SUBMITTED BY : HIFSA AIMEN

SUBMITTED TO: DR MUSSARAT JABEEN

ROLL NUMBER: 05
TOPIC: MULTIPARTY SYSTEM IN
PAKISTAN
MULTIPARTY SYSTEM
Multiparty system is a type of political system in
which multiple political parties have the capacity to
gain control of government offices, separately or in
coalition. This system is characterized by the
presence of several significant parties that have a
realistic chance of participating in governance, either
alone or by forming coalitions.
ADVANTAGES
 Broad Representation
 Encourages Coalition Building
 Reflects Social Diversity
 Prevents Dominance of a Single Party
DISADVANTAGES
 Political fragmentation
 Government instability
 Potential for Weak Governments
  Complex Coalition Negotiations
 Difficulty in Passing Legislation

OVERVIEW OF PAKISTAN’S MULTIPARTY

SYSTEM.
INTRODUCTION
The political framework of Pakistan is defined by a
multi-party system, which serves as a microcosm of
the nation’s complex and diverse socio-political
fabric. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan has
witnessed the rise and fall of various political
entities, each shaping the trajectory of its democratic
evolution. The multi-party system not only reflects
the country’s ethnic, linguistic, and regional
diversity but also underscores the competitive and
often tumultuous nature of its political landscape.
This system, with its myriad of political voices,
plays a crucial role in ensuring representation and
fostering democratic ideals, albeit with inherent
challenges of instability and governance issues.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1.Pre-independence era
The roots of Pakistan’s multi-party system can be
traced back to the pre-independence era. The Indian
National Congress and the All India Muslim League
were the two dominant parties. The Muslim League,
led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, played a pivotal role
in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
2.Post-Independence Period
After gaining independence, Pakistan saw the
emergence of various political parties. The early
years were dominated by the Muslim League, but
internal divisions and the imposition of martial law
in 1958 by Ayub Khan disrupted the political
process. The subsequent decades saw a flux of
military and civilian rule, influencing the evolution
of the party system.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MULTI-PARTY
SYSTEM
  1950s: Initial Years and Political Turbulence
In the early years after independence, Pakistan’s
political landscape was dominated by the Muslim
League, which had been instrumental in the creation
of the country. However, the party soon fragmented
into various factions due to internal conflicts and
differences in vision for the country’s future. This
fragmentation led to political instability, with
frequent changes in leadership and government. The
lack of a stable political environment paved the way
for the first military coup in 1958, led by General
Ayub Khan, which temporarily suppressed political
parties and democratic processes.
 1960s: The Era of Controlled Democracy
During Ayub Khan’s rule, the concept of “controlled
democracy” was introduced, wherein political
activities were restricted, and the Basic Democracies
system was implemented to create a facade of
participatory governance. Despite these restrictions,
opposition to Ayub Khan’s rule grew, leading to the
emergence of significant political figures like
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who would later play a pivotal
role in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape.
 1970s: A Decade of Change
The 1970s marked a watershed moment in
Pakistan’s political history with the emergence of the
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) under the leadership
of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The general elections of
1970, conducted under the supervision of General
Yahya Khan’s military government, were the first to
be held on the basis of adult franchise. These
elections highlighted regional disparities,
particularly the dominance of the Awami League in
East Pakistan, leading to the eventual secession of
East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in
1971. Following the secession, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
became the President (later Prime Minister) of
Pakistan and initiated a series of reforms aimed at
restructuring the political and economic framework
of the country.
Major Contributions
1. Constitution of 1973: One of the PPP’s
most significant achievements under
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the drafting and
implementation of the 1973 Constitution,
which remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s
legal framework
2. Nationalization: In the 1970s, the PPP
government nationalized key industries,
banks, and educational institutions in an
effort to reduce inequality and promote state
control over resources.
3. Foreign Policy: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s
government pursued an independent foreign
policy, strengthened ties with China and the
Muslim world, and initiated Pakistan’s
nuclear program.
4. Democratic Transition: After periods of
military rule, the PPP has been a staunch
advocate for the restoration of democracy.
Benazir Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s
daughter, became the first female Prime
 Minister of a Muslim-majority country in
1988.
5. Social Programs: The PPP has launched
various social programs aimed at poverty
alleviation, education, and health. These
include the Benazir Income Support
Programme (BISP), which provides
financial assistance to low-income families

