An annual report from the US-based watchdog the Freedom House claims that democracy, political rights and civil liberties went downwards slope in 2018 in Pakistan.
The watchdog recently published a 4-page report analyzing democratic values, civil liberties and political rights worldwide. While democracy slid down in Pakistan, India and even the United Kingdom, it did rise in the United States among others countries.
68 Countries Saw A Decline, 50 Saw A Rise In Democracy
The report claims that 68 countries saw a decline in democratic values, while 50 countries made gains. In its three categories namely ‘free’, ‘partly-free’ and ‘not free’, Pakistan is ranked among the partly free countries.
Along with Pakistan are Singapore, Philippines, Israel, Austria, Bangladesh, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, Brazil, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, Myanmar also saw a decline.
Attacks on State Institutions Undermine Democracy
It further states that attacks on state institutions including the judiciary, the media and the electoral mechanisms are undermining the democracy. It also alleged China of being an ‘assertive force’ working against democratic norms.
“Only by strengthening democracy at home, and standing together in its defence around the world, can democracies protect their values and preserve their ability to expand freedom globally,” the report proposed.
Impact Of Social Media On Democracy
The report also highlighted the importance of social media on democracy. It said that due to the growth and access to social media, the technology and SM companies play a crucial role in promotion or undermining of democracy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8MPKv8_xtU
General Elections 2018: coverage was tilted to favour Imran Khan
The report said that while Pakistan’s elections were more competitive, influence over the media was widely thought to have tilted the contest in favour of Imran Khan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAION_Juc3U
Have something to say about the story? Write in the comments section below
The watchdog recently published a 4-page report analyzing democratic values, civil liberties and political rights worldwide. While democracy slid down in Pakistan, India and even the United Kingdom, it did rise in the United States among others countries.
68 Countries Saw A Decline, 50 Saw A Rise In Democracy
The report claims that 68 countries saw a decline in democratic values, while 50 countries made gains. In its three categories namely ‘free’, ‘partly-free’ and ‘not free’, Pakistan is ranked among the partly free countries.
Along with Pakistan are Singapore, Philippines, Israel, Austria, Bangladesh, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, Brazil, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, Myanmar also saw a decline.
Attacks on State Institutions Undermine Democracy
It further states that attacks on state institutions including the judiciary, the media and the electoral mechanisms are undermining the democracy. It also alleged China of being an ‘assertive force’ working against democratic norms.
“Only by strengthening democracy at home, and standing together in its defence around the world, can democracies protect their values and preserve their ability to expand freedom globally,” the report proposed.
Impact Of Social Media On Democracy
The report also highlighted the importance of social media on democracy. It said that due to the growth and access to social media, the technology and SM companies play a crucial role in promotion or undermining of democracy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8MPKv8_xtU
General Elections 2018: coverage was tilted to favour Imran Khan
The report said that while Pakistan’s elections were more competitive, influence over the media was widely thought to have tilted the contest in favour of Imran Khan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAION_Juc3U
Have something to say about the story? Write in the comments section below