Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA)
Pakistan Democratic Alliance (formerly: Pakistan Democratic Party)
Translation: اتحاد پاکستان گیرائپکریم, (Arabic: التحالف الديمقراطي الباكستاني; Turkish: Pakistan Demokratik İttifakı)
Definition
The Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA) is a political coalition in Pakistan, formed in 1990. It primarily consisted of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Shii party Tahrik-i Nifaz-i Fiqh-i Jafariyyah. This alliance was established to contest elections and was opposed by the Islamic Democratic Alliance, which included the Muslim League and Jamaat-i Islami.
Historical Background
Etymology
- Pakistan: The name originates from the Persian words ‘Pak,’ meaning pure, and ‘Stan,’ meaning land, translating to ‘Land of the Pure.’
- Democratic: Derived from the Greek word ‘dēmokratia,’ combining ‘dēmos’ (people) and ‘kratos’ (rule) meaning ‘rule by the people.’
- Alliance: From the Old French word ‘aliance,’ which means ‘union’ or ‘combination.’
Formation and Political Context
The Pakistan Democratic Alliance emerged as a counterforce in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape of the 1990s. Given the rise of political and sectarian conflicts at this juncture, the PPP and Tahrik-i Nifaz-i Fiqh-i Jafariyyah formed this coalition to pool resources, appeal to broader demographics, and mitigate sectarian tensions through inclusive representation within Pakistan’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
Political Dynamics
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Pakistan People’s Party (PPP): A center-left political party in Pakistan founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, representing progressive and democratic ideologies.
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Tahrik-i Nifaz-i Fiqh-i Jafariyyah (TNFJ): An influential Shia political party that advocates for the implementation and recognition of Jafari jurisprudence within constitutional frameworks.
While the PDA was not successful in fully consolidating power, its alliance was crucial in shaping the dynamics of electoral politics and navigating Pakistan’s political narrative during its era of activity. The PDA’s existence reflects the interplay of ideological alliances and sect-centric parties vying for power in a multipartite political system.
Related Political Rivalry
The Islamic Democratic Alliance (IDA), against which PDA positioned itself, was led by:
- The Muslim League, a major political party traditionally known for its conservative and pro-business stances.
- Jamaat-i Islami: A major Islamic socio-political party aiming for governance based on Islamic principles.
This rivalry highlighted the factional cleavages within Pakistan’s political ideologies — the liberal, secular viewpoints were represented by the PDA, while conservative and religious sentiments were embodied by the IDA.
Further Readings and References
For a deeper understanding of political alliances in Pakistan, here are recommended readings:
- “Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military” by Hussain Haqqani
- “The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics” by Ayesha Jalal
- “Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy” by Ayesha Siddiqa
- “Politics of Democracy and of Democratization in Pakistan” by Nawaz Parkinson
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
- Pakistan Democratic Alliance was a key player in the fluctuating political tide of Pakistan in the 1990s.
- The alliance showcased the intricate balance of ideological, sectarian, and political forces venerable within diverse democratic frameworks.
- Understanding PDA’s rise and fall provides insights into the broader narrative of Pakistan’s political evolution and the role of political coalitions in transitional democracies.
In essence, the Pakistan Democratic Alliance remains a significant chapter in Pakistan’s political history, embodying efforts to navigate complex identity politics and democratic transitions amidst challenging sociopolitical landscapes.