 1980s: Military Rule and the Revival of

Political Parties
The 1980s were marked by General Zia-ul-Haq’s
military dictatorship, during which political
activities were heavily curtailed. Despite the
suppression, political opposition began to organize
covertly. The Movement for the restoration of
Democracy (MRD), a coalition of various political
parties including the PPP, emerged as a significant
force challenging Zia’s rule. Zia’s era also saw the
rise of Islamist parties, which gained prominence
due to the state’s Islamization policies. After Zia’s
death in 1988, Pakistan returned to civilian rule with
the elections that year. The PPP, led by Benazir
Bhutto, won the elections, marking the beginning of
a period of alternating civilian governments between
the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N).
 1990s: A Decade of Political Instability
The 1990s were characterized by intense political
rivalry between the PPP and PML-N, led by Nawaz
Sharif. This decade saw frequent changes in
government, allegations of corruption, and power
struggles between the executive and the judiciary.
Both parties had their stints in power but were
unable to complete full terms due to dismissals by
the Presidents, backed by military influences under
the Eighth Amendment. The political instability and
governance issues of the 1990s eroded public trust in
the established parties, setting the stage for the rise
of new political movements.
 21st Century: Emergence of New Parties and
Changing Dynamics
The turn of the century brought significant changes
to Pakistan’s political landscape. The early 2000s
saw another military coup, with General Pervez
Musharraf taking control in 1999. The most notable
development in the 21st century has been the rise of
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran
Khan in 1996. Initially struggling to gain traction,
PTI gradually built its support base on a platform of
anti-corruption, governance reforms, and social
justice. The party’s message resonated with a
significant portion of the electorate disillusioned
with the traditional parties. In the 2013 elections,
PTI emerged as a major political force, and by 2018,
it won enough seats to form the government,
marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s political
dynamics.
KEY POLITICAL PARTIES
 Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Founded in 1967, PPP is a center-left party
advocating for social democracy and a secular
government. It has a strong base in Sindh and
 has been led by prominent figures like Zulfikar
Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
 Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
A center-right conservative party, PML-N was
established in the 1990s. It has a strong support
base in Punjab and has been led by Nawaz
Sharif. The party focuses on economic
liberalization and infrastructure development.
 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Founded in 1996 by Imran Khan, PTI is a
centrist party emphasizing anti-corruption,
governance reforms, and social justice. Its rise to
power in 2018 marked a significant shift in
Pakistan’s political dynamics.
 Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM):
Represents the Urdu-speaking population in
urban Sindh.
 Awami National Party (ANP): A secular and
leftist party with strong support in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa.
  Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI): An Islamist party
with significant influence in religious
constituencies.
IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE AND
DEMOCRACY
POSITIVE ASPECTS
 Representation and Inclusivity: The multi-
party system ensures diverse representation,
reflecting the country’s ethnic, linguistic, and
regional diversity, and allows minority and
marginalized groups to have their voices heard.
This inclusivity helps address the specific needs
and concerns of various groups, contributing to a
more inclusive governance structure.
 Accountability and Transparency: Multiple
parties create a robust system of checks and
balances, preventing any single party from
becoming too powerful. Greater scrutiny of
government actions and policies leads to
increased transparency, combating corruption.
Competition among parties encourages
 innovative policies and solutions as they strive
to address public concerns effectively.
 Political Engagement: A diverse party
landscape encourages higher voter participation,
as citizens feel their interests and values are
represented. The presence of multiple parties
enhances civic education and political
awareness, fostering a more informed electorate.
 Coalition Building: Coalition governments
promote negotiation and compromise, fostering
a culture of collaboration. Policies often have
broader support as they are the result of
consensus among various parties.
 Policy Formulation: The multi-party system
allows for a diverse range of inputs and
perspectives in policy formulation, potentially
leading to more comprehensive and well-
rounded policies. This diversity can result in
policies that better address the complex
challenges faced by the society.
CHALLENGES
 Political Instability: The need to form
coalitions can lead to frequent elections,
disrupting governance and policy continuity.
Changes in government can result in policy
reversals, making long-term planning and
implementation difficult.
 Corruption and Inefficiency: The competitive
nature of politics can foster corruption and
patronage as parties seek votes and support.
Corruption can lead to the misallocation of
resources, undermining development and public
trust. Coalition governments can be slow and
inefficient in decision-making due to the need to
reconcile diverse party agendas.
 Fragmentation and Divisive Politics: Regional
and ethnic parties can exacerbate divisions
within the country, leading to polarized and
fragmented political landscapes. Emphasis on
identity politics can overshadow broader
national issues and contribute to social tensions.
 Economic and Governance Challenges:
Political instability and frequent changes in
 government can create economic uncertainty,
affecting investor confidence and economic
growth. Inconsistent policies due to changing
governments can hinder long-term economic
planning and development. Frequent elections
and constant campaigning can be financially
burdensome for the state and parties, diverting
resources from critical areas.

 Social Cohesion: While a diverse party

landscape allows for representation of various
interests, it may also challenge social cohesion,
as competing ideologies and interests can lead to
polarization and division within society.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the multiparty system in Pakistan
presents both opportunities and challenges for the
country’s democratic journey. While it allows for
diverse representation and inclusivity, fostering a
sense of political pluralism, it also demands effective
governance, coalition-building, and compromise to
address the nation’s pressing issues. Moving
forward, nurturing a culture of transparency,
accountability, and consensus-building among
political parties is essential for the multiparty system
to truly serve the interests of the Pakistani people
and strengthen the foundation of democracy in the
country.