In 1988, when democracy was restored, the military establishment was still very powerful. The extremist groups were still there. And when the aid and assistance to Pakistan was cut, we had to adopt harsh economic policies. So in a way, it showed that democracy doesn't pay, and the military was able to reassert itself.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the complex dynamics between democracy and military power in Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto highlights the challenges faced by newly restored democracies, particularly in Pakistan, where the military retained significant influence despite democratic efforts. She suggests that the harsh realities of economic policies and external factors, like the reduction of aid, can undermine the viability of democracy, allowing the military to regain its powerful position.
In practice
During a political debate, to emphasize the challenges of maintaining democracy.
Extremism can flourish only in an environment where basic governmental social responsibility for the welfare of the people is neglected. Political dictatorship and social hopelessness create the desperation that fuels religious extremism.
The best hijab is in the eyes of the beholder.
The next few months are critical to Pakistan's future direction as a democratic state committed to promoting peace, fighting terrorism and working for social justice.
America's greatest contribution to the world is its concept of democracy, its concept of freedom, freedom of action, freedom of speech, and freedom of thought.
I believe that democracies do not go to war; that's the lesson of history, and I think that a democratic Pakistan is the world community's best guarantee of stability in Asia.
The government I led gave ordinary people peace, security, dignity, and opportunity to progress.
The Latin root of the word 'politics' means 'of the people.' Politics is about something bigger than electoral politics; in that sense, I feel like I'm already involved.
If you do politics the right way, I believe, you can actually make people's lives better. And integrity is the minimum ante to get into the game.
A Republic, if you can keep it.
There are many causes why a people politically ignorant cannot be roused to action. Perfect political ignorance must be accompanied by indifference to the general interests of society, and thus one of the most powerful motives which can act on the human mind is totally destroyed.
Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
I myself am sometimes fed up with Hatta's policies. Hatta and I sometimes bug each other, but omitting Hatta from the Proclamation Text... that is the action of a coward!
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