Pakistani Democracy Sans Democratic Culture

Since 1947, the country has experienced many disruptions in its journey towards some kind of stable, predictable and efficient governance system that puts citizens at heart of it. During recent crisis, many more grey areas and new questions have emerged about the future of democracy in Pakistan.

In this session of “Baat se Baat”, Mr. Zafarullah Khan will explore following aspects:

◉ Anatomy of democratic design in Pakistan since 1947

◉ Actors and factors of democratic discontent and disruption

◉ Institutional challenges

◉ The way forward towards substantive democracy

The discussion is moderated by Mr. Naazir Mehmood.

About Mr. Zafarullah Khan

Mr. Zafarullah Khan is a civic educator, human rights advocate, and researcher. He launched first-ever ‘Constitutional Literacy Campaign’ in the country for the citizen’s socialization with their social contract-the Constitution of Pakistan. His book “Consistent Parliamentary Cord: Fundamental Rights of the Citizens of Pakistan” has been published and launched by the Senate of Pakistan. The book has also been translated in to Urdu. Mr. Khan served as Executive Director (May 2016-April 2019) of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) established through an Act of Parliament. He briefly served as Member/Commissioner-Islamabad at National Commission for Human Rights. Mr. Khan was Executive Director of Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (2002-2016). In 2016 Mr. Khan was given Human Rights Award (Civil and Political Rights) of Federal Ministry of Human rights by the President of Pakistan. Mr. Khan has done M. Phil in Pakistan Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and M.Sc in Media and Communications from London School of Economics.