Politics of Pakistan

Politics of Pakistan

The Politics of Pakistan (سیاسیاتِ پاکستان) takes place within the framework established by the constitution. The country is a federal parliamentary republic in which provincial governments enjoy a high degree of autonomy and residuary powers. Executive power is vested with the national cabinet which is headed by Prime Minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif; since 11 April 2022), who works coherently along with the bicameral parliament and the judicature. Stipulations set by the constitution provide a delicate check and balance of sharing powers between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government.

Politics of Pakistan سیاسیاتِ پاکستان

State emblem of Pakistan Polity type Federal parliamentary constitutional republic Constitution Constitution of Pakistan Legislative branch Name Parliament Type Bicameral Upper house Name Senate Presiding officer Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Appointer Elected by the Senate Lower house Name National Assembly Presiding officer Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker Appointer Elected by the National Assembly Executive branch Head of State Title President Currently Arif Alvi Appointer Electoral College Head of Government Title Prime Minister Currently Shehbaz Sharif Appointer Election Commission of Pakistan through General Elections: by a Convention that is held in the National Assembly, based on appointee's ability to command confidence among the majority of the members. Cabinet Name Cabinet of Pakistan Current cabinet Shehbaz Sharif ministry Leader Prime Minister Appointer President Headquarters Pakistan Secretariat Ministries 30 Judicial branch Name Judiciary of Pakistan Supreme Court Chief judge Umar Ata Bandial Seat Supreme Court Building The head of state is the president who is elected by the electoral college for a five-year term. Arif Alvi is currently the president of Pakistan (since 2018). The president was a significant authority until the 18th amendment, passed in 2010, stripped the presidency of its major powers. Since then, Pakistan has been shifted from a Semi-presidential system to a purely parliamentary government. Since the amendment, the president's powers include the grant to pardon, and the ability to suspend or moderate any sentence passed by any court or authority. The Government consists of three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The Executive branch consists of the Cabinet and is led by the Prime Minister. It is totally independent of the legislative branch that consists of a bicameral parliament. The Upper House is the Senate whilst the National Assembly is the lower house. The Judicial branch forms with the composition of the Supreme Court as an apex court, alongside the high courts and other inferior courts. The judiciary's function is to interpret the Constitution and federal laws and regulations. Pakistan is a multiparty democracy where several political parties compete for seats in the National and Provincial assemblies. However, as an aftermath of the Fall of Dhaka in 1971, a two-party system was inculcated between the Peoples Party and Muslim League. There has also been a sharp rise in the popularity of centrist parties such as PML-Q and PTI. The Military establishment has played an influential role in the country's politics. From 1950s to 2000s, several coups were staged that overthrew democratic regimes. However, after the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf in 2008, a sharp line has been drawn between the Military and politics and Pakistan is moving closer to becoming a liberal democracy after general elections in 2013. However, critique argue that country is moving towards strict hybrid system, a system in which military and political leaders take collective decisions, thus affecting overall power structure of civilian government. Meanwhile many proponent stands with the change and depicts it as a needed change in the country's system to bring in more civilian voice in the policy making process. Many praise the efforts and give example of how successful this system has been like National Command and Control Center (NCOC) to track Covid-19 response effectively at the state level, National Locust Control Centre (NLCC) to counter the locust attack and ensures food security in the country. The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Pakistan a "hybrid regime" in 2022. In a democratic society, political parties perform key duties, including the following: Seeking public policy priorities and civic needs and issues identified by their members and supporters. Educating the people how the political and electoral system and general political values work. Balancing contrasting demands and turning them into general policies. Encouraging citizens to participate in political decisions and turning their opinions into policy options for all. Acting as a mediator between the public and the government. Choosing and training candidates who are worthy to be elected to public office. In the Pakistan, there is what they call the two-party system. This means that there are two major parties that dominate the elections and the government. Although this nature of political system has its benefits in promoting good for all people, there are those who criticized it for its disadvantages. To be able to determine whether having two political parties is actually beneficial to a country or not, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of having them. List of Advantages of Political Parties 1. Political parties are able to present political information to the voting population in a manner that is readily understandable. By doing so, there is order in the country through the representation of broad political philosophy of the group. As a result, voters become aware of every party’s stance on certain issues. A good example would be the 2012 Presidential Election between Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama. Each candidate represented major issues of their respective parties to the public. 2. Political parties provide balance through the accommodation of various interests and opinions. Both political parties are organized groups with differing political views, which make it important for political parties to make decisions that will favor not only few but also all interests and opinions to keep the loyalty of their supporters. 3. Political parties prevent unexpected shifts in political trends that threaten stability in the government. The US’ two-party system helps promote stability in the government because there will only be two parties sharing power, which can dissolve or change coalitions immediately. Now, if voters disagree on one political issue, they would generally understand that the candidates represent bigger issues that need more attention. This discourages voters from giving up their support for their party. Additionally, elected officials will have time to focus on long-term policies that benefit the public. 4. Political parties encourage political participation. As a democratic nation, America allows its citizens to freely express their opinions and to support the political party that shares their interest and opinion. Unlike China, the US government encourages the public to participate and cast their votes at the polls. Hence, the public can contribute in making significant changes that will benefit everyone. List of Disadvantages of Political Parties 1. Political parties might have a selfish propaganda that could hurt national interest. When political parties carry vested interests and vicious propagandas that benefit only a few and are against other parties, it damages the country’s political environment. And when a certain group cares more for its members rather than the entire country, it does not only harm the political atmosphere, but also disturbs the nation’s peace and order. 2. Political parties could create factionalism. A country with a party system could render political life artificial. It could create animosity between parties, encourage jealousy and develop occasional riots and insurrection. As a result, the public is forced to form factions because they could not agree on certain levels. 3. Political parties could ruin individuality. There may be parties that expect or force the people support and share their views blindly. They might not allow its own people to criticize their shortcomings. In short, the people may not be allowed to form their individual opinions on certain issues because they are expected to follow what their party is telling them. 4. Political parties could encourage corruption. There will be parties that distribute money to the electorate to secure votes for their candidates. Aside from that, their candidates may be making promises only to persuade the voting population into electing them. But once they are elected into office, they might never deliver to their promises. They might also place those who supported them in higher positions in exchange for their votes. 5. Political parties could deprive the country of talented individuals who can contribute to its success. This is because people from the opposition parties are most likely excluded from participating in the government for the betterment of the entire nation. When managed properly, political parties can help encourage the people into participating during elections. This ensures that the government officials appointed into different public offices will serve the majority, not only a few.