The classification of democracy in Pakistan dropped six places in 2024, placing it among the “10 best performances” of the democracy of the Economy Intelligence Unit (EIU). Pakistan ranked 124th worldwide, marking 2.84 and was classified as an authoritarian regime.
The index, which assesses the tendencies of democracy in 165 countries and two territories, categorizes nations based on electoral processes, the functioning of the government, political participation, political culture and civil freedoms.
The global study noted a global drop in democracy worldwide, authoritarian regimes being increasingly anchored. Almost 40% of the world’s population now lives under the authoritarian regime, with 60 countries classified as such.
The index observed a continuous drop in the average score for the countries of Asia and Australasia, where Pakistan, as well as Bangladesh and South Korea, showed the most important declines.
The report highlighted electoral manipulation, division policy and political disorders as major challenges in South Asia, including Pakistan. He cited allegations of political repression and interference in the general elections of Pakistan, which occurred in February 2024.
The report also noted that countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and India faced serious threats to democratic processes, fraud and violence tarnishing the elections in the region.
Joan Hoey, director of the democracy index, noted that if authoritarian regimes gain in force, democracies around the world are struggling.
The report stressed that the future of democracy in South Asia would depend on the strength of civil societies and the will of political institutions to adopt inclusive reforms.
Overall, the 2024 democracy index depicts a worrying image of global democratic health, with many countries, notably Pakistan, faced with growing challenges with their democratic frameworks.
