Political leaders, democracy advocates, civil society representatives, academics, journalists, lawyers, youth activists, and human rights defenders convened on Thursday to call for reclaiming democratic spaces, strengthening constitutional governance, and protecting fundamental rights in Pakistan. They expressed deep concerns over the country's political, economic, and institutional challenges. The demands were articulated at a Democracy Summit titled "United for Democracy: Reclaiming Democratic Spaces & Protecting Rights," organized by Rawadari Tehreek at a local hotel in Karachi.
Speakers from across the political and civil society spectrum emphasized the urgent need for democratic reforms, institutional accountability, protection of marginalized communities, and a comprehensive national political dialogue to address the growing challenges facing the nation. Former senator and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raza Rabbani criticized the influence of international financial institutions on Pakistan's policymaking, alleging that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was dictating an agenda that adversely affects ordinary citizens. He expressed concern that the federal government's budget announcement had been delayed due to IMF-related considerations, arguing that such external influence undermines democratic decision-making. Mr. Rabbani also blamed both civil and military bureaucracies for weakening democratic institutions over the years. He noted that authoritarian rulers had historically viewed students and workers as major forces of democratic resistance and therefore systematically weakened student unions and trade unions. "The dictators knew that students and workers were the principal forces of resistance, so they targeted and weakened their representative organizations," he said.
Miftah Ismail on Free Elections and Rights
Pakistan Awam Party leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail emphasized that democracy begins with free, fair, and transparent elections. Referring to the 2018 general elections, he claimed they were not conducted fairly and alleged that political opponents of former prime minister Imran Khan were imprisoned during his tenure. Mr. Ismail stressed that constitutional rights must be guaranteed to all citizens in a democratic republic, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups. He called for greater protection of the rights of women, transgender persons, religious and linguistic minorities, and the people of Balochistan. He urged citizens and political leaders alike to raise their voices for the protection of human rights and democratic freedoms. He also criticized economic policies that, according to him, disproportionately benefit powerful sectors while vulnerable segments of society face social stigma. Mr. Ismail pointed out that the sugar and fertilizer industries receive subsidies worth billions of rupees, yet beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) are often unfairly labelled as beggars. "We should defend the rights and dignity of the poor and marginalized rather than stigmatize them," he said.
Crisis of Legitimacy and Constitutional Concerns
Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Safdar Abbasi voiced concern over what he described as a growing crisis of legitimacy in the country's institutions. "We have not been able to create legitimacy. We do not have a legitimate institution in the country," he said. Mr. Abbasi maintained that while democratic forces had repeatedly resisted authoritarian tendencies, democracy itself remained weak within political parties. He also criticized the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, arguing that they had negatively affected democratic governance. Warning of worsening national conditions, he said Pakistan was moving towards instability and possible anarchy due to economic mismanagement and institutional weaknesses. "The economy is in shambles, and around 80 percent of government revenue is consumed by debt repayments," he remarked.
Several other prominent figures also addressed the summit, including President of the Sindh High Court Bar Association Haseeb Jamali, Jeay Sindh Mahaz Chairman Riaz Ali Chandio, scholar and writer Jami Chandio, and human rights expert and former chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission Iqbal Ahmed Detho. The speakers highlighted a range of issues, including constitutional rights, provincial autonomy, rule of law, democratic accountability, freedom of expression, and the need to strengthen public institutions.
Karachi Declaration and National Political Dialogue
At the conclusion of the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to defending democratic freedoms, resisting authoritarian tendencies, and opposing discrimination, exclusion, and the suppression of dissenting voices. They pledged to continue advocating for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and equal rights for all citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or social background. Vice Chairman of Rawadari Tehreek Pakistan Deedar Ahmed Mirani presented the Karachi Declaration on behalf of the summit's participants and speakers. A key recommendation contained in the declaration was the initiation of a comprehensive national political dialogue involving all major stakeholders. According to the declaration, Pakistan's political, economic, and security challenges require a collective and unified response. Participants argued that meaningful dialogue could help reduce political polarization, ease tensions among institutions and political actors, address security concerns through consensus, and create conditions necessary for sustainable development.
The declaration further called upon state institutions to operate strictly within their constitutional mandates and avoid authoritarian overreach. Participants urged political parties and public institutions to work towards making governance more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens' needs. They also emphasized that strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption were essential for rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions. On electoral reforms, the summit observed that although Pakistan's electoral framework contains important safeguards, concerns arise when state institutions fail to maintain neutrality. Participants recommended dialogue among all stakeholders to enhance transparency, fairness, and public confidence in future elections.
Provincial Autonomy and Final Pledge
The declaration also underscored the importance of provincial autonomy within Pakistan's federal structure. Participants maintained that national unity becomes stronger when provinces enjoy meaningful authority over their affairs. They described greater provincial autonomy as a democratic necessity that can contribute to political stability, economic development, and national cohesion. The summit concluded with a collective pledge by participants to continue working for democratic governance, constitutional supremacy, human rights, and an inclusive political order in Pakistan.
