The Process of Democratization and Role of Opposition Parties in Pakistan (2013-2018)

Abstract

 Pakistan, after its creation, has witnessed many hurdles in establishment of democracy. Although the opposition parties tried their level best to strengthen democracy but the hybrid democratic rule and direct military rule has hampered the process of democratization in the country. It is evident that the military rule in Pakistan is driven by political motives i.e., to seize political power and disrupt political development. Significantly, democracy faced a blow by the unconstitutional and undemocratic actions of the non-political forces for political control. Despite all these challenges the opposition has had its crucial role in the restoration of the democracy. It’s their effort which has prevented the complete elimination and subversion of democracy in Pakistan. The democratic transition in Pakistan took place in 2008 election resulting in a peaceful transition of power to the elected representative. This situation paved the way for a better and more reliable democratic system in the country. It was for the first time that the opposition and government emerged on the same page. Consensus politics between the two major political parties feared the deep state, which in return disturbed their partnership by backing a third political party and religious groups and judiciary as non- political oppositions. The paper examines the role of opposition parties in the democratization process in the said particular period in a chronological way and highlighting the constructive and destructive approach of the two important entities inside and outside the parliament.