‘Changing political scenario tough to grasp’

Intellectuals say party politics not the only way to propagate ideas

LAHORE: The political scenario is changing in front of our eyes, but we are unable to understand it, said Dr Asim Sajjad Akhtar while speaking at a seminar titled “Sahar ka Roashan Ufaq-Kiya Mutbadil Mumkin Hai? Pakistan Main Bain Bazoo Ki Siyasat”.

He was speaking at the second day of the Faiz International Festival (2018) held at Alhamra Art Center on Saturday. The session was moderated by Dr Ali Madeeh Hashmi. The other speakers included Ismat Raza Shahjahan and Aisha Ahmad.



Continuing the debate further, Dr Akhtar said we must learn from the past. He added past mainstream political parties, such as National Awami Party (NAP), had transformative policies. “At present, parties do not differ in their program. All work to gain foreign capital in the name of ‘development,” he said.

While talking about the changes that had occurred during the past few decades, Dr Akhtar quoted the rise of digital media. He said that despite the reservations, it was a reality of the modern day.

Talking about left political activism and its relevance, he stated those involved it were doing their best, but it was not sufficient.

Aisha Ahmad, while speaking on the occasion, said party politics was not the only way to propagate progressive ideas.



She quoted examples of the rise of left-leaning politicians such as Jeremy Corbyn in England and Bernie Sanders in the US. “Both rose as a result of political and social movements,” she added.

Aisha also worked as an active member of “Haqooq-e-Khalq Movement (HKM)”. While describing his experience as a member of HKM, she said that traditional political parties in elections do not have a culture of debate. “We can act as a bridge between different constituents of democracy”, she added. Through HKM, they were working for actual on ground solutions and grassroots mobilisation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2018.