A Perpetual Cycle of Power

Seemab Khan

Islamabad: Pakistan’s political system has witnessed a recurring pattern of repetition over the years. From parties altering their names to form coalitions with former rivals to individuals who once criticised the status quo becoming part of the establishment, these episodes reflect a familiar cycle that seems to repeat itself endlessly.

In Pakistan’s parliamentary system, forming alliances and coalitions is a common practise to gain a majority and govern effectively. Despite strong criticism and ideological differences, political parties often join forces to consolidate power.

For example, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)– two major parties with contrasting policies– have at times formed coalitions to keep a common rival out of power. This opportunistic approach has led to temporary alliances that may break apart when interests diverge.

The emergence of a potential forward block within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI-P) serves as a reminder of the ‘people party patriot’ forward block which was framed to assist the king’s party in obtaining the desired seats to form the federal government.

The renaming of the PPP to the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) in 2002 under Musharraf’s martial law regime was a strategic move to escape from the restrictions imposed by the military establishment. This shift allowed the party to participate in the general elections while maintaining its core structure.

However, the expected emergence of a forward block within the PTI, led by Parvez Khattak, raises concerns about the perpetuation of existing power dynamics. If this forward block indeed comes to fruition, it will reinforce the notion that individuals and parties in Pakistan’s politics are prone to forming alliances based on convenience rather than ideological coherence. Such alliances may enable the consolidation of power for the incumbents but they often fail to address the pressing issues that afflict the country.

Beyond these specific incidents, there are broader trends that highlight the repetitive nature of Pakistan’s politics. One such phenomenon is the oscillation between military and civilian rule, with periods of democracy often interrupted by the establishment.

The power struggle between political parties frequently results in compromised democratic institutions, hindering the progress and development of the nation.

Additionally, the recurrence of political dynasties is a notable feature of Pakistan’s political scene. This transfer of power from one generation to the next often occurs without significant scrutiny or an opportunity for fresh leadership, hindering the growth of meritocracy and impeding the emergence of new ideas and perspectives.

For instance, the Bhutto family stands as a prime example of a powerful political dynasty in Pakistan. It was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who held the office of Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. Following his execution in 1979, his daughter Benazir Bhutto assumed leadership of the PPP and eventually became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1988.

Despite her tragic assassination in 2007, her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, took over the reins of the PPP and became the President of Pakistan in 2008, and now his son Bilawal is leading.

Similarly, the Sharif family represents another influential political dynasty in Pakistan. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who served as Prime Minister in the 1990s, founded this dynasty. After being ousted from power in 1999, Nawaz Sharif’s younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif, stepped up to lead the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and recently held the position of Prime Minister.

Moreover, the Khan family represents a significant political dynasty in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Founded by Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Bacha Khan, this dynasty has seen subsequent generations of Khan family members actively participate in politics.

To wrap-up Pakistan’s politics seem trapped in a perpetual cycle of repetition, with parties resorting to familiar tactics, forming opportunistic alliances and failing to bring about genuine change.

The People’s Party Patriot and the expected forward block within the PTI serve as reminders of this recurring pattern.

To break free from this cycle, Pakistani politics needs transformative leadership, institutions that can withstand political manoeuvring and a commitment to upholding democratic principles. Until then, the nation risks remaining stuck in a state of stagnation, unable to tackle pressing issues and deliver the progress its citizens deserve.

The writer is a research scholar of political science at UST Bannu.

The article is the writer’s personal opinion.