Explain the factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.

There are several factors that have contributed to the failure in building Pakistan as a stable democracy. Some of which are-

i) Pakistan and India were initially at conflict for several years and even today. Following this even Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh led to another war. All this has made the military and the pro-military sentiments stronger in the country.

ii) The social dominance of clergy, military and the land-owning class has led to the frequent overthrow of democratic governments only to be replaced by military governments. For instance, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto removed by General Zia Ali Khan in 1977.

iii) Due to repeated instability depicted by elected governments now the belief in the country rests in the military owing to this people have lost faith in the parties.

iv) Even western countries such as the United States has not assisted them in transitioning to a democracy as long as their interests were served to.

v) With the development of nuclear weapons in the country and it also being a breeding ground for terrorism it is believed that it is safe and wise to be ruled by a military under such circumstance as they would be able to protect the region from a nuclear take over.

vi) Leadership vacuum that seems to only further deepen with subsequent years as leaders are not able to aid the economy effectively out of debt traps and other socio-economic mishaps.