Wary Of China, Funds crunch-hit Pakistan opts out of Democracy Summit

 Wary Of China, Funds crunch-hit Pakistan opts out of Democracy Summit 

(Paradoxically, is this very “democracy” that has provided legitimacy to bad governance in Pakistan? What Pakistan apparently is something that looks like democracy, but does not work like one, says an article in a leading Pakistani newspaper.) 

New Delhi 

Between China and Democracy, Pakistan sticks to its dependence on Beijing and skipped the Summit of Democracy. 

At a time when debt-ridden Pakistan needs Chinese help and an IMF bailout package, Islamabad has chosen not to attend the 'Summit for Democracy' hosted virtually by US President Joe Biden. 

Two strong allies of Pakistan, China and Turkey were not invited to the virtual summit. Pakistan's participation in the summit has been a subject of intense debate nevertheless.

"The Summit process is now at an advanced stage and therefore, Pakistan would engage bilaterally with 

the US and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work 

towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson 

told the media.

However, the Foreign Office thanked the US for inviting Pakistan to attend the Second Summit for Democracy.

"We value our friendship with the US. Under this Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and 

expanded substantially". Cash-strapped Pakistan is awaiting a much-needed USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the Washington-based global money lender, IMF, which was originally due to be disbursed in November last year.

The funds are part of a USD 6.5 billion bailout package the IMF approved in 2019, which analysts say is 

critical if Pakistan is to avoid defaulting on external debt obligations.

Pakistan received USD 500 million from China earlier this month.

Meanwhile, an article in a Pakistani newspaper paints a gloomy picture about democracy in Pakistan.

"In Pakistan, democracy remains both illusive and elusive. What we have is something that looks like democracy, 

but does not work like one. Democracy is a dynamic, not static, process but Pakistan’s “democracy” is stuck," says

the article.

Since 2021, the Summit for Democracy process has brought together hundreds of leaders from governments, civil society, and the private sector committed to strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and advancing the fight against corruption.

"Participating governments have made hundreds of commitments to reform laws and policies, bolster transparent and accountable institutions, and contribute additional support to democratic reformers, journalists, and activists. Non-governmental organizations have used the Summit for Democracy platform to expand their own vital work of protecting the most vulnerable and holding their leaders to account," says a joint statement issued by Biden and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Extract from an article in 'Dawn'

In her book, ‘Thieves of State’, Sarah Chayes focuses on corruption in Afghanistan. Sarah, who spent a decade in Kandahar, concludes that the concerns of most people did not have much to do with democracy. Pakistan is, of course, no Afghanistan but the book has a message that applies here as well.

Democracy is no doubt the best form of government but go and ask the masses in societies that are grappling with serious state and nation-building challenges what is most important in their lives. What is important for them, they will tell you, is social and economic justice, human security and dignity and the hope for a better future. And they will like any government that provides this kind of life.

A USAID official once asked me what the people of Pakistan want. Development or democracy? Prompt came my reply — if democracy brings development, they want democracy; if it does not, they want development.

Basically, you need a democracy that satisfies the human aspirations for freedom as well as improves the quality of life for citizens at large. -- (Democracy in Pakistan: Of the elite, for the elite, by the elite)
--- Civilians and the military have taken turns to rule Pakistan, but the system, arguably, has remained the same, ‘unscathed’ by democracy. Touqir Hussain

 

ends