Opinion | Military Might & The Struggle for Democracy in Pakistan

Pakistan, the erosion of basic rights has had a detrimental effect on the country’s democracy. Citizens are unable to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, and the media is heavily censored. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where dissent is not tolerated.

Pakistan has a long history of military rule. The first military coup took place in 1958, and since then, the country has been ruled by military dictators for a significant portion of its history. The military has justified its interventions by claiming that it is necessary to protect the country from internal and external threats. However, the reality is that military rule has resulted in the suppression of democracy and the erosion of basic rights. Under military rule, citizens of Pakistan have seen their basic rights stripped away. These include the right to free speech, the right to assembly, and the right to a fair trial. The military has also targeted journalists and human rights activists who speak out against their policies. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where citizens are afraid to speak out against the government.
Moreover, the military has created a parallel system of justice, where military courts operate outside the traditional legal system. These courts have been used to try civilians on trumped-up charges, denying them the right to a fair trial. In addition, the military has also used extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power. Now the military has decided to punish former Prime Minister Imran Khan in its own court. The human rights violations under military rule in Pakistan are numerous. One such example is the treatment of the Baloch people. The Baluchistan province has been under military rule for decades, and the Baloch people have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. The military has also imposed a media blackout in the region, preventing journalists from reporting on the situation.
Another example is the treatment of the Pashtun people. The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) is a peaceful movement that seeks to raise awareness about human rights violations in the Pashtun region. However, the military has cracked down on the movement, arresting its leaders and intimidating its supporters. This has led to a culture of fear and repression in the region. International organizations have an important role to play in monitoring human rights violations in Pakistan. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the human rights abuses that have taken place under military rule. They have also called for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of basic rights. Moreover, the United Nations has a responsibility to ensure that Pakistan upholds its human rights obligations. The UN has the power to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. It is important for the UN to play an active role in promoting democracy and human rights in Pakistan. The struggle for democracy and human rights in Pakistan is ongoing. Despite the challenges, there are many Pakistanis who are fighting for change. These include human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists who are working to expose the abuses of military rule.
In addition, political parties such as the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz have been vocal in their criticism of military rule. These parties have called for the restoration of democracy and the protection of basic rights in the past. Now Pakistan Tehreek Insaf which was ousted from power by the establishment is fighting for the same. Basic rights are essential to the functioning of a democracy. Without them, citizens are unable to hold their government accountable and participate in the political process. Moreover, basic rights protect individuals from abuse of power and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law. In Pakistan, the erosion of basic rights has had a detrimental effect on the country’s democracy. Citizens are unable to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, and the media is heavily censored. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where dissent is not tolerated.
To protect basic rights and promote democracy in Pakistan, there is a need for reform in the military and government. The military must be held accountable for its actions and brought under civilian control. Furthermore, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions. Reform must also address the root causes of human rights violations in Pakistan. This includes addressing the grievances of minority groups and improving access to justice. Only through meaningful reform can Pakistan become a country that upholds the basic rights of its citizens. Pakistan needs to work for promoting transparency and accountability in government institutions, protecting basic rights, and ensuring that the military is held accountable for its actions.
One of the important steps for its growth is that it should stop spreading terrorism in Kashmir. The erosion of basic rights under military control in Pakistan is a threat to the country’s democracy and to the fundamental freedoms and liberties of its citizens. It is important for Pakistan to protect basic rights and promote democracy to ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law. The international community has a responsibility to monitor human rights violations in Pakistan and hold those responsible accountable.

– The writer, a social activist, can be reached on tahirmajeed123@gmail.com

, regardless of who you are or where you are. A smile is a symbol of something greater. It stands for openness, affection, and friendliness. It conveys acceptance and happiness without using words. It ties us all together and encompasses us.

– The author is Assistant Professor & Biotechnologist at Patiala. She can be reached at harpreet9936@gmail.com