Presidential System in Pakistan

Presidential System in Pakistan:Major(R)Khalid Nasr


Keeping in view the socio-political situations of Pakistan, in my opinion Parliamentary Model or so-called Western Democracy is not feasible & suitable.Rather, a strong Presidential Govt is much more acceptable. One thing must be clear that Presidential Model does not include Dictatorship in it, but it’s a pure Democratic model of governance.
Western Democracy was something new not only for Pakistan but for the whole sub-continent, an area which witnessed a thousand years of Monarchial Rule by Turks, Afghans, Mughals. Even the British, who were practicing democracy at home, brought Imperialism to the sub-continent.This has affected the psychology of the nationals and we cannot adjust with Parliamentarianism. Although Presidential one is not a Monarchy but it is in resemblance with it so it attracts our minds.
Pakistan is an Islamic Republic and we as a Muslim cannot follow anything in contradiction to Islam. In Islamic Model of Government, the basic principle is that all the decisions are made through mutual consultation. But in case of any contradiction of opinions, the leader or Amir has the final authority to decide and he may decide what he thinks the best one and accepting no influence of majority,
(Muaarf ul Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib, page 225). This authority cannot be exercised in Parliamentarianism because the Prime Minister cannot deny the pressure of majority. On the other side , a President is sovereign and can decide so in such a situation.
“It is the part of the mercy of God, that thou dost deal gently with them, wert thou sever or harsh hearted, they would have been broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults) and ask for (God’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in God, for God loves those who put their trust (in Him). Surah Al-Imran 3,Verse 42.
For Western Democracy to flourish and to be successful, an enlightened, educated, poverty free society is necessary. Unfortunately Pakistanis have not even a single one out of above said qualities. Being illiterate, poor, and narrow minded we cannot follow such a model of govt. Truly speaking, we as a nation are not yet so mature to be called as a nation and to practice such a delicate model of governance.
The political mandate in Parliamentary system is not substitute of capabilities. What we need is to have professionals and qualified persons in all sectors of Govt, especially in the Executive and in his cabinet. It is at least not possible in the present political situation. Its so because in present system, the Govt needs votes from parliamentarians and they in return draw benefit in form of Ministry or some other fruitful post, nevertheless that either he has capabilities to perform the duties or not.
To sum up, the Parliamentarianism has failed and resulted in emergence of nationalities and sub-nationalities in Pakistan, as it’s not a symbol of a strong Federation. It must be replaced with the Presidential one so that Pakistan may emerge as a united and strong federation. Now the question is how to start with this idea. Parliment has to decide for or against the Presidential System and make necessary ammendments in the constitution.Would the parlimentarians like to do so--this is a very BIG question mark on the way to Presidential system.