Reviving Democracy: The Role of Tolerance and Dialogue

APP

Peshawar: Political tolerance and respect for electoral mandates by government and opposition parties are essential for socio-economic development, constitutional supremacy, and the flourishing of democracy in Pakistan, experts said.

“Political dialogue helps resolve misunderstandings among political players, strengthens democracy, and ensures the smooth functioning of state institutions,” said Professor Dr. A.H. Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar, while speaking to APP.

“Political tolerance acts as the oxygen for democracy; without it, a democratic system cannot thrive,” he remarked.

Dr. Hilali emphasized that a permanent political divide, coupled with intolerance, retards political and economic development and widens the gap between the privileged and underprivileged classes. He warned that continued political intolerance, accusations, and blame games among politicians would hinder the country’s progress.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistans-democratic-vision/

Democracy, recognized as the world’s best governance system, provides an inclusive mechanism for resolving socio-economic and political challenges through dialogue and reconciliation among stakeholders, he added.

“In a democracy, issues should be raised and resolved within the parliament, not on streets and roads,” Dr. Hilali said, underscoring the importance of political harmony for sustainable economic growth.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s political history, he highlighted how the absence of political dialogue in the past had led to the derailment of democracy four times.

He cited the 1977 agitation movement by the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) against the government of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as an example, which resulted in significant economic losses and paved the way for martial law.

He also pointed to the political instability of the 1990s, during which successive governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were dismissed over allegations of corruption and election rigging. The lack of reconciliation and dialogue culminated in the October 12, 1999, military takeover.

Dr. Hilali welcomed recent informal political engagements between the government and opposition leaders, expressing hope for resolutions under a democratic framework. He urged all political parties to prioritize dialogue without preconditions to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Ikhtiar Wali, PML-N KP spokesman and former member of the provincial assembly, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to political dialogue.

Highlighting the significance of the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, he said it led to landmark reforms such as the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which restored parliamentary authority, granted provincial autonomy, and abolished the draconian Article 58(2)(B).

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/reclaiming-pakistans-democratic-vision/

However, he criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its alleged reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue, citing the party’s repeated protests and agitation. “PTI’s disobedience calls and accusations are attempts to gain relief for its jailed founder,” Wali alleged, adding that personal attacks and dragging state institutions into politics have further polarized society.

Wali also pointed to alleged mismanagement and corruption during PTI’s tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the closure of the Ehtesab Commission, financial losses in the BRT project, and incomplete initiatives such as the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium. He accused PTI of leaving KP with a heavy debt burden and failing to deliver on promises.

Experts urged the PTI leadership to channel their energies positively and address issues through democratic means, as political polarization and agitation could harm national unity and economic progress.

“The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elected PTI to resolve their issues, not to promote agitation,” said Wali. “It is time for all political stakeholders to work together for a strong and prosperous Pakistan.”

The feature story was released by APP. 

All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter.