Globalization’s Grotesque Face: The Economic Oppression of Women Agriculture Workers in Pakistan

Pakistan’s economy is firmly linked to agriculture and food production. Since the inception of the country, no real land reforms have been undertaken, and the rural elite remains a major force in controlling agricultural land. At the same time, since the 1990s the country has also followed a neoliberal agenda, through the International Monetary Fund led structural adjustment programs, and then later after Pakistan’s entrance in the World Trade Organisation in1995. The trade liberalisation agenda of the advanced capitalist countries, especially the United States, have been consistently implemented in the country. In this context, it is clear that at least two different levels of political and economic forces are present in the rural economy. There is also no doubt that Pakistan also has a strong patriarchal society, which governs the social and economic norms of society.

Parliamentary Democracy in Pakistan: 1988-1999

The dissertation entitled “Parliamentary Democracy in Pakistan 1988-1999” presents a comprehensive account of four elected governments during the period 1988 and 1999 - a period of topical significance sand-witched between two long military rules (Zia: 1977- 88 and Musharraf: 1999-2008). The emphasis of the study is on uncovering the factors that created bottlenecks in the democratic process and premature dissolution of the elected governments. The focus is on working relationship between elected and nonelected institutions as well as on functioning of the elected institutions. The elected institutions variables include the Parliament, Provincial Assemblies, Local Bodies and Federal/Provincial Governments. The non-elected institutions variables comprise Media, Caretaker Governments, Military, Bureaucracy and Judiciary. It also takes into account human rights, law and order situation and executive-judiciary relationship. Besides introduction and conclusion, the thesis includes five chapters. The first chapter is a brief review of the political history of Pakistan during the period 1947-1988. It is intended to provide background framework to facilitate discussion and analysis of the theme of the thesis, namely, uncovering the factors that impeded the functioning of the elected governments during 1988-1999. This eleven year period is covered under four chapters; each coinciding with elections, and formulation and dissolution of Assemblies and governments (i.e., 1988-90; 1990-93; 1993-96; and 1996-99).The chapters provide details of political trends; power game; and factors that led to frequent derailment of democratic process. Besides published material, interviews of some important politicians and civilmilitary bureaucrats are used to gain first hand knowledge as also to understand and analyse the issues. This is not only intended to obtain information but also to seek ideas and suggestions for ensuring sustained and effective working of parliamentary democracy in the country.