Democratic erosion is a gradual process that has been an ongoing process in Pakistan. While the country still holds elections and operates under the 1973 constitution, the quality of the democracy has weakened especially since Imran Khan, the former prime minister, was arrested and removed from office in 2022. Pakistan presents a case in which democratic institutions were able to be intact at other points in time, but has since gradually eroded throughout the years into what it is today. There is still a sense of democratic procedure but a lack of real representation of the public’s opinion and constant censorship of those trying to share their opinions. 

Historically, Pakistan’s democratic development has been interrupted by the military essentially taking over the government. Although a formal sense of military rule ended in 2008 it left the system fractured and without a sense of structure for a democracy. Rauf Nawaz, in “The Erosion in Pakistan: An Authoritarian Regime”, argues that Pakistan operates within a hybrid system in which civilian governments often function under informal constraints. The full authority of parliament is limited therefore weakening democratic accountability. Even without overt military rule, the influence of a non-elected power continues to shape political outcomes negatively. This is not just an old issue, it remains an ongoing problem in Pakistan’s present political landscape.

In more recent news political developments have intensified concerns about democratic backsliding in Pakistan. The removal of former prime minister and founder of the political party PTI, Imran Khan, in 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence followed constitutional procedure. As Anaya Qayyum explains in “Imran Khan’s Fall and he Democratic Backsliding of Pakistan,” The political aftermath raised serious concerns. The arrest of Khan, legal actions against members of his party, and restrictions on opposition rallies created the perception that state institutions were being used in politically selective ways. Even recently questions about the conditions Imran Khan is being kept in have been very lackluster, It was reported by Al-Jazeera that the former prime minister has been left with 15% vision in right eye. Lack of proper care for sickness and overall lack of fair treatment nor any way to communicate to his family or the outside world. While legal channels may have been followed, the actions themselves contributed to the erosion of Pakistan’s democracy through restriction of power and lack of proper treatment and representation.

This erosion is currently unfolding without any positive view for the future of Pakistan’s democracy. Political arrests, restrictions on rallies, media pressure, and institutional controversies are not isolated or distant events. These are becoming the norm and continuing a pattern that has affected the daily political lives of citizens. Dawn, a reputable news source based in Pakistan has been censored on numerous occasions by their own government. This has been becoming more of a norm than it already was in Pakistan. Democratic erosion in Pakistan has followed the common path of a gradual decline like we have seen in many other countries. Incremental changes that weaken checks and balances while preserving formal democratic procedures are a prime example of how Pakistan’s democracy is eroding.