Our political system: a story of unfulfilled promises

Ah, Pakistan, the land of never-ending political drama!

The recent arrest of Imran Khan has once again exposed the deep-rooted issues within the country’s political system. But let’s be honest: when has the establishment ever allowed any political party to grow beyond a certain level of popularity and secure a sufficient majority in assemblies? Never mind, don’t answer that.

Imran Khan’s rhetoric against military interference is brave and commendable, but it seems to be limited to his personal grievances against the establishment. Maybe he has forgotten the old saying “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” or maybe he’s just playing the game. Who knows? But it’s clear that there’s little to no tangible work done by him or his party to back up the speeches he often gives.

Don’t get me wrong, I am actually rooting for the very aggressive protesters that have taken to the streets in response to Imran Khan’s arrest because they bring a hope of revolution that we so desperately need. But we also need to keep in check our expectations: is this revolt enough to bring the change we need or is this a mere expression of the average Pakistani’s frustration with the ever-increasing inflation, the unaffordable food prices or the covert threat to their lives in case they decide to speak up?

But let’s not forget the real reason behind this: the absence of a revolutionary working-class party. You can take a page from Marx’s books for reference and see where this is heading.

The absence of a revolutionary working-class party is a significant obstacle to democratic and social progress in Pakistan. The working-class people are not adequately represented in the political process, and their voices and concerns are not given the attention they deserve. Without a party that truly represents their interests, the working-class people are left with few options to fight for their rights and improve their living conditions. Which is why they do whatever they can to go a night without feeling hungry. These are the people stealing food and coke from an army officer’s house during the protests. They do not want to make a point — they are hungry!

So as long as the ruling parties continue to beg before the IMF and accept its conditionalities against the working poor, little will change for the better.

I’ll be real here — I do not support all that Imran Khan says, but there are no two ways about the fact that his arrest has little to do with upholding the constitution and everything to do with intimidation. The military’s intimidation tactics are as old as time itself, and it’s clear that the establishment will never allow any political party to become a real threat to their power.

So, what’s the solution? The people of Pakistan need to demand more from their leaders and institutions. Only a revolutionary working-class party can bring about the change that is so desperately needed in the country. It’s a long and difficult road, but it’s a journey that must be taken if Pakistan is to truly realise its potential as a prosperous and democratic nation.

And while we’re on the streets bravely throwing dupattas at policemen, it’s time for us to take a stand and demand the change we deserve. Because if we don’t, this pattern will most likely continue: whether it’s Imran Khan or his carcass.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2023.

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