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THE DYNAMICS OF DEMOCRACY: VALUE SHIFTS AND THE STRUGGLE FOR STRONG INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN
1DR. AFSHAN AZIZ, 2DR.TAHIRA MUMTAZ,3DR. SAIMA BUTT, 4DR. SUMBAL TARIQ
1Assistant Professor, Department of Pakistan Studies Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
2Lecturer, Political Science Government College Women University Sialkot 3Assistant Professor, Political Science Lahore College for Women University Lahore
4Explore learning (UK)
ABSTRACT
Within the evolving landscape of Pakistan's democracy, this article uncovers a dynamic relationship between the ever-shifting societal values and the robustness of democratic structures. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study identifies substantial changes in values within Pakistani society, illuminating their profound impact on trust, political behavior, and the overall health of democratic institutions. Cultural, social, and political transformations are meticulously examined to reveal their intricate influence on Pakistan's democratic journey. This research not only provides crucial insights into these transformative processes but also delivers practical recommendations, such as advancing civic education and bolstering transparency in political mechanisms, to address emerging challenges within Pakistan's evolving democracy. Understanding the dynamics of shifting societal values and their consequences for trust, political conduct, and institutional strength is pivotal in comprehending the path of Pakistan's democracy, offering valuable insights for the nation's political future.
Keywords: Democratic challenges, Democratic choices, Value change, Democratization, Cultural shifts, Religious Pluralism
INTRODUCTION
In recent decades, Pakistan has undergone harrowing demographic and socioeconomic upheavals. These transformations have had a profound impact on the dynamics of power, political decisions, and outcomes. Expanding urbanization, a rapidly growing young population, increasing digital empowerment, shifts in the economy's sectors, evolving class composition, rising religiosity, and the emergence of new political actors have all played pivotal roles in reshaping the Pakistan landscape. Social and political change are intricately intertwined. As society becomes more educated and the middle class expands, these shifts have profound effects not only on the societal landscape but also on the political arena. This transformation influences public discourse, values, and, in the long run, alters the dynamics of power. The meaning of "democracy" in a feudal society differs significantly from one dominated by big business or the middle class. Factors like increased literacy and the emergence of social media can wield substantial influence over both society and politics(Mahar & Malik, 2021). Simultaneously, it's crucial to recognize that social and political change occurs on both national and local levels. While global developments receive widespread attention, the significance of local dynamics is often underestimated. Even national politics and elections are deeply rooted in local circumstances and changes. In Pakistan, local considerations play a substantial role in provincial and national politics, emphasizing the dialectical relationship between national and local political dynamics.
The paradoxical nature of Pakistan is a subject of ongoing debate: Is it a democratic state, a garrison state, or a military state? Is it a failed state or a failed idea? Is it a global threat or a threat to its own existence? Does it embody a religious concept or a political one? The country grapples with these contradictory elements, ideas, and motives, causing inherent instability(Jaffrelot, 2015). Democracy, as a dynamic system, is deeply intertwined with the values held by a society. This article delves into the evolving landscape of democracy in Pakistan, with a specific focus on how shifting values impact
the country's democratic institutions. It examines fundamental value shifts and social change trends in Pakistan, such as population, educational attainment, and media usage. These changes allow for a better understanding of the national party system's restructuring because they are causally linked to local election trends. As Pakistan experiences significant societal transformations, it becomes imperative to comprehend how these changes influence the trust in democracy, political behavior, and the overall strength of democratic structures(khan, 2019).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Ayesha Jalal (2005) book, "Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia", provides an in-depth analysis of the intricate interactions within South Asian democracy, with a specific focus on Pakistan. Jalal's work explores the historical foundations of democracy in South Asia and how these historical factors continue to influence contemporary democratic practices and democracy in this region. The author explains how a shared colonial legacy produced seemingly disparate patterns of political development—democracy in India and authoritarianism in Pakistan and Bangladesh—in a comparative and historical study of the interaction between democratic politics and authoritarian states in South Asia. The analysis shows that, despite differences in form, regional and linguistic dissent, religious and sectarian conflicts, as well as class and caste conflicts, have developed as how to pose equivalent threats to the central political power of the 'State'. By contrasting state structures and political processes and arguing for a more decentralized government structure, the author evaluates and redefines democracy, citizenship, sovereignty, and the state- nation. His work has been instrumental in understanding the complex nature of democracy in a region, especially Pakistan. The influential book "Military, State, and Society in Pakistan" by Hassan Askari Rizvi offers a thorough examination of the complex dynamics of civil-military ties in Pakistan. This in-depth analysis aims to comprehend why and how the Pakistani military came to play a significant role in that nation's democratic system. The military continues to have a substantial influence over foreign and security policies and has a significant impact on important domestic issues, including politics, society, and the economy, according to Rizvi's research. In addition, his work explores how the military is changing internally and how this has affected how it interacts with the state and society. In short, Rizvi's thesis has significant ramifications for peace and security in South Asia's nuclearized context. The interaction of religion, science, and politics in Pakistan is explained by Pervez Hoodbhoy in "Islam and Science: Religious Orthodoxy and the Battle for Rationality". In the context of Pakistan, his essays offer a thorough analysis of the complex interplay between religious ideals and their possible impact on democracy. He investigates how religious dogma and widely held notions of science and reason affect not only public discourse but also the political environment in this brilliant study. By doing this, he illuminates how strongly held religious beliefs can affect how people perceive issues, how policies are made, and even how democratic institutions operate. Understanding the issues that might arise when democratic ideas and religious values clash requires a thorough understanding of Hoodbhoy.
