Demosclerosis in Pakistan.

The historiography, socio-cultural milieu, and geopolitical diversity of Pakistan dispenses an intricate backdrop for examination. Its democratic governance is facing a formidable challenge, and can be termed demosclerosis

Demosclerosis, a term coined by Kevin Phillips in his book Demosclerosis in 1994, embodies the predicament of a government's adaptability endangered by the influential sway of interest groups. This phenomenon curtails the nation's capacity to effectively engage with critical socio-economic and political issues, including but not limited to, economic disparities, the exigency of energy transition, and the imperative of environmental stewardship. Demosclerosis, as a persistent conundrum, necessitates focused scrutiny. There must be an analytical inquiry into the manifestations of demosclerosis within Pakistan's democratic framework, discerning its multifaceted ramifications on the administration of democratic governance.

As the number of interest groups in Pakistan that wield disproportionate influence over the government continues to expand, the nation's democracy is displaying symptoms of sclerosis. The proliferation of such groups is most conspicuous in Pakistan, where several new entities have emerged in recent years. Contrary to professed intentions, these interest groups primarily champion legislation benefiting their memberships, inadvertently sidelining the public interest. Take, for instance, the agricultural sector in Pakistan. Large landowner interest groups have effectively secured farm subsidies that disproportionately favor their constituents. While some may reap short-term benefits from these practices, they ultimately exacerbate economic inequality and obstruct efforts to reform agriculture. This pattern coerces policymakers into yielding to special interests instead of pursuing the common good.

The expansion of...