling corruption, with strong legal reforms that
punish wrongdoers regardless of their political affiliations.

4. Devolution of Power

Local Government Reforms: A robust local government system is essential

for strengthening democracy. Empower local governments with real
autonomy in managing resources, development projects, and decision-
making.

Decentralization: More decentralization of power from the federal level to

provincial and local authorities will reduce tensions between various
regions and create more inclusive governance.

5. Political Stability Through Dialogue

Inclusive Politics: All major political parties must engage in dialogue to

form a national consensus on issues like economic policies, foreign policy,
and governance.

National Reconciliation: Past political disputes should be resolved through

peaceful, dialogue-driven approaches to promote national reconciliation.

6. Media Reforms

Free and Fair Media: Pakistan should work towards ensuring a free and
independent media. Journalists and media outlets should operate without
fear of censorship, allowing for a diversity of opinions to be heard.

Counter Misinformation: Political parties should refrain from using media

as a tool for spreading false narratives. The government should promote
responsible media consumption to reduce political polarization.
 7. Rule of Law and Human Rights

Strengthening Rule of Law: Ensuring that the rule of law is applied equally
to all citizens, including political elites, will help prevent abuses of power
and build trust in democratic institutions.

Protection of Human Rights: Ensure that human rights are protected for
all citizens, including freedom of expression, assembly, and the right to a
fair trial. Political dissent should not be met with repression.

8. Economic Reforms

Economic Governance: To stabilize the political system, the economic

governance of Pakistan should focus on reducing inequality, providing
employment, and creating a robust middle class that can support
democratic institutions.

Debt Management: Pakistan needs to implement fiscal discipline and seek

alternatives to excessive borrowing. Economic independence will allow the
government to make policies that prioritize citizens rather than external
creditors.

9. Political Education and Awareness

Voter Education: Promote political literacy and awareness campaigns to
educate citizens about their rights, the importance of voting, and the
functioning of democratic institutions.

Civic Engagement: Encourage citizen participation in the democratic

process beyond voting, including in local governance and community
initiatives.

10. Strengthening Party Systems

Political Party Reforms: Pakistan’s political parties must work to develop

internal democratic systems, reducing the concentration of power in the
hands of a few individuals and ensuring that party leadership is
accountable to the masses.

Party Accountability: Political parties should adhere to transparency and

accountability in their internal operations, financing, and decision-making
processes.

11. Peaceful Civil-Military Relations

Civilian Oversight: Establish clear boundaries between the military and

civilian spheres. The military should play no direct role in politics, and any
influence it exerts should be confined to defense and security matters.
Strengthen Civil Institutions: Pakistan must work towards creating a
robust system of civilian governance that is not dependent on the military
for decision-making.

12. International Cooperation and Diplomacy

Strengthening International Ties: Pakistan must strengthen its diplomatic

ties with other countries, focusing on regional stability, trade, and
cooperation in tackling global issues like climate change and terrorism.

Foreign Policy Reform: A clear, independent foreign policy that reflects the
democratic will of the people can help Pakistan strengthen its global
standing while reducing the influence of military establishments.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s political situation remains in flux, but through systemic

reforms, strengthened institutions, reduced corruption, and active public
engagement, the country can work towards a more stable, transparent,
and inclusive democracy. The suggestions outlined above, if implemented
effectively, can provide the foundation for building a cleaner, greener, and
stronger democratic Pakistan.