Regression of Democracy under PTI Government.

ISLAMABAD: Ever since the PTI-led government has come into power, the gains of democratic transitions are seem to be evaporated in Pakistan. After securing razor-thin majority (183/342 NA seats) in the lower House of Parliament with support of its political allies, the PTI government has embarked on path of fulfilling its election promises. Prime Minister Imran Khan's 19th August speech has heightened the expectations of the people and does so for democracy. He explicitly spelled out his strategy to resolve all outstanding issues confront by Pakistan within span of hundred days. However, despite lapse of 22 months, most of his election promises and subsequent ambitious plans have been unexecuted.

Meanwhile, civil and political liberties are being trampled by PTI government. The key pillars of democracy have remained under attack from repressive state apparatus. The recession of democratic process has been underway in Pakistan since Mr. Khan's government ascent to power.

Before rising to power, Mr. Khan was an ardent champion of free press. While under his government the curbs on media are substantially heightened. Journalists critical of his government's lopsided policies are told to fall in line or risk losing their jobs. Many senior journalists have been removed from country's mainstream media. Moreover, Chinese model of censorship was being indicated to replicate in the country to further strangulate the freedom of media. Commercial advertisement have been cut off from those channels and newspapers which criticize the performance of incumbent government.

Likewise, the PTI government has developed incredible disdain for the Parliament, which is largely considered as the womb of democracy in a country. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister and his band of sycophants have remained absent from parliament even during key sessions like pandemic handling, Kashmir issue and budget discussions.

Legislations normally encapsulate collective wisdom of representatives of the people. However, in incumbent government, laws are introduced through Presidential ordinances while bypassing the parliament. For example, President Arif Alvi promulgated eight ordinances on a single day. Apart from this, PTI leadership has, time and again, used abusive language against parliamentarians in recent past.

Prior to 2018th elections, the central plank of PTI's election campaigns was to eradicate corruption from the country. Mr. Khan had hinted at frequent occasions that...