The dominant characteristic of Pakistan’s political class, which is the prevalence of dynastic politics. The political power and influence in Pakistan are often inherited or passed down within certain families rather than being earned through individual achievements or merit. The term “dynastic” refers to the practice of power being concentrated within a few influential families over successive generations.
This political class is made up of individuals who are well-known and influential in society, occupying prominent positions within the political landscape. These individuals are recognized not necessarily for their personal accomplishments or abilities but rather by their family names or surnames, which carry significant political weight due to their familial connections.
In Pakistan, political power and influence are largely concentrated within families, rather than being open to individuals from middle-class or professional backgrounds. It implies that mainstream political parties in the country are often dominated by established political families, who control key positions and decision-making processes within those parties. As a result, individuals who do not come from these influential families may find it difficult to advance to the top levels of mainstream political parties, despite their qualifications or aspirations. This situation creates a limited opportunity for aspiring politicians from middle-class or professional backgrounds to rise to prominent positions within the political landscape of Pakistan.
It is really interesting that around one-third, or 33 percent, of the total 266 constituencies in the National Assembly for the year 2024 are expected to have elected representatives who previously ran as candidates as far back as the 1990 election cycle.
Even the few newcomers are primarily relatives of those who have previously represented the same constituencies. It’s highly challenging for white-collar professionals without prior political experience to establish themselves in electoral politics. Mainstream political parties typically nominate candidates who already have established connections or land ownership within their constituencies.
Politics in Pakistan revolves around personalities, where proximity to the party’s leader is essential for advancement within the party hierarchy. The practice of political power being passed down within certain families is having a detrimental effect on the functioning of the system. This can lead to issues such as concentration of power, lack of meritocracy, and limited opportunities for new voices and ideas to emerge within the political landscape.
According to a report by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), as of 2020, approximately 67% of members in the National Assembly belonged to political families, highlighting the prevalence of dynastic politics in the country. Furthermore, research conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that around 70% of members in the provincial assemblies are also part of political dynasties. This concentration of power within certain families not only limits political diversity but also raises concerns about the level of representation and accountability within the democratic process. Despite efforts to promote meritocracy and inclusivity, the entrenched nature of dynastic politics continues to pose challenges to Pakistan’s democratic development.
The current situation in Pakistan underscores the influence of dynastic politics, as exemplified by the potential appointment of Maryam Nawaz as Chief Minister of the country’s largest province. Maryam Nawaz’s anticipated appointment highlights a trend where individuals with familial ties to established political figures are granted prominent positions, often without the requisite experience or qualifications. In this case, Maryam Nawaz’s potential ascension to the role of Chief Minister is primarily attributed to her familial connection as the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, rather than any demonstrated expertise or experience in governance. This scenario underscores the challenges associated with dynastic politics, including questions of meritocracy, transparency, and effective governance.
It appears that the current options for the position of Prime Minister in Pakistan are limited, with Shahbaz Sharif being one of the prominent candidates. However, concerns have been raised regarding Shahbaz Sharif’s suitability for the role, citing a perceived lack of vision and caliber necessary to effectively serve as Prime Minister. This sentiment reflects broader frustrations with the political landscape and the perceived limitations in the pool of potential leaders. The perception of Shahbaz Sharif’s capabilities emphasizes the importance of having qualified and visionary leadership to address the challenges facing Pakistan effectively.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) presents another option for leadership in Pakistan, with Bilawal Bhutto being a prominent figure within the party. However, concerns have been raised about Bilawal Bhutto’s lack of experience beyond his familial connections as the son of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Zardari. This situation reflects the prevalence of dynastic politics within the PPP and raises questions about the extent to which leadership positions are based on meritocracy versus familial ties. The criticism of Bilawal Bhutto’s qualifications highlights broader concerns about the need for capable and experienced leadership in Pakistani politics, regardless of familial backgrounds. There are numerous instances across various family networks where individuals have turned politics into a lucrative business in Pakistan.
Addressing the entrenched issue of dynastic politics in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach aimed at promoting meritocracy, transparency, and political accountability. One crucial step is to implement electoral reforms that promote fair competition and reduce the influence of familial connections in the political process. This could include measures such as intra-party democracy, where party candidates are selected through transparent and merit-based mechanisms rather than being chosen solely based on familial ties. In addition, strengthening institutions such as the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure free and fair elections is essential for creating a level playing field for all candidates, regardless of their family backgrounds. Civil society engagement and media scrutiny can also play a significant role in holding politicians accountable and raising awareness about the negative impact of dynastic politics on democratic governance. Moreover, investing in political education and empowering citizens to make informed choices during elections can help break the cycle of dynastic politics by promoting the election of candidates based on their qualifications, vision, and commitment to public service rather than their familial connections. Ultimately, dismantling dynastic politics in Pakistan requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the public, to uphold democratic principles and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals in the political arena.
