In a surprising turn of events, Shibli Faraz, the Leader of Opposition in the Pakistani Senate, recently lauded India’s democratic electoral process while sharply criticizing the shortcomings in Pakistan’s own electoral system. During a parliamentary session in Islamabad, Faraz highlighted the efficiency and transparency of India’s elections, contrasting them with the contentious issues that have marred Pakistan’s electoral history.
“India has just conducted elections where over 800 million people participated across thousands of polling stations, even in remote areas. The month-long process, using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), concluded without allegations of rigging. We aspire for similar progress,” remarked Faraz, emphasizing the inclusive and smooth nature of India’s electoral machinery.
The veteran politician expressed frustration over Pakistan’s recurring electoral disputes, often leading to prolonged controversies and challenges to election results. He attributed these issues to a flawed electoral culture that, according to him, hollows out the country’s political system. Faraz did not mince words when questioning why Pakistan struggles to emulate India’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, pointing fingers at vested interests within various political factions.
“This situation persists due to vested interests of all parties, including the Muslim League and the MQM,” Faraz declared, highlighting internal hurdles that obstruct Pakistan from achieving a transparent electoral process akin to its neighboring democratic counterpart.
Faraz’s candid remarks come at a crucial time for Pakistan, where political stability and institutional credibility often face scrutiny. His praise for India’s electoral model, coupled with scathing criticism of Pakistan’s electoral integrity, underscores broader debates within Pakistani politics about governance, transparency, and democratic norms.
Observers note that while cross-border tensions often dominate headlines between the two nations, Faraz’s comments offer a rare glimpse into bipartisan admiration for India’s democratic practices among Pakistani leadership. They also ignite introspection within Pakistan’s political circles, urging stakeholders to address systemic flaws hindering electoral credibility.
As Pakistan navigates its democratic journey, Faraz’s words serve as a stark reminder of the aspirations shared by many for fair, transparent elections and robust democratic institutions. Whether his critique sparks meaningful reforms remains to be seen, but his call for improvement resonates as a testament to the evolving discourse on governance and electoral integrity in the region.
The discourse initiated by Faraz underscores the complexities and aspirations of democratic processes in South Asia, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for nations striving to uphold democratic values amidst regional dynamics.
