Pakistan needs political stability — but how? |
PAKISTAN desperately needs political stability. Economic recovery, investment, employment, exports and long-term development all require a political environment in which policies are predictable and institutions can function without continuous disruption. But the real question is: how can Pakistan achieve political stability? Political stability should not be confused with keeping one political party or government in power. Nor does it mean suppressing political disagreement. In a democracy, governments can change and opposition parties can challenge those in power. What must remain stable are the constitutional rules, institutions and basic direction of the state.
Pakistan’s fundamental problem is that political competition too often becomes a struggle for control of the entire state. When governments change, policies change, institutions are politicized and accountability processes become controversial. The result is uncertainty for citizens, businesses and investors. The country therefore needs a new political understanding — a Charter of Political Stability. The major political parties should agree on a minimum set of democratic rules. Governments should complete their constitutional terms unless removed through constitutional procedures. Opposition parties should have the right to criticize and challenge those in power. Elections should be conducted through credible and transparent processes, while disputes should be settled through institutions rather than confrontation in the streets.
Winning an election should not give a government unlimited authority, while losing an election should not justify attempts to destabilize the constitutional system. Pakistan needs a culture in which governments may change without the system collapsing every time they do. No political system can remain stable when a substantial section of society........