The Role of Political Parties in Political Development of Pakistan.

Political parties are the most imperative element of political system in determining the direction, nature and level of political development. Political history of Pakistan is marred with military interventions and for the first time a smooth democratic transition of power was made possible after general elections in 2013. This study evaluates the role and functions of political parties in Pakistan regarding political development. For this purpose, survey was conducted among the research scholars at post graduate level and faculty members at political science departments of different universities. In survey, questions were asked about the perceived role and functions of political parties, concept of political development and role of political parties in political development of Pakistan. Most of the respondents are convinced that the role of political parties in political development of Pakistan is imperative but not appreciative yet. They are of the view that political parties have not even played sufficient role towards the political, social and economic development of the country. Results of survey also illustrate that the political setup of Pakistan needs substantial reforms, capacity building and institutionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]