Democracy promises freedom, justice, and equality — yet in Pakistan, these ideals remain distant. Despite regular elections and constitutional guarantees, questions persist: Are our polls truly free and fair? Do citizens enjoy genuine freedom of speech? Does justice serve all equally? Allegations of vote-rigging, dynastic politics, elite manipulation, and corruption scandals continue to weaken public trust. Instead of strengthening institutions, political interference and power struggles keep democracy hostage. Until transparency, accountability, and electoral fairness are ensured, democratic consolidation in Pakistan will remain more of a dream than a reality.
Review | How Democracies Die
“One of the great ironies of how democracies die is that the very defense of democracy is often used as a pretext for its subversion.” In 1930s, Germany was still a democracy where elections were held, newspapers continued to print news as usual, and parliament held its regular meetings. Yet, within a few years, one […]
Review | How Democracies Die by Rizwan Rasheed
By Rizwan Rasheed “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Plato In this book, historical lessons are used as guidance to identify the offensive threats that today’s democracies confront from autocrats. The writers explicitly show sheer actions, processes, and warning signs that […]