Jama’at-e-Islami Struggle for Democracy Promotion during Ayub’s Dictatorship

Abstract

Democracy promotion consists of transition to democracy and consolidation of democracy. Transition is the process of preparing the ground for democracy during which the democratic system is not well established and consolidation is the stage when democracy becomes the only game in town for seeking and exercising political power. During Ayub rule, Jama’at played a vivid role in democracy promotion. Jama’at joined hands with other parties and adopted the role of hard-liner opposition to regime. Jama’at steadfastly faced the atrocities of the regime for democracy promotion. When the regime become feeble and started conceiving to the demands of opposition, Jama’at adopted the role of soft-liner opposition believing in negotiation rather than agitation. The regime accepted the demands of opposition and it seemed that democracy would be restored soon but the violent agitations of some parties deteriorated situations and caused the imposition of another martial law in the country.