Democracy was first adopted in Europe centuries ago and experienced a revival after its decline during the medieval period. Over time, many European countries established themselves as fully democratic states. India, under British colonial rule, faced significant hardships but was also granted important gifts, one of the most notable being democracy.
Despite the lack of efforts, resistance, or protest, India was given democratic rights, including voting and constitutional rights under British Raj. While Indians could not choose their rulers during this period, they were introduced to a system where civilians were responsible for electing their leaders. This democratic system continued in India after independence.
However, Pakistan’s journey to democracy was more challenging. Unlike India, Pakistan did not inherit a democratic system from its colonial past. Instead, Pakistan struggled to establish even the most basic forms of democracy and to provide civil rights to its citizens.
It took 26 years for Pakistan to develop a constitution that granted proper civil rights. This delay was not due to a revolutionary struggle but to internal conflicts and discrimination. Early Pakistani parliaments were influenced by racial, religious, and feudal mindsets, prioritising personal interests over the public good.
Facing financial difficulties and wartime conditions, Pakistan’s decision-makers were more focused on their own benefits rather than on serving the population. The Objective .