Seminar
Democratic Transition and Political Security: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan
October 24, 2024
The seminar explored Pakistan’s democratic transition, highlighting challenges such as political polarisation and external influences on political stability. It focused on the role of youth and provided policy recommendations for strengthening democracy and political security.
Democratic governance and political security are crucial for a nation’s stability and progress. Pakistan’s political landscape has been marked by challenges stemming from political instability and institutional dynamics. Despite these hurdles, the country continues to progress democratically, with successive parliamentary transitions contributing positively to its journey of democratic consolidation.
The interaction between democratic transition and political security in Pakistan is influenced by a range of internal and external factors. Internally, political polarisation, institutional weaknesses, corruption, and socio-economic disparities hinder democratic progress. Externally, evolving regional dynamics and shifts in the global power structure also affect Pakistan’s political security. Given the importance of the issue, it is essential to thoroughly analyse the challenges and opportunities related to democratic transition and political stability.
Against this backdrop, the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, is organising a seminar titled, “Democratic Transition and Political Security: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan,” to be held on 17 October 2024. The key areas of focus include the historical context of democratic transitions, current political developments, internal and external forces shaping political stability, and pathways to democratic consolidation, with a special emphasis on the role of youth.
The aim of the event is to enhance understanding, identify challenges and opportunities, and provide actionable policy recommendations for strengthening democracy and political security in Pakistan. This understanding is vital for policymakers, academics, and practitioners to address these issues and foster a stable and democratic political environment.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan’s constitution has become a vital national asset, underpinning political security and continuity after a long evolutionary process. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), while subject to performance debates, stands as a structurally robust institution, often outperforming those in more established democracies. However, dynastic politics remain a critical weakness, restricting political inclusivity and reinforcing elite dominance. Digital media has empowered the public but also deepened societal divisions through misinformation and echo chambers. The political landscape is fractured by social polarisation, provincial disparities, generational digital divides, and class-based economic and educational inequalities. Voter preference for traditional politicians focused on short-term development over legislative work highlights the urgent need for political and civic education. Additionally, a clear separation between religious and political identities is essential for participatory governance. Lastly, unresolved issues of provincial autonomy and resource distribution continue to undermine the federation’s stability and effectiveness.
Policy Considerations
To strengthen democratic institutions, political parties in Pakistan must enhance internal democracy and transparency, fostering trust and wider political participation. A unified national strategy is needed to manage digital media, enforce cyber laws, counter misinformation, and prepare for AI’s influence on politics, thereby reducing polarisation. An inter-institutional grand dialogue should be initiated to ensure all state institutions operate within their constitutional limits. Civic and political education, aligned with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, must be embedded in the national curriculum to promote democracy, human rights, and pluralism. Good governance should be prioritised through sustainable, people-centred policies aimed at economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on foreign debt. Combating elitism requires empowering youth by facilitating their inclusion in policymaking and public service to restore trust and reduce brain drain. A dual strategy is essential for internal stability—politically engaging reconcilable groups while dealing firmly with militant elements. Finally, equitable resource distribution across federal, provincial, and local levels is vital for addressing grievances and reinforcing national unity.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive overview featuring key insights, expert discussions, and strategic takeaways from the event.
Â
Explore speaker highlights, recommendations, media coverage, and event photographs.
Guest Speakers
Mr Ahmed Bilal Mehboob
President, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency
Mr Ahmed Bilal Mehboob is an accomplished expert in the field of legislative development and democratic governance. A graduate of the University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, he has garnered extensive experience through his work in the Middle East and the USA. As the founder and president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency (PILDAT), Mr Mehboob has dedicated over 35 years to senior management and advisory roles, focusing on the design, planning, and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing parliamentary development and strengthening democratic institutions.
His work encompasses a wide range of areas, including political discourse, election monitoring, and dialogues for reconciliation. Through PILDAT, he has spearheaded numerous political research initiatives addressing critical issues such as civil-military relations, center-province dynamics, and foreign policy. In addition to his hands-on work, Mr Mehboob is an accomplished author. His upcoming book analyzes Pakistan’s experience with parliamentary democracy, while he has also contributed a chapter titled “Pakistani Politics Amid Turbulence.” Over his career, he has authored and edited more than 100 analytical reports, briefing papers, background papers, and case studies, making significant contributions to the understanding of Pakistan’s political landscape. Mr Mehboob is a sought-after voice in both national and international media, regularly invited for expert analysis and commentary.
Mr Fahad Hussain
President, Aik NewsDigital
Mr Fahad Hussain is an accomplished media professional and the current president of Aik News Digital Channel. He holds an MS in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University and is an alumnus of Ohio Wesleyan University and Aitchison College Lahore. His career includes a notable tenure as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Strategic Communication.
As a well-known strategist and communications expert, Mr Hussain has significantly shaped the Pakistani media landscape by playing a key role in establishing several major news channels, including Aik News Digital, Express News, Express 24/7, and Capital TV. As a journalist and analyst, he is renowned for his insightful commentary on a variety of political, social, and economic issues, drawing from his deep understanding of the nation’s political history, institutions, and current affairs.
In addition to his work in television, he has contributed to leading print media outlets such as The Muslim, Gulf News Dubai, The Nation, and The News, and has worked with prominent electronic media organisations, including CBS News USA, Geo TV, Dawn News TV, and ARY News. Mr Hussain is also actively engaged in academia, frequently invited to deliver guest lectures at prestigious institutions.
Dr Moonis Ahmar
Meritorious Professor, University of Karachi
Dr Moonis Ahmar is a distinguished academic and meritorious professor at the Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi, where he holds a Ph.D. in International Relations. He graduated from Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad and has also been recognized as a DAAD Fellow at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy. With a research focus at the intersection of conflict resolution and confidence-building measures (CBMs) in South and Central Asia and the Middle East, Dr Ahmar is actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives aimed at resolving hostilities in these regions. His extensive international experience includes teaching and research positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois, the Middle East Institute, the London School of Economics, and several others. Throughout his career, Dr Ahmar has authored and edited numerous books and research papers, contributing significantly to academic literature in his field. He has been awarded the Best Teacher Award by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission, highlighting his dedication to education and mentorship. His leadership roles include serving as the former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Karachi University and as the Chairman of the Department of International Relations. Dr Ahmar’s contributions to the field of international relations have been recognized with accolades, including the 2nd Best Peace Book Prize at the Karachi Literary Festival. His impactful work continues to influence discussions on conflict resolution and international diplomacy.
CASS Speakers
Ameer Abdullah Khan
Senior Researcher, CASS Lahore
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President CASS, Lahore
Master of the Ceremony
Researcher
Warisha Rashid
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
