Why Pakistan under General Musharraf cannot be called a democracy? State any five reasons.

Pakistan under General Musharraf cannot be called a democracy due to following reasons

i. General Musharraf conducted a military coup in October 1999, overthrowing a democratically elected government.

ii. In 2002, he held a referendum which, according to Pakistani media, human rights organisations and democracy activists, was based on malpractices and fraud.

iii. Further, in August 2002 he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ to give him the power to dismiss the national and provincial assemblies.

iv. In addition, the work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council dominated by military officers, none of whom were elected.

v. Elections were held and the elected representatives have some powers, but the final power rests with military officers and General Musharraf himself.