Challenges Faced by the Parliament of Pakistan (2008–2018)

Abstract

This study examines the major challenges faced by the Parliament of Pakistan during the period 2008–2018, a decade marked by democratic transition and institutional continuity. While this era witnessed the restoration of parliamentary sovereignty following the end of military rule, the functioning of Parliament remained constrained by structural, political, and institutional limitations. Drawing on historical context and contemporary developments, the study highlights how long-standing patterns of civil–military imbalance, weak democratic traditions, and political instability continued to shape parliamentary performance. The research identifies key challenges including executive dominance, weak legislative capacity, ineffective committee systems, and the lack of internal democracy within political parties. The persistence of elite control and factionalism further limited representative governance and policy effectiveness. Additionally, issues related to electoral integrity, the role of the Election Commission, and public distrust contributed to weakening parliamentary legitimacy. The study also underscores the impact of external factors such as U.S. involvement, the War on Terror, and regional instability, which reinforced the dominance of non-parliamentary institutions in policymaking. Moreover, internal challenges such as corruption, political polarization, ethnic tensions, and security crises significantly affected parliamentary functioning. The rise of judicial activism and media influence introduced new dynamics of accountability but also contributed to institutional conflicts. Overall, the findings suggest that despite constitutional reforms and democratic continuity, Pakistan’s Parliament during 2008–2018 operated within a hybrid political system where its authority remained limited. The study concludes that strengthening democratic institutions requires not only constitutional reforms but also institutional capacity-building, political maturity, and enhanced public trust.