Untouchables: Pakistan's Marxist elite

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Pakistan stands at a crossroads with economic disparity, political favouritism and systematic corruption shattering the fundamental tenets of the rule of law. The plight of the state has become eerily synonymous with controversial theorist Karl Marx's ideologies of a nation doomed under the snare of the ruling elite.

We appear to be approaching the peak of Marx's abhorred state where the capitalist structure would create internal tensions in the socioeconomic systems, ultimately leading to its own end. Per Marx, the ruling elite or his bourgeoise class exploits the working class or his proletariats i.e. the common man.

This ruling elite sink its claws into the jugulars of power – in Pakistan, that being the political hierarchy, the judiciary and the national accountability agencies. As Marx had warned, our bureaucracy acts as puppets for certain ruling elites while playing under the guise of mediators between the State and civil society. Rather than societal issues, the rule of law reflects the materialistic ambitions of a few.

Common people may not even realise the economic cage they have been placed in due to the elites placing them under a 'false consciousness'. One where their desires and hopes are limited through the employment of biased legislation, policy and coercive tactics. The motto behind this mirage remaining – the status quo shall remain unchanged.

Behind the heavy curtain of the Pakistani Marxist superstructure, we gain sight of a powerful tool used by our bourgeoisie – the laws of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) which routinely exempt feudal and political elites whilst placing the working class at the centre of systematic exploitation. Pakistan's political elite, shielded by political patronage and accompanied by their feudal lord compatriots, continue to remain unaccountable.

Ironically, NAB which was wielded as a sword of justice created to strike those of them corrupt now lies in their very hands. The selective and politicised application of NAB throughout its history is evidence of its true identity as a tool to uphold rather than subvert the ruling class's power. It's used to attack opposition figures while avoiding allies during political warfare amidst which the common man is crippled by inequitable tax systems.

Pakistan's tax system may be viewed as an instrument for class consolidation rather than a neutral redistribution mechanism. Rich landowners and corporate leaders use tax breaks, preferential treatment, and systemic weaknesses to make sure their assets are safeguarded. Marx noted that the state serves as a tool to maintain the capitalist class's dominance, guaranteeing that the rich remain rich and the poor stay oppressed.

The elite's consolidation of political power is reflected in recent 2023 modifications to NAB laws which severely curtail its authority regarding inquiries into lawmakers and politicians. Such revisions weaken accountability legislation to mere formalities in combatting corruption.

Nonetheless, legal reforms like NAB only provide a surface level of accountability; corruption in Pakistan's political system is an institutionalised aspect of the political economy. Selective enforcement by the state does not end corruption; rather, it maintains the political and economic status quo and makes sure that those in positions of authority are unassailable.

Such token legal reforms are insufficient to change the dynamic in Pakistan. The rule of law will continue to exist only as long as the political and economic elite are shielded from the consequences of the law. Pessimism prevails over whether we will ever be rid of dynastical corruption and misuse of power.

If we follow Marx's dangerous aspirations, political hegemony and ultimate utopia will only be achieved once the working class is raised to the level of the ruling class and overthrows it. But who is to say that a new antagonist force will not rise in post-revolutionary society? And so the cycle may potentially repeat.