Advocating for a Renewed Charter of Democracy in Pakistan

Pakistan, envisioned as a democratic parliamentary republic by its founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has faced numerous challenges in establishing a stable democratic system. Despite being constitutionally committed to democracy, the nation's political journey has been marred by military dominance, clerical influence, and the power of the landowning aristocracy. However, the signing of the Charter of Democracy (CoD) in 2006 by the two main political parties marked a significant step towards strengthening democratic institutions and governance in Pakistan. Now, as Pakistan faces new political and economic challenges, there is a pressing need for a new, inclusive Charter of Democracy, referred to as CoD 2.0, to further solidify democratic practices and institutions.

The original CoD, signed during General Pervez Musharraf's military government, laid the groundwork for restoring democracy in 2008. This charter was instrumental in ensuring that the subsequent democratic governments could complete their tenures, a first in Pakistan's history. It also played a crucial role in strengthening human rights, decentralizing power through the 18th Amendment, and bolstering democratic institutions.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Pakistan are working both individually and collaboratively to strengthen democracy. The Legal Rights Forum (LRF) is an NGO dedicated to promoting the rule of law, democracy and robust democratic institutions and values. LRF is an active member of the Pakistan Development Alliance (PDA), a coalition of CSOs led by AWAZ-CDS, a national NGO based in Islamabad that supports rights-based policies, aims to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), and strengthening the democratic governance in Pakistan.

Following extensive consultations, PDA addressed the original Charter of Democracy (CoD), recognizing it as a valuable initiative that enabled three democratically elected governments to complete their tenures and fortified human rights, decentralization (18th Amendment), and democratic institutions. However, PDA concluded that a new, inclusive Charter of Democracy, termed CoD 2.0, is necessary. This is due to the emergence of new political parties and the current political and economic challenges facing Pakistan. CoD 2.0 is seen as a crucial tool for strengthening democracy and effectively addressing these challenges.

On behalf of PDA, AWAZ-CDS and UGOOD, organized a civil society consultation in Islamabad on August 2, 2024 to brainstorm on the recommendations and agenda for CoD 2.0 and plan the next steps. The meeting concluded that a renewed Charter of Democracy “CoD 2.0” is essential for addressing current issues and ensuring a stable democratic future.

The consultative meeting was a platform for robust discussions and diverse views from activists and representatives of various organizations. PDA was advised to organize a broad-based advocacy conference involving representatives from all political parties. This conference should aim to sensitize these representatives, secure their commitment, and engage them in finalizing the recommendations for CoD 2.0. This approach is crucial for building ownership and consensus among political parties.

Participants also noted that achieving CoD 2.0 is a difficult task and they hence agreed to adopt Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies recognizing the ongoing polarization among political parties. They proposed a short-term strategy focused on making parties realize the necessity of CoD 2.0 through research, advocacy, and lobbying. The long-term strategy involves facilitating an all-party conference at a conducive point to bring about consensus on CoD 2.0.

Furthermore, strengthening local governments was highlighted as a critical factor in bolstering democracy in Pakistan. Participants stressed that empowering local governments would enhance democratic governance at the grassroots level, contributing to a more stable and resilient democratic system.

CoD 2.0 aims to be an inclusive charter, bringing together all key political parties to address Pakistan's current challenges. The recommendations and agenda set forth by PDA emphasize the need for political stability, economic reforms, and strengthened democratic institutions. It is imperative that policymakers, parliamentarians, stakeholders, and the general public understand the significance of CoD 2.0 and support its implementation.

Pakistan's journey towards a stable democracy is ongoing, and CoD 2.0 represents a critical step in this process. By fostering political consensus and addressing contemporary challenges, this new charter can ensure the continuation of democratic governance and the protection of human rights. The Legal Rights Forum, along with PDA, calls on all stakeholders to support CoD 2.0 and contribute to building a stronger, more resilient democracy in Pakistan.

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(The writer is a seasoned researcher and development practitioner currently working as Director-Policy & Programs at Legal Rights Forum (LRF), a rights based advocacy NGO in Pakistan. He can be reached at [email protected])