Christophe Jaffrelot (2015) in "The Pakistan Paradox" seeks to separate the causes of instability in Pakistan by exploring the contradictions in its foundations. He argues the instability in neither predetermined nor impossible to move beyond. He scrutinizes the complexities of Pakistan's democracy, exploring factors contributing to both instability and resilience. Jaffrelot's research addresses he most comprehensive exposé of the various paradoxes of contemporary politics in Pakistan: the riddle of how a Muslim nationalism in British India; the problematic democratization of the post-military state in the absence of a strident civil society; and the progression of Islam from ideology to policy, underscored by a widening chasm between Islamists and modernists, between Muslims and nonMuslims, and between Sunnis and sectarian minorities issues such as political polarization, the role of the military, ethnic and religious dynamics, and the evolution of civil society, all of which have profound implications for the democratic process.
Rumi (2016), "The Fractious Path: Pakistan's Democratic Transition" holds immense significance in the context of the article "The Dynamics of Democracy: Value Shifts and the Struggle for Strong Institutions in Pakistan." It is an essential point of reference for comprehending Pakistan's complex
democratic development from 2008 to 2013, which are significant years. Rumi's work offers insightful analysis into the more general themes covered in the article by looking at the obstacles Pakistan encountered throughout this period of transition from authoritarian control to democracy. It provides a detailed view of the interactions between cultural values, political shifts, and power dynamics in Pakistan's democratic development. Rumi's analysis, which was based on his on-the-ground reporting as these events took place, gives the article's examination of Pakistan's democratic transitions, internal security, extremism, governance, foreign policy, the country's future as a democratic nation, and the impact of societal values on its institutions depth and credibility. Research Questions
The article addresses the following research questions:
1 - How does the change in the values of society affect the trust in the democratic institutions in Pakistan?
1. How does the political behavior and participation of the people respond to the change in values in Pakistan's democracy?
2- How resilient or resistant are the democratic institutions in Pakistan to the change in values, and how do they adjust to the new values of society?
3- How does the change in values influence the attitudes and actions of the political leaders and parties in Pakistan, and how much do these changes affect the democratic process?
Research Objective
The purpose of this study is to determine how Pakistani society's changing ideals and its populace's level of trust in democratic institutions relate to one another. It entails a careful examination of particular value shifts and how they affect individuals' sense of openness, responsibility, and general beliefs in the democratic system. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of how shifting values affect the credibility and efficiency of democratic institutions in Pakistan by addressing these elements. This study examines how political parties and leaders respond to societal values that are changing in Pakistan and how their attitudes and actions may affect the democratic process as a whole.
It involves a thorough examination of how political figures and parties respond to or resist shifting values and if such responses have a substantial impact on Pakistan's democracy. The research tries to clarify the complex interaction between political players and changing public ideals by investigating these interactions.
Examining how value changes impact political behavior in Pakistan is a significant research goal. Examining voting trends, political participation, and civic involvement are part of this. The goal of the study is to determine whether changing beliefs cause people to change their political choices, favor certain policies, or become more active in social movements. The research intends to offer insights into how social values impact citizens' political actions and choices by examining various characteristics of political behavior.
