Mubashar Nadeem
In Pakistan’s political landscape, a troubling paradox persists. On one hand, political parties pledge commitment to democracy, public representation, and grassroots leadership. On the other, those very parties remain dominated by dynasties, elites, and entrenched hierarchies. This internal contradiction not only weakens the promise of democratic evolution but also marginalizes the political worker—the very backbone of any democratic movement.
Historically, Pakistan’s political progress has been shaped by movements fueled by ideological conviction and mass mobilization. From the Pakistan Movement to struggles against martial law and authoritarian regimes, political workers have led from the front—sacrificing their lives, livelihoods, and liberty. But with time, the influence of wealth, caste, and personal connections has overtaken merit, ideology, and commitment. The worker who once shaped party direction is now reduced to a foot soldier—seen, heard, and used only during election season or rallies.
This elite capture of party structures is an outright betrayal of democratic principles. Political parties are the foundational units of democracy. If internal party structures are plagued by nepotism, opacity, and exclusion, then national democracy becomes hollow—an illusion of representation without substance. When party tickets, ministerial positions, and decision-making power revolve around familial ties and financial muscle, genuine political participation is stifled.
Political workers are not just logistical support; they are the interpreters of public sentiment. Their insights, if given space, can guide public policy that truly responds to ground realities. A public policy formed in elite drawing rooms, without grassroots input, is destined to fail. Sustainable and inclusive policies arise from the collective wisdom of those who live the struggles they seek to resolve.
It is a glaring contradiction that no political party can succeed electorally without the tireless work of its cadre. Yet, after elections, the same workers are sidelined—while the spoils of victory are distributed among the powerful few. This exclusion breeds disillusionment, apathy, and cynicism. Over time, the ideological spirit weakens, and the party becomes an electoral machine rather than a movement of purpose.
Some parties have demonstrated that giving space to workers strengthens both party structure and public credibility. Jamaat-e-Islami, JUI, and even PTI in its early organizational phase owed much of their success to worker participation and internal training. However, even these examples have struggled to maintain this balance, eventually succumbing to elite dominance.
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The truth remains: political workers are not mere assets to be deployed at will—they are guardians of democratic continuity. When informed, organized, and empowered, they can serve as effective contributors to national dialogue and policy formation. A political worker who understands the constitution, public finance, local governance, and legislative processes becomes a bridge between the state and the people.
Public policy, therefore, must never be the monopoly of technocrats and political aristocrats. It should emerge from a continuous conversation between political workers and the communities they serve. When political parties prioritize workers’ voices, they not only become stronger but also more legitimate in the eyes of the public.
To achieve this transformation, political workers must take the initiative:
Develop Political Awareness: Move beyond slogans. Understand constitutional law, economic policies, and legislative procedures to meaningfully influence party direction and public policy.
Participate in Organizational Training: Learn how your party’s structure functions. Understand internal election processes, membership rights, and party constitutions. Only then can you demand accountability.
Maintain Principled Struggle: Even in parties dominated by elite cliques, continue advocating for reform, merit, and justice. Every democratic revolution has its roots in sustained resistance.
Engage in Policy-Making: Draft proposals, contribute to manifestos, and use public platforms to present practical solutions to public problems. Speak with facts, not just ideology.
Build Collective Networks: Create alliances with other political workers, form working groups, and expand your influence beyond your constituency. Collective organization builds bargaining power.
Hold Party Leadership Accountable: Question decisions. Demand transparency in ticket distribution and appointments. Political loyalty should never be blind.
It is high time for Pakistan’s political parties to return to their roots. The democratic future of the country depends not on the whims of a few elites but on the strength, intellect, and