Pakistan a country of nearly 221 million remains in the Hybrid Regime category in the 2021 Democracy Index’s global ranking. Since the last military regime ended in 2008, Pakistan has seen two smooth transitions of power through democratic elections: in 2013 and in 2018. But Pakistan is not yet a functional democracy; instead, it has operated as a hybrid regime, with the military pulling the strings by installing a pliable civilian apparatus.
Since the end of the Musharraf era in 2008, Pakistan has been classified as a hybrid regime with elements of electoral democracy coexisting with continuing military influence. The first prime minister of Pakistan to lose a no-confidence vote was Imran Khan, but no prime minister has ever served out the whole five-year term. Since Pakistan’s independence, only three of the 23 prime ministers have served for four years, and the majority were removed via unconstitutional ways.
Khan was dismissed from office through a constitutional process, much like in other well-established democracies, and this has altered the situation. The military has stated that it will limit its involvement and desist from interfering in political affairs, but history suggests otherwise. However, the civilian government’s reliance on the military has increased because of political unrest and a failing economy.
Pakistan qualifies as a poorly governed hybrid regime due to a combination of factors. Weak democratic institutions, marked by political interference, corruption, and a dominant military, hinder the functioning of democracy. Political dissent is suppressed, with restrictions on freedom of expression and harassment of journalists and activists. Electoral irregularities, including vote-rigging and manipulation, erode public trust. Widespread corruption undermines the rule of law, while limited protection of human rights and economic challenges exacerbate social unrest.
Pakistan to move from a hybrid regime to a fair democracy is going to be a complex and long-term process that requires commitment, political will, and active participation from all segments of society. Pakistan needs to establish an independent judiciary that upholds the constitution and ensures equal protection under the law and enhances judicial capacity, reduces corruption, and ensures the judiciary’s impartiality.
Strengthening the Election Commission to ensure fair and free elections and implement measures to prevent electoral fraud is the need of the hour for Pakistan. Pakistan needs to safeguard and promote freedom of expression, both online and offline and foster an environment where citizens can engage in constructive criticism and hold the government accountable which seems absolutely missing in the current regime of PDM.
Another Area to work on is enhancing the capacity and independence of key democratic institutions such as the parliament, bureaucracy, and law enforcement agencies. Pakistan needs to promote decentralization by empowering local governments and ensuring their autonomy which both federal and provincial governments feel reluctant to do so as can be witnessed in the local government elections of Islamabad in 2022-2023 which were delayed for an indefinite time and in Sindh in 2023 which were massively rigged.
Last but not least the biggest issue to address is to implement robust anti-corruption measures, including independent anti-corruption bodies and effective mechanisms for investigation and prosecution. Pakistan needs to strengthen transparency and accountability in public institutions and ensure the swift punishment of corrupt officials. Pakistani political elite needs to work for civil supremacy and needs to uphold the constitution to make Pakistan a fair democracy free from the interference of the establishment.