This research objective focuses on assessing the adaptability of democratic institutions in Pakistan in response to evolving values. It involves an analysis of how these institutions react to demands for transparency, accountability, and other factors influenced by value shifts. The objective is to determine whether these institutions evolve to better align with changing societal norms or whether they resist such changes. This analysis aims to provide insights into the capacity of democratic institutions to accommodate evolving values and maintain their relevance in the evolving political landscape of Pakistan.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research study addresses the relationship between the shifting societal values and the resilience of the institutions and their impacts on dynamics of democracy in Pakistan therefore research is done by using the method which is a qualitative approach to gather information. Furthermore a literature review method is opted to conduct this research. Secondary data will be used for this research. Secondary data provide a theoretical framework of the topic to understand the basic knowledge about the multiple dynamics of democracy in Pakistan. A secondary source is based on articles, books,
journals, articles and newspapers about a specific subject. To gather all the necessary information, reliable secondary sources are used. These secondary sources will provide a piece of comprehensive knowledge and data on the topic and help the researcher gain a better understanding of the value shifts and their impact the democratic process.
Value Shift Theory: Understanding Societal Changes and Their Impact on Democracy in Pakistan
To make sense of the complexities of democracy in Pakistan and the various factors that shape its dynamics, we need a theoretical framework that can help us understand these phenomena. This brings us to the Value Shift Theory, a key concept in political science and sociology. In this section, we will first explain what the Value Shift Theory is and why it is important for our study. Then, we will examine its main elements, showing how changes in societal values have a profound impact on political behavior and democratic systems. Furthermore, we will apply this theory to the specific socio-political situation of Pakistan, using examples and cases that illustrate the relationship between shifting values and the country's democratic development.
Value shifts, for the purpose of this study, mean the significant changes in the basic beliefs, attitudes, and values that individuals and society hold. These shifts cover a wide range of factors, such as cultural, social, economic, and political influences, and can affect how people relate to and interact with democratic institutions(Inglehart, 1977). They symbolize a dynamic process through which societies change and adapt to new circumstances, leading to changes in the way individuals view governance, civic participation, and their demands from democratic systems. Recognizing the complex nature of value shifts is essential for understanding their intricate interaction with democratic structures and political behavior, especially within the unique context of Pakistan. The Value Shift Theory emerges as a crucial framework that helps us understand the dynamics of democracy in Pakistan. It sheds light on the complex interaction between evolving societal values and the resilience of democratic institutions. This theory provides a lens through which we can analyze how the incompatibility between Pakistan's deeply entrenched social structure and democratic ideals has hindered the evolution of a robust democratic culture. For instance, Pakistan's social structure, deeply rooted in tribal hierarchies and traditional authorities, has posed a significant challenge to the promotion of democratic values such as equality, equity, and justice. The dominance of figures like tribal chiefs and religious leaders has perpetuated a hierarchical and undemocratic societal order. This is not mere conjecture; data from decades of political developments in Pakistan supports this assertion. Traditional power brokers, with their influence over the political system, have obstructed the growth of true democracy, as evidenced by the emergence of family-dominated political parties and the marginalization of liberal and democratic leaders. In practice, while Pakistan's political system outwardly operates on the principle of one-person-one-vote, the reality is that many citizens are unable to exercise their vote freely due to pressures from traditional authorities or their lack of education and information, resulting in what Noelle Neumann termed the 'loud minority' dominating politics while the majority remains 'silent.' Thus, the Value Shift Theory illuminates the persistent struggle between traditional social structures and democratic ideals, offering a compelling framework for understanding the challenges facing Pakistan's evolving democracy.
Inequality in Tribal Culture and Its Conflict with Democracy:
Institutions rooted in tribal culture inherently operate on the principle of inequality, perpetuating a top-down flow of power and authority. Consequently, the values of a tribal culture, as observed in Pakistan, are fundamentally at odds with democratic principles. In societies governed by tribal principles, achieving equality proves to be a formidable challenge. In contrast, democracy hinges on the fundamental principle of equality for all members of society and the state. Every member of society, as a citizen of the state, possesses a single vote and is expected to have equal opportunities for social and economic advancement. However, in practical terms, Pakistan's political system, although outwardly democratic, operates on the principle of one-person-one-vote through universal suffrage (khan, 2019). Nevertheless, a significant portion of the population faces obstacles that prevent them from exercising their voting rights freely. These impediments can arise from pressures imposed by traditional authorities, social bonds, or a lack of education and access to information.
