DEMOCRACY is often celebrated as the highest expression of political participation, public representation and collective governance. Yet its health cannot be measured merely by elections, rallies, slogans or parliamentary ceremonies. The deeper question is whether political culture permits dissent, encourages participation and tolerates criticism. In Pakistan, the visible structure of democracy exists, but its internal spirit remains weak.

One neglected dimension of this crisis is the absence of internal democracy within political parties. Parties should provide spaces where members contribute ideas, challenge policies and shape political direction. Instead, many have become centralized structures revolving around personalities, hereditary leadership or symbolic authorities whose decisions are rarely questioned. Followers are often expected not merely to support leaders but to defend them emotionally, even when criticism is justified.

This is not merely a political problem; it is also sociological and philosophical. In Pakistan, political leaders can assume authority greater than institutional authority.........

© Pakistan Observer