Political instability is basically uncertain leadership where unstable elections and no one party holds power for a long time and then the state has uncertainty about the future of the state. Also, governments changed again and again through coups or revolutions. Weak institutions are where corruption and a lack of legitimacy can disable the government’s ability to function effectively. There essential institutions may breakdown and the rule and law weaken. Terrorism and multiethnicities and religious sects. Foreign interference plays an important role in the political instability of Pakistan. Also, economic inequality, poverty, corruption, and no educated, ideological, and not politically well-aware strong political parties are the main causes. Some are the Impacts of political instability are economic decline, foreign states are not taking interest in trade, country future with uncertainty, violence, no trust of people on state, crime rate, state legitimacy damage, poverty, inflation, and state power disequilibrium are causes of political instability. Pakistan faces political instability from independence in 1947 for 76 years most of the time and also, in current situations, affects the national power of Pakistan.
If we compare Pakistan with western countries like America, Japan, France, Germany, etc., they have strong constitutional supremacy and transparency, and all government and civil, even military, respect their constitution, and if anyone takes action against the constitution, he will be punished strictly.But in the case of Pakistan, there is no constitutional supremacy, accountability, or transparency in Pakistan. In 1958, general Ayub Khan demolished the 1956 constitution and implemented martial law and in 1962, he made an authoritarian constitution, which was just a presidential constitution and was nothing like a presidential system of government and it was a dictatorial constitution, which was abrogated in 1969 by president Yahiya Khan. After that, he made a constitution in 1973, which was a legitimate constitution. Pakistani citizens were happy with this but it was a highly centralized constitution. This constitution was again changed by General Zia ul Haq and changed completely its shape with amendments; after that, General Pervaiz Musharaf came and again amended it, which was the 17th Amendment, and some more changes in the 1973 constitution. Strong political parties are most necessary for states like western countries, in which, if we look at the history of America, there are just two strong political parties from many centuries that are based on clear ideology for the states. Through the ideological political parties, they gave birth to new leadership and promoted their ideologies to people and they supported their ideology. But unfortunately, Pakistan has no strong political party based on clear ideologies.
“DEVOLUTION OF POWER” is basically democratic or political power that moves from the center to provinces and then to local body setups. If this power moves continuously from the center to local body setups where a common person has authority to give ideas, called democratic devolution of power. In 2001, General Pervez Musharaf started the devolution of power but unfortunately, after 2008, the devolution of power was ended because of no strong governmental laws and policies. In western countries there is strong devolution of power where people have say in decision-making regarding policies affecting their citizens.Another reason is that student unions are essential at the college and university level as they help cultivate political leadership and gradually raise awareness, enabling young and educated leaders to emerge and actively participate in the political system, ultimately playing a crucial role in strengthening the country. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, student unions Unfortunately, in Pakistan, student unions were banned in 1973 by General Zia ul Haq, which led to the rise of extremist student groups. were banned in 1973 by General Zia ul Haq, which led to the rise of extremist student groups. This suppression of student unions is a key reason why today’s Pakistani politicians lack ideology, vision, proper education, and a deep understanding of political dynamics.
South Korea and Chile serve as prime examples of countries that transitioned from political instability to stability. South Korea faced political instability from 1948 to 1987, characterized by military coups, authoritarian rule, and slow economic growth. However, in the late 1980s, South Korea became a democratic republic with a strong economy, which stabilized the state politically, improved living standards, and strengthened its relations with nations like the United States. Similarly, Chile experienced political instability from 1973 to 1990 due to military dictatorship, marked by human rights abuses and repression. After 1990, Chile stabilized through a peaceful transition to democracy, adherence to the rule of law, competitive multiparty elections, a strong constitution, and a focus on economic growth, making it a model of political stability in Latin America.
To eliminate the persistent dominance of political instability in Pakistan and achieve political stability, several key measures must be implemented.Pakistan needs strong political parties that are educated, ideological, and politically aware, with a mandatory higher education requirement for political candidates and competitive exams allowing only four candidates to qualify for elections every five years. Constitutional supremacy must be enforced, with strict penalties for those who interfere illegally. Student unions should be reestablished to foster educated and ideological leadership. Once Pakistan achieves political stability, it will project national power more effectively, and issues like violence and ethnic conflict will diminish. All political leaders must unite under a single strong ideology, prioritizing the betterment of Pakistan over personal gain. Additionally, social cohesion is vital to state unity, fostering cooperation and improving foreign relations, which are essential for national stability.
The Author, Muhammad Furqan is currently pursuing BS in Social Sciences at National Defense University. He is an independent researcher .
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