Consequently, the resulting government often reflects what German political thinker Noelle Neumann termed the 'loud minority,' dominating the political landscape, while the majority remains disempowered and 'silent.' Role of Auxiliary Institutions:
Another critical dimension contributing to the challenge of evolving democracy in Pakistan centers on auxiliary institutions designed to support Parliament, the populace, and political leadership by enhancing their capabilities in policymaking and execution through education and information dissemination. These auxiliary institutions encompass the bureaucracy and various government departments. Due to the relatively advanced education and administrative skills of their personnel, these institutions have frequently pursued personal and institutional interests at the expense of the public. Exploiting the general lack of awareness among the masses, they have enjoyed various privileges and benefits funded by taxpayers' money, all while the aspiration for good governance remains elusive in Pakistan. The growth of genuine democracy poses a threat to the vested interests of influential figures within these government institutions. Consequently, these individuals tend to form natural alliances with traditional authorities, further obstructing the progress of democracy. Institutional theory:
Institutional theory, a cornerstone in the field of political science and sociology, provides a valuable lens through which we can examine the behavior and adaptability of democratic institutions in response to changing societal values. Institutional theory delves into the structures, norms, and rules that govern organizations and systems within a society. It seeks to understand how these institutions function, evolve, and respond to external pressures and internal dynamics. Institutional theory offers a solid framework for analysing how well-adapted or resistant important democratic institutions are to significant changes in public norms in the context of democracy in Pakistan. This idea, as articulated by academics like Richard Scott and DiMaggio and Powell (1983), helps us comprehend not just the function of these institutions but also their capacity to either adhere to or depart from the shifting social values. To draw attention to this crucial point, we will look at how Pakistan's democratic institutions have responded to the shifting landscape of values, addressing issues of adaptability and resistance within the particular socio-political context of the nation(Scott, 2013). Democratic Institutions: Navigating Shifting Values Through the Lens of Institutional Theory
Institutional theory, a key concept in political science and sociology, provides a useful lens to examine how democratic institutions behave and adapt to changing societal values. Institutional theory studies the structures, norms, and rules that shape organizations and systems within a society. It aims to understand how these institutions operate, change, and respond to external challenges and internal dynamics. In the context of democracy in Pakistan, institutional theory offers a strong framework for analyzing how key democratic institutions are resilient or resistant to significant shifts in societal values.
This theory, as developed by scholars like DiMaggio and Powell (1983), helps us understand not only the role of these institutions but also their ability to either conform to or deviate from the changing values in society. DiMaggio and Powell argue that institutional isomorphism, which means that organizations adopt similar structures and practices, is driven by normative pressures, mimetic pressures, and coercive pressures(DiMaggio & Powell, 1983). These influences are crucial in determining how democratic institutions in Pakistan react to shifting moral standards. Institutional resilience is a key concept in understanding the dynamics of democracy in Pakistan. This resilience refers to the capacity of democratic institutions to uphold the fundamental values of democracy while continuing to carry out their essential responsibilities. Important insights into Pakistan's political development can be gained by analyzing the effects of institutional resilience on the democratic landscape of the nation
The Lawyers' Movement in Pakistan, a significant socio-political development in the country's recent history, serves as a prime example of institutional resilience. Lawyers, as prominent members of civil society, played a pivotal role in advocating for judicial independence and the restoration of the judiciary in the mid-2000s, in response to perceived threats to the rule of law and democratic norms. Their efforts were firmly aligned with the normative pressures of upholding democratic values.
Pakistan's judiciary has faced numerous challenges and pressures over the years, including attempts to undermine its independence. Despite these obstacles, the judiciary has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience in its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Additionally, Pakistan's Parliament, a pillar of democratic institutions, has shown extraordinary resiliency by regularly meeting and passing laws even during times of political unrest. Although the government has changed frequently and there have been periods of political instability, Parliament has remained an important venue for spirited discussions and decision-making.(Shafqat, 1998). The peaceful transfer of power from one elected administration to another, as seen during the transition of power from one civilian government to another in 2013, is a noteworthy historical illustration of institutional resilience. This change demonstrates the country's democratic institutions' resilience and adaptability.
This illustrates how institutional theory and changing societal values interact. We can examine how Pakistan's Parliament, as an institution, reacts to the changing ideals in society via the prism of institutional theory. It aids in our comprehension of Parliament's function as well as its ability to accept or reject changes in values, strengthening democratic standards (DiMaggio and Powell, 1983). A testament to Pakistan's democratic institutions' tenacity and ability to maintain stability and continuity in the face of rapid societal change is Parliament's ability to operate efficiently in the face of altering values. (Saeed, 2022).
