And above all, a democratic state depends for its successful working upon the corporate efforts of its citizens. Corporate efforts, therefore, require the harmonious fitting in of individual angles for benefit of the whole. Man in society is like the well oiled wheel of a machine, independent yet interrelated individual and patterned by the needs of the whole.
Democracy, we have been reminded by social scientists from Socrates onwards, is of all from of government, the most difficult to practice.The functions of democracy are manifold. Its very first function is to produce a man, as the unit of civic life who is individually developed yet socially responsible. It is to develop consciousness of rights among people for themselves and others both. Not only rights but awareness of duties too is the responsibility of democracy.
Democracy has to provide a sense and atmosphere of liberty and freedom everywhere. This is the only way to make its people work for prosperity. They must be given equal rights without any distinction of class and enable them to feel free and secure in the country.
Another function of democracy is that it should inspire people to participate fully in the democratic process and work for the collective welfare of the people and country. This can be done only if people are sincere in their proper rights and are provided security and needs of life.
Last but not the least function of democracy is to establish a strong and reliable government. It must fulfill the demands of people. It should be strong enough to face opposition and establish a stable economy. In the absence of such a government, democracy fails and the result is a total chaos. When we go through the demands and functions of democracy, the question arises, why democracy is a failure in Pakistan and whether it is feasible in Pakistan in future. In order to answer these questions we have to chalk out the factors that are making the future of democracy dark and feasibility weak in Pakistan. First of all democracy not only for Pakistan but for the whole sub-continent is something new - a continent which has witnessed a thousand years monarchical rule by the Turks, Afghans and Mughals. The development under these rulers was mainly in other fields like culture, music, literature and military and very little in political field. Even the British who were practicing democracy at home brought imperialism to the sub-continent. So no training was given to the people in the political field and especially in that of democracy.
After independence the loot and Chaos spread everywhere and failed democracy failed to take root in this land. Thus, it remained an unfinished product.For a democracy to flourish, an enlightened educated and politically alert electorate is absolutely necessary. A people plagued with hunger, disease and poverty and steeped in ignorance and superstition form a deplorably shaky and unreliable electorate. Pakistan has one of the lowest per, capita income in the world. Miserable standards of living and gross inequality in the distribution of wealth are the most unavoidable drawbacks of our social structure. In spite of having an agricultural economy, we face the shortage of food grains because of increasing population. The ordinary man is caught in a vicious circle of ignorance and poverty. How can he think of h broader issues of democracy and public opinion when his day to day life is miserable? Uncertain of where his next meal’ will come from, he can give little thought to high ideals of political freedom and is not interested in national or international affairs, if they do not affect him personally. In such conditions, no democracy can flourish.
Nearly about 75% of our population is rural. Communications are poor and many villages remain deprived of all mass media and are, therefore, indifferent and unaware to political development, and governmental upheavals. The proportion of educated and politically conscious people is insignificant.
The common man is under the control of his feudal lord and shows traditional loyalty to the tribal chief, Chaudhary or landlord of the village. His hopes and desires do not go beyond the boundary walls of his village because his outlook is very narrow and his vision cramped. He cannot imagine a government shaped)and controlled by him and working for him. Unless the common man participates, we cannot think of democracy.
Pakistan possesses very few politicians who have that sense of public spirit, disinterested service and nation wide vision which are necessary for the working of democracy. Here, most politicians power hungry. They exploit the people for their own benefits. Political stability is the base of democracy and there is a crying need for leaders who really care for the people and do not simply indulge in shouting empty slogans. Unity among people is required for democracy which is wanting inour country.