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Democracy in Pakistan worse than dictatorship: Asma Shirazi

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 February 2019

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Democracy in Pakistan worse than dictatorship: Asma Shirazi
Asma Shirazi argues that the current democratic climate in Pakistan is becoming increasingly oppressive. She highlights the suppression of free speech as a critical issue in contemporary politics.

ISLAMABAD - Aaj News presenter Asma Sherazi has termed the current phase of democracy worse than dictatorship, pointing out efforts to curtail freedom of expression.

In her article on bbcurdu.com, she wrote: “We are living in a democracy but are worse off than dictatorship. Firstly nobody raises a voice, if one does, it is suppressed.”

In a pointed attack on the ruling party’s slogan of change (tabdeeli), she said Pakistan is facing a strange mix of hurling allegations, using abusive language, and forwarding useless arguments.

She maintained the promised change is one of suppressing the freedom of expression.

Asma said today Pakistan has a parliament, political parties with their manifestoes, scores of TV channels, a civil society, but there is also an accompanying void in which everyone is silenced.

Key Points

  • Asma Shirazi compares democracy in Pakistan unfavorably to dictatorship.
  • She emphasizes the suppression of freedom of expression.
  • Shirazi critiques the ruling party's failure to bring genuine change.
  • She points out the silencing of dissenting voices in political discourse.
  • Despite a parliament and multiple TV channels, a void of expression persists.

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