Additionally, as a crucial democratic institution, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proven to be flexible in reaction to changing societal views. In line with the normative expectations for free and fair elections, it has aggressively sought to increase transparency and improve electoral procedures (Election Commission of Pakistan). However, it has also been noted that certain people resist change. Concerns about the transparency and fairness of the 2018 general election in Pakistan gave rise to discussions about the ability of democratic institutions to change in order to ensure fair and free elections.
Furthermore, while taking into account the context of changing societal standards, the tenacity of Pakistan's Election Commission is made clear. The Election Commission has consistently monitored the electoral process, allowing voters to exercise their right to vote despite worries about electoral fraud and irregularities. For instance, claims of meddling and manipulation during the 2018 Pakistan general elections cast doubt on the fairness of the process. The voting process was successfully administered by the Election Commission, nevertheless, and the ensuing transfer of power went pretty peacefully. This demonstrates the institution's ability to preserve democratic standards despite shifting values and difficulties.
A crucial aspect of Pakistani media operations is institutional resilience. Media outlets and journalists have played a vital role in shaping public debate and holding the powerful accountable, despite facing significant challenges, such as censorship and restrictions on press freedom. Major news organizations like Dawn and Geo News have faced various pressures but have maintained their dedication to reporting, thereby contributing to the diversity of voices in the media landscape. These media outlets, including Dawn and Geo News, have been influential in affecting public opinion and guiding political discourse. As important parts of the media industry, they demonstrate both adaptability and resistance in relation to changes in societal values. Media organizations must strike a delicate balance between upholding normative pressures related to journalistic ethics and the necessity to adapt to evolving media consumption habits and technological advancements.
Hence, the institutional theory offers a nuanced framework for comprehending how democratic institutions in Pakistan respond to the dynamics of shifting societal values. These institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission, the media, and Parliament, play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of democracy in the country. Some adapt to normative pressures, while others may resist change, resulting in a dynamic interplay that influences the development of democratic norms. This intricate relationship between institutional behavior and evolving values underscores the significance of studying the dynamics of democracy in Pakistan.
In essence, institutional resilience stands as a linchpin in shaping the course of democracy in Pakistan. The capacity of democratic institutions to adapt and withstand external pressures has been
instrumental in upholding democratic values and ensuring the representation of citizens' voices, despite the challenges they have encountered. As we consider the interplay between institutional resilience and shifting societal values, we gain valuable insights into the future of democracy in Pakistan.
Thematic findings:
1-Erosion of Trust in Pakistani Democratic Institutions
Trust is essential for functioning democratic institutions and shapes the citizen-state relationship. Shifting societal values have eroded trust in Pakistan's democracy. Our analysis highlights a significant decline in public trust post-2018. For instance, trust in the national parliament dropped from 40% to 25% in just three years (State of Democracy in Pakistan, 2022). Media and the information ecosystem worsen this erosion. As society polarizes, media outlets align with specific ideologies, deepening divisions. Misinformation, like the 2020 national budget disinformation campaign, spreads on social media, undermining transparency and public confidence (Media Watch Report, 2020). Political scandals and corruption compound the issue. Heightened expectations for transparency clash with scandals, like the 2016 Panama Papers, which exposed offshore accounts of Pakistani political leaders, raising questions about financial integrity (Panama Papers, 2016).Eroded trust hinders effective governance, obstructing policy implementation and reforms. The consequences include reduced civic engagement, political apathy, and governance challenges. Acknowledging this issue is crucial for strengthening Pakistan's democracy.
2-Religion's Influence on Pakistani Democracy
Cultural shifts have a profound impact on democracy. This study examines how cultural changes affect political behavior in Pakistan. It uncovers a complex relationship between cultural shifts and democracy. In the 1980s, a cultural shift towards greater religiosity influenced the rise of religious parties and electoral dynamics. This shift continues today, shaping political ideology(khan, 2019). Religious conservatism's resurgence influences contemporary politics. Challenges related to religious pluralism persist, hindering inclusive governance (Mehfooz, 2021). Cultural shifts can either strengthen or weaken democratic institutions. They inspire civic engagement but can also lead to polarization and exclusion. Understanding these dynamics is vital for building a resilient democracy in Pakistan.
3-Social Movements and Their Role in Democracy
Social movements and activism play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan's democracy. They represent the power of civil society and grassroots initiatives. The Lawyers' Movement in the mid-2000s showcased civil society's ability to advocate for judicial independence and democratic norms. Human rights movements, like the Hudood Ordinances repeal in 2006, have driven legal reforms. Environmental advocacy has also influenced policy changes towards global sustainability goals("Pakistan," 2006). Social movements are catalysts for change, championing democratic values, transparency, and accountability. They empower citizens to shape Pakistan's democratic path.
4- Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Democracy
Cultural shifts have deep impacts on Pakistan's democracy, focusing on urbanization, modernization, changing gender perceptions, and increased youth engagement. Urbanization and modernization reshape societal values. Pakistan's urban population growth drives progressive political views, especially among youth. Changing gender perceptions are evident in the women's rights movement, leading to greater female political representation (Noreen & Musarrat, 2013). These shifts pose challenges but also opportunities. Urbanization and modernization foster a more open and inclusive political landscape. Evolving gender perceptions contribute to a diverse, representative democracy. Youth engagement signals a promising future for democratic engagement in Pakistan.
5- Political Polarization and Its Effects on Democracy
The ramification of political polarization in Pakistan's democratic landscape, focusing on ideological divides, media fragmentation, and challenges to bipartisanship. Political polarization in Pakistan significantly affects electoral outcomes. Ideological divisions fracture the political landscape, hindering consensus. Media fragmentation worsens this by catering to specific groups, creating echo chambers. Bipartisanship and consensus building face obstacles, leading to gridlock and ineffective
governance(Jaffrelot, 2015). Political polarization challenges the resilience of Pakistan's democratic institutions. Ideological divides result in legislative gridlock, impeding meaningful reforms. Media fragmentation reinforces biases, hindering constructive dialogue. Overcoming these challenges is essential to maintain a healthy democratic system in Pakistan. Conclusion:
To sum up, the complex dynamics within Pakistan's evolving democratic framework demonstrate a multifaceted interaction between the changing values of society and the robustness of democratic structures. These shifts, influenced by cultural transitions, political conduct, grassroots activism, and political divisions, highlight both the hurdles and prospects that characterize Pakistan's democratic terrain. The diminishing trust in democratic institutions, the impact of cultural transitions on political engagement, the pivotal role of social movements, and the consequences of political polarization collectively contribute to the intricate tapestry of Pakistan's democracy. However, amidst these challenges, the adaptability and resilience exhibited by key democratic institutions signify the potential for a vibrant democratic future in Pakistan, contingent upon addressing these multiple dynamics with transparency, inclusivity, and a commitment to democratic values. Recommendations
• Pakistan should invest in civic education programs to promote a deeper understanding of democratic values, processes, and institutions among its citizens. The civics in school curricula should be included to ensure that future generations are well-informed and engaged citizens.
• The necessary measures should be taken to enhance transparency and accountability within government institutions, such as strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms and promoting open government initiatives.
• The use of technology, such as e-governance platforms, should be encouraged to increase transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption.
• Political parties in Pakistan should proactively adapt to changing societal values by incorporating issues that align with the evolving preferences of the electorate. Simultaneously, they should recognize the paramount importance of implementing internal party reforms to bolster democracy within their own organizational structures.
• The importance of creating an enabling environment for civil society organizations and social movements to thrive, should be emphasized as this should enable them to effectively advocate for citizens' concerns and bridge the gap between societal values and policy changes.
• Emphasizing the importance of media literacy programs, which should help citizens critically evaluate information and news sources to reduce the impact of disinformation and polarization, is vital. Additionally, fostering responsible journalism and upholding media ethics should be actively encouraged to maintain trust in the media as a reliable source of information.
• The periodic review of electoral systems and processes is essential to ensure they remain aligned with changing societal values and preferences. Likewise, advocating for measures that promote fair and transparent elections, such as comprehensive voter education, is of utmost importance.
• Promote the creation of inclusive public forums that encourage open and constructive dialogue on democratic values, involving diverse segments of society and bridging ideological divides, with the aim of fostering a shared vision for a democratic Pakistan
• Promote public-private collaboration to address societal challenges, specifically economic inequality, and champion corporate social responsibility initiatives to strengthen social cohesion and uphold democratic values in Pakistan.
• Prioritize ongoing research and the establishment of dedicated research centers to comprehensively study the impact of value shifts on democratic institutions in Pakistan
• Promote international cooperation for democracy-building, leveraging best practices and international organizations' technical assistance to support democratic reforms.
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