Pakistan Peoples Party: An Assessment of its Role in the Promotion of a Democtratic Culture in Pakistan (1988-99)

Abstract

This study examines the role of Pakistan Peoples Party in the politics of Pakistan from 1988 to 1999. The party contributed towards the restoration of democracy after a constant struggle against the dictatorship which ruled over the country for more than a decade (1977 to 1988). PPP, under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto ruled Pakistan twice, though with a simple majority each time in the parliament. Benazir started as a prime minister with great enthusiasm as evident from initiatives that were to bring a change in different aspects of the national life. Social Action Program to improve the living standard of common man, lifting of ban on trade unions, guarantee the freedom of press and conversion of death sentence into life imprisonment were some of the praiseworthy steps of her government. While in government twice she tried to improve relationship with International Community particularly with India. The expectation could, however, only marginally materialized on the account of the confrontation in which her government indulged with the opposition. Several challenges like (hostility with IJI in the Punjab, MQM in Sindh, the Army and the President) obstructed the smooth functioning of PPP rule on both occasions. Despite these challenges, the party should have played the game of politics according to rules and to materialize its pledges made with the masses. Apart from these, the mishandling of government resource, nepotism and favoritism overshadowed issues of vital significance. While choosing to sit on the opposition benches, Benazir Bhutto followed a healthy tradition of accepting the mandate of ruling Pakistan Muslim League. But PPP’s role as the main opposition platform was dominated more by the elements of hatred and revenge rather than cooperation. Benazir wasted her energies in skirmishing with her political rivals and with other state institutions such as the military and judiciary. Ethnic troubles provoking law and order in Sindh on both occasions of the PPP rule posed serious threats to its survival. This virtually rendered those efforts ineffective which the PPP could use for democracy and development. The study concludes that despite the follies made, PPP has the credit of bringing democracy back to the country. Mostly qualitative tools are used to determine various dimensions and depths of this study. Both historical and descriptive methods are used looking to the nature of the study. In order to collect the relevant information, both primary and secondary sources were used.