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- Created a new document for Pakistan Affairs with sections on historical personalities, partition, national integration, economic challenges, political stability, foreign policy, and climate change. - Added multiple topics related to Kashmir and intergovernmental organizations. - Established a new index page for CSS Notes 2025, outlining the purpose and organization of the notes.
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Pakistan Affairs current affairs
Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan has been a Federal Parliamentary Republic and has been guided by the Constitution of 1973. However, the political landscape of Pakistan has faced various challenges in the form of military coups and interference, weak democratic institutions, and dynastic politics within political parties. Understanding Pakistan's political structure is necessary to understand the country's governance challenges and determine which system is best for fostering political stability.
Main Political Features of Pakistan
Islamic Republic
- According to article 227 of the constitution, Islam is the state religion, and no law can be enacted that goes against the Quran and Sunnah.
- The Council of Islamic Ideology ensures that legislation conforms to Islamic principles.
Federal Parliamentary System
- As per the Constitution of 1973, Pakistan follows a parliamentary democracy.
- Pakistan has a bicameral legislature, which includes the National Assembly and the Senate.
- It has an executive body that is headed by the Prime Minister (real power) and a President (ceremonial).
Multi-Party System
- Pakistan has a multi-party landscape, but politics is dominated by a few major parties.
- The three largest political parties in Pakistan are the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
- Most of the parties face challenges in the form of dynastic politics and weak intra-party politics.
Independent Judiciary
- Pakistan has an independent judiciary that wields significant authority in terms of Pakistan's laws.
- Although the judiciary is independent in principle, it has often been accused of being influenced by executive and military pressure and of delivering selective justice.
Provincial Autonomy
- Since Pakistan is a Federal Parliamentary Republic, it functions as a federation with four provinces, namely Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan, each of which has a unique ethnicity, language, and culture.
- This also leads to ethnic tension between provinces due to grievances related to autonomy and unequal resource distribution.
Military Interference
- Since its inception, Pakistan has faced frequent military interference in its politics.
- There have been three direct military regimes (1958-1971, 1977-1988, 1999-2008).
- Even in periods of civilian governments, the military has had de facto influence over foreign policy, national security, and economic policies.
Ideal Government Structure for Political Stability in Pakistan
Parliamentary vs. Presidential System
| System | Strength | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary | Collective decision-making between provinces represents federal spirit. | Susceptible to no-confidence motions, unstable coalitions, and weak leadership. |
| Presidential | Strong executive and a stable leader. | Risk: centralization of power and alienation between provinces. |
| Since Pakistan is a multi-ethnic country, a federal structure represented by a parliament is better suited for Pakistani politics. |
Related Ideas
Political instability in Pakistan
References
https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/Government-and-society Political instability in Pakistan