Political Ideas and Transformation of Political Culture in Pakistan

Abstract

The political ideas and transformation of political culture in Pakistan have undergone a significant evolution since the country's independence in 1947. This paper aims to provide a succinct overview of this transformation, focusing on major turning points and their impacts. It examines how political ideas have shaped the country's political culture and governance over the years. The early years of Pakistan's independence saw the dominance of centralized power and a focus on Islamic ideology, leading to the consolidation of authority within the state. However, subsequent decades witnessed shifts in political ideas, including periods of military rule and democratic experimentation. These changes have greatly influenced the country's political culture, with implications for governance, civil-military relations, and citizen participation. The transformation of political culture in Pakistan is closely tied to the interplay of various political ideas, ranging from democratic socialism to religious conservatism, and their translation into policies and governance frameworks. This abstract also explores how external influences and internal dynamics have contributed to the ebb and flow of political ideas and their impact on Pakistan's political culture.