In its annual review of democracy in Pakistan, PILDAT highlighted significant challenges to the country’s democratic health in 2024. As democracy faces crises around the world, Pakistan continues to experience substantial strain. Over the past decade, Pakistan’s democracy has seldom had a moment of respite, and 2024 is no exception. In fact, if anything, democracy has been further weakened. A familiar pattern has emerged, with politicians forming alliances with the powerful establishment, either under immense pressure to address an unprecedented economic crisis or out of their desire for a share of power. This alliance has been established through a series of constitutional, legal, and administrative manoeuvres, including a managed election, limitations on the judiciary’s powers, curtailing parliamentary functions, the ongoing detention of opposition figures, and the rollback of citizens’ rights—all aimed at further centralizing decision-making. PILDAT’s report, Quality of Democracy in Pakistan 2024, highlights the following key issues which impacted democracy in Pakistan in 2024: branches dealing with constitutional and other matters. Thanks to the resistance offered by JUIP’s Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman, the sharp edge of the proposed amendment was blunted to some extent. PILDAT’s report stresses the importance of addressing these systemic issues and calls for a renewed commitment to democratic principles by all institutions and stakeholders. More from this category Copyright ©2024. Reproduction of this website's content without express written permission from 'Daily Pakistan' is strictly prohibited.