Pakistan Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling On Democracy – OpEd

With a historic majority ruling, Pakistan's Supreme Court set the groundwork for a stable democratic Pakistan on Friday, July 12, afternoon. With their vote on February 8, the people of Pakistan had already shown their intent for a democratic future; yet, their choice was not acknowledged by the Election Commission of Pakistan, the governing elite, or the government. Form 47 was forced instead of Form 45, therefore compromising the people's choice. Under the direction of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and backed by eight justices, the Supreme Court knocked down these obstacles in line with the desire of the majority and thereby reinforced the democratic character.

This choice has resonance in history as July 12 is the day Pakistan was really rescued. Though other events have been hailed as national healings, this verdict stands apart. It states that the non-partisan elections of 1985 had rendered political parties useless, therefore giving feudal lords, communities, chiefdoms, and businessmen control. Recognizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) as a legal party and thereby establishing a solid basis for democracy, the verdict brings back the primacy of political parties. Although there have been many assertions in the past that "Pakistan has been saved," the relevance of July 12 resides in its specific influence. This brief opinion underlined how the 1985 non-partisan elections helped powerful people to control the political scene by marginalizing political parties and thus compromising democratic procedures. This is because the Supreme Court has sought to eliminate feudalism and oligarchy by decimating this precedent therefore enhancing the hegemony of political parties in a democracy. 

To the Pakistanis, especially the young generation in search of opportunity beyond and the old yearning for groundedness, the choice provides a glimmer of hope. The written ruling strives to reopen the 1973 charter for interpretation; perchance be communicated, thus may reestablish democracy and create a useful legal document for Pakistan and a democratizing world. This will be viewed in the future as a point when something began to change, and great emphasis will be placed on the fact that the activists who fought against the crowd and suffered for it will receive honors. In the context of youthful Pakistanis, this option is full of new opportunities and purpose. Those youths who frequently seek for better opportunities in other countries can now have reason to look forward to the future of their own country. Long unhappy with the political instability and financial difficulties, the senior generation may experience positive changes for their children. The decision made by the Supreme Court symbolizes the rebirth of trust in democracy, thus offering a lifeboat to the year of the unstable political situation in the country.

By declaring research, observation, and commitment to the spirit of the constitution as the main guidelines, the eight justices appeared to have a good understanding of the document. Their choice supported PTI, acknowledging the political situation of the party and tackling injustices by several institutions—especially the Election Commission. With this recognition, many constitutional, political, legal, and moral conflicts are resolved, therefore attesting to democracy's triumph. The fact that the judges are committed to the constitution attests to their democratic values. Recognizing PTI's political position has not only corrected past injustices but also established a standard for future election fairness. The decision emphasizes the need of following constitutional values and the rule of law, therefore supporting the judges' responsibility as defender of democracy.

This choice sets PTI in a fresh test of inventiveness. The decision of the Supreme Court offers the pillar for a solid democratic Pakistan; now, PTI founder Imran Khan, his supporters, officials, lawyers, and economists will decide on the next actions. Since 1985, the actions of succeeding political and military regimes have resulted in commercial, agricultural, and financial losses. Dealing with these problems calls for strategic planning, debt-paying techniques, more output, consistent legal application. PTI has major difficulties ahead. The party has to negotiate difficult social and economic challenges while creating strong plans to handle the many concerns facing the nation. Important topics include control of the national debt, increase of industrial and agricultural output, and guarantee of consistent legal implementation. Success of PTI will depend on its capacity to carry out sensible policies supporting economic stability and sustained growth.

The country has to be always appreciative to the eight judges for their dedication to the constitution and thorough analysis of the circumstances. This choice gives Pakistan's future fresh hope and helps to an end to the hopelessness from Lahore to Quetta. Expressing thanks to overseas Pakistanis and the regular PTI political workers who have suffered extreme injustice and exploitation is vital. The thanks go beyond the court to include grassroots political activists and Pakistani diaspora. Long supporters of their country via remittances and campaigning, overseas Pakistanis now have fresh faith in Pakistan's democratic future. Often underprivileged and suppressed, ordinary political workers should be proud of their part in reaching this democratic turning point.

The actual owners of Pakistan are common Pakistanis who suffer most from institutional tensions and ruling class strife. The founder of PTI is noteworthy for his tenacity and patience; after this choice, the attention of the general public is focused on the future road plan. The plan of PTI should include domestic, foreign, economic, and trade issues, thus promoting stable ties with institutions, and so attaining the aim of a stable democratic Pakistan. Apart from saving democracy, this historic ruling by the Supreme Court guides Pakistan towards a better, more democratic future. It needs a group effort from all spheres of life to realize the goal of a stable, rich, democratic Pakistan. PTI and its supporters now have the obligation for honoring this legal triumph by carrying out policies that represent public democratic aspirations.