When we hear the word democracy, we usually think of a system where people elect representatives and hold them accountable for decisions. But democracy is much broader than that. There is also a concept where people are not limited to just voting, but take part in social issues, give opinions, and directly contribute to solutions. This is called Participatory Democracy.

In participatory democracy, citizens are involved not only in choosing leaders but also in policymaking, identifying problems, and suggesting solutions. This process empowers the public and makes representatives more responsible and accountable. In this way, democracy becomes more than just elections it becomes a living system where citizens and representatives work together for collective progress.

In a country like Pakistan, this idea is not easy to practice. Here, VVIP protocols are common, citizens are stopped at government offices, and media often depends on government advertising. In such an environment, public opinion is rarely taken seriously. However, the rise of social media and growing access to technology have started to change the situation. Social media is no longer just for entertainment it has become a platform where people raise their voices and share their views. In today’s digital age, participatory democracy has gained new importance.

People now have multiple ways to express opinions. For example, when a monument with golden hands and a white ball was set up in Islamabad, its photos spread on social media. Citizens debated and criticized it strongly, as a result, the government first covered it and then removed it.

A similar case happened in Lahore with the statue of Allama Iqbal in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, which was also removed after public pressure. These examples show how public opinion can influence decisions.

Globally, many platforms are promoting participatory democracy. Change.org allows people to start petitions and influence policymaking. Decidim.org gives citizens a chance to share views on budgets, planning, and policies. In Taiwan, Pol.is is used to gather and organize public opinion, letting citizens debate policies openly. These platforms show how technology can reduce the gap between people and governments, making decision-making more democratic.

In Pakistan, some organizations are also working to bring such platforms. Recently, Code for Pakistan launched “Hum Awaz” a space where citizens can submit petitions, discuss laws, and share views on social issues. Through this platform, people can gather support from friends, neighbors, and communities, and then present their proposals to local representatives.

It works just like a community meeting where people make a plan of action and send it to authorities but now it can all be done digitally, from home. Anyone can visit “Hum Awaz,” write a suggestion, and share the link with others for feedback.
The world is moving forward and we must also move with it by using technology for our rights. Together, let’s build a Pakistan where every voice matters and every citizen is part of progress.