Dream of democratic Pakistan.

Byline: HUZAIMA BUKHARI AND DR IKRAMUL HAQ

Democracy, independence of judiciary and responsible government - three oft-debated issues in media - are intrinsically linked with accountability and functioning of all organs of the State. So long holders of public office, politicians, high-ranking civil and military officials and judges do not make their declaration of assets, incomes and tax paid public, the dream of democratisation of society will remain an illusion.

There is an urgent need to initiate a nation-wide campaign for accountability and reforms - the civil society should come forward and force the ruling classes to abdicate protection behind laws extending them immunity and privileges. As soon as the ruling classes start paying their taxes diligently and start living like common people, the entire nation will follow the suit.

The dream of a new Pakistan that overwhelmed the nation on 16 March 2009 - in the aftermath of revival of judiciary of 2 November 2007 - is now fast fading. It is being viewed as yet another illusionary "achievement". The ruling trio - insurmountable civil-military complex, greedy politicians-cum-industrialists and unscrupulous businessmen - has managed to convince the masses that judiciary cannot implement its decisions, eg oil and sugar prices and Swiss case …