South Asian Democracy
South Asian Democracy: People often describe South Asia with negative ideas like conflict, poverty or religious tensions. However, they rarely notice something positive. South Asia is actually one of the world’s strongest democratic regions. In fact, about 40% of the world’s democratic population lives here. Each of the eight countries also offers something useful.
Pakistan’s Perspective
My book Democracy’s Heartland studies Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. I look at these countries as places testing different democratic ideas. Some experiments succeed. Others fail. Even so, all of them teach important lessons.
For Pakistan, this wider view matters. Too often, people compare India and Pakistan only to criticise each other. Instead, I want to ask better questions. What can others learn from Pakistan? What can Pakistan learn from India? And how do both countries fit into South Asia’s larger democratic story?
18th Amendment
Pakistan’s recent history shows a strong example of democratic reform. The 18th Amendment in 2010 fixed many problems in the parliamentary system. It strengthened the prime minister. It reduced personal power at the top. As a result, it proved that a constitution can support democracy. The amendment also gave more power to the provinces. It accepted that one central authority cannot run a diverse country. Therefore, provinces need real control over major issues. Pakistan’s Senate also supports this idea by giving all provinces equal representation.
Inclusive Elections
Pakistan’s election system also has strong features. For example, the National Assembly elects members directly and includes reserved seats for women and non-Muslims. Parties fill these seats through lists. This system ensures fair representation by law, not just party choice. In a region with weak minority and women representation, this becomes an important model.
Pakistan also shows quiet democratic strength. Over time, parties that were pushed out have returned through elections. Lawyers, civil society and the media have resisted attempts to limit freedoms. Moreover, voters continue to believe in elections. They believe elections are the only rightful way to gain power. This belief keeps democracy alive.
New Challenges
However, these gains remain fragile. The 27th Amendment of 2025 started a major debate. It gives some office-holders lifetime legal immunity. It also creates a new court to handle constitutional cases instead of the Supreme Court. Critics fear this step may weaken judicial independence. Even so, this moment reminds us that democracy needs constant protection. The same Pakistan that strengthened federalism now faces new challenges to protect these achievements.
Pakistan can also learn from India. One important lesson is constitutional continuity. India has kept its constitution since independence. As a result, institutions developed strong habits. This stability also shaped public expectations about power and elections. Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution has lasted longer than any before it. Therefore, keeping it stable will strengthen democratic culture.
Election Management
Election management is another lesson. India’s Election Commission has gained trust as a neutral body. Pakistan’s Election Commission has improved, but it faces more pressure. Still, Pakistan can give it more independence, more resources and stronger teams.
Pakistan can also learn from India’s acceptance of regular power changes. India has seen many governments rise and fall. Consequently, losing an election has become normal. Pakistan is moving in this direction too. Different parties have formed governments in the centre and provinces over the last 15 years. Accepting regular political change builds democratic stability.
Shared Learning
Overall, South Asian countries should learn from one another. Instead of focusing only on failures, they should study each other’s successes. Pakistan’s reforms, devolution and inclusive election design are important lessons. Likewise, India’s constitutional stability, strong election management and regular change of governments offer useful guidance.
In the end, the message is simple. South Asia is not just a region of crises. It is also a region full of democratic ideas. Ultimately, the region’s future depends on whether countries learn from each other’s experiments and mistakes.
Published in Dawn, 28th November 2025
