Although it has been considerably amended by various ruling powers, the 1973 Constitution laid down a still workable legal framework for holding elections. Democratic rights of representation were denied to the people living in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas till 1997. An examination of the Election Commission, election procedures and other related legislation reveals the presence of many lacunae which compromise the democratic process. While discussion of the inefficiency, corruption and coercive practices involved in the conducting of previous elections indicates the need for much reform, the lack of public confidence in the administration of elections became apparent from the low percentage of polling in the February 1997 elections. Throughout the history of Pakistan, the State has repeatedly violated and failed to protect the security rights of its citizens.
Sectarian violence continues to spiral.
Special attention is given to an examination of the political and ethnic dynamics which gradually led to a state of virtual civil war in Sindh during the past decade. As is the case with minorities and other disadvantaged groups, the State not only fails to protect the human rights of women, it has neglected to promote attitudes which will permit them to enjoy these rights. Since the enforcement of Sharia laws, thousands of women have been unjustly involved with the criminal justice system and subjected to sexual assault, torture and illegal confinement. The Constitution guarantees the rights to life and liberty. Not surprisingly, in the light of the foregoing discussion, it is concluded that the State has failed to protect these rights in both the spirit and the letter of the law.