Patterns of Governance in Pakistan: A Shift from Democratization to Consolidated Democracy

Abstract

Pakistan has faced numerous issues since its inception but predominantly all are related to Governance. From early migration crisis to hostile neighborhood, lack of infrastructure, center-province tensions, patron-client polity, etc. the prevalent challenges have developed a socio-political environment contrary to strengthening the process of democratization. The unusual and unconstitutional power shifts from civilian to military regimes have granted unstable, dysfunctional, and undemocratic institutional arrangement. The civilian government of 2008-13 was the turning point in the history of Pakistan that worked to avail the chance to inculcate democratic norms in the system by introducing 18th constitutional amendment. The objective of the study is to highlight the pattern of governance in Pakistan by reviewing the working of institutional structure to consolidate democracy in the state. This is a Qualitative study having focus on exploratory approach.