Exorcising the feudal

An uprising will not solve the problems of the impoverished. Without private landholdings there would be an an unavoidable loss of export revenue resulting in a financial crisis.

Over the last few weeks, various elements from the MQM have launched a scathing attack on the prevalence of the so-called feudal system in Pakistan. The intent behind this needless  criticism appears extremely idealistic since it has yet again been assumed that an uprising will solve the problems of the impoverished.

Moreover, there is a striking dearth of foresight in this scheme that is to preempt the repression caused by the ineffectiveness of the feudal lords. After all, we cannot overlook the fact that “almost half of Pakistan’s GNP and the bulk of its export earnings are derived from the agriculture sector controlled by a few thousand feudal families.”

Machiavelli and incompetent leaders

From a strictly Machiavellian view, an esteemed leader is one who capably strives to embark “on great enterprises” and gives “rare proofs of his ability”. More significantly, he must revel in talent “by honouring those who excel in each craft.”

What is particularly disappointing is that such utopian viewpoints fail to hold relevance in Pakistan. Perhaps that is why it is viable to claim that the political milieu of Pakistan has surpassed all realistic expectations. From a peace-making ideology of equality the nation has transmogrified into a failed state ruled over by a morass of incompetent rulers.

Who replaces the feudal lord?

In this period of disgraceful decadence, there is a need for some basic clarifications which will enable us to understand the essence of the challenges that surround us.

A rational assessment paints a bleak picture of what Pakistan could inevitably become once the spectre of “feudalism” is exorcised. There could be an unavoidable loss of export revenue resulting in a financial crisis. Economic marginalization – typified by poverty and joblessness – would consequently create a climate of chaos. What guarantee is there that the successive social order will be a necessarily less tumultuous one?

Does the feudal system even exist anymore?

It is important to comprehend the view that the feudal system in Pakistan is a basic non-entity. Ayesha Siddiqa explains the justifications for this belief in her book Military Inc: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy.

However, Tehmina Durrani, who has authored a considerable array of literature on feudalism, claims otherwise. Her autobiography My Feudal Lord is known for its depiction of her tumultuous marriage to Mustafa Khar, who she describes as a decadent feudal. However, it is worth mentioning that Mustafa Khar is not included amongst country's the major landowners.

Durrani’s autobiographical account may represent a false philosophy. This, in turn, calls into question the justifications presented for revolutionary action against the quagmires of feudalism.

Hence, Machiavelli’s ideas on the ideal qualities that leaders should embody set a sufficiently strong example for those who wish to lead a rebellion against a concept that is categorically non-existent. Great enterprises only produce the desired effect when they provide an impetus for collective benefits - or, as Machiavelli would say, when they honour “those who excel in each craft."