Pakistani youth prefer Shariah to democracy
4 April 2013 8:29 AM IST
A larger number of young Pakistanis believe the country should be governed by Islamic law or military rule rather than democracy, according to a survey released on Wednesday, weeks before historic national elections.
Pakistan is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on 11 May — the first transition between democratically elected governments in a country that has experienced three military coups and constant political instability since its creation in 1947. The parliament’s ability to complete its five-year term has been hailed as a significant achievement.
But a survey by the British Council found that young Pakistanis — defined as those between the ages of 18 and 29 — have grown more pessimistic about the future over this period, as the country has struggled with a weak economy, high inflation, pervasive energy shortages and a deadly Taliban insurgency.
About 94 per cent of young Pakistanis believe the country is going in the wrong direction, compared with 86 per cent in 2009, the study found. Less than a quarter believe democracy has benefited themselves or their families.
Given these figures, it is perhaps not surprising to find relatively low levels of support for democracy among the youth. Only 29 per cent of young Pakistanis believe democracy is the best political system for the country, according to the poll.
‘Young people are losing confidence in the democratic system,’ the report said. ‘Leaders of all political persuasions have a duty to convince the youth that they remain committed to 'undiluted democracy' for Pakistan.’
Around 38 per cent said Islamic law, or Shariah, is better suited for Pakistan — a reflection of the deeply held religious views of many young people in the majority Muslim country, the report said. Military rule also came out ahead of democracy, with 32 per cent support, despite the turbulent history of the army toppling civilian governments in coups, and enjoying much higher levels of support.
Pakistan is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on 11 May — the first transition between democratically elected governments in a country that has experienced three military coups and constant political instability since its creation in 1947. The parliament’s ability to complete its five-year term has been hailed as a significant achievement.
But a survey by the British Council found that young Pakistanis — defined as those between the ages of 18 and 29 — have grown more pessimistic about the future over this period, as the country has struggled with a weak economy, high inflation, pervasive energy shortages and a deadly Taliban insurgency.
About 94 per cent of young Pakistanis believe the country is going in the wrong direction, compared with 86 per cent in 2009, the study found. Less than a quarter believe democracy has benefited themselves or their families.
Given these figures, it is perhaps not surprising to find relatively low levels of support for democracy among the youth. Only 29 per cent of young Pakistanis believe democracy is the best political system for the country, according to the poll.
‘Young people are losing confidence in the democratic system,’ the report said. ‘Leaders of all political persuasions have a duty to convince the youth that they remain committed to 'undiluted democracy' for Pakistan.’
Around 38 per cent said Islamic law, or Shariah, is better suited for Pakistan — a reflection of the deeply held religious views of many young people in the majority Muslim country, the report said. Military rule also came out ahead of democracy, with 32 per cent support, despite the turbulent history of the army toppling civilian governments in coups, and enjoying much higher levels of support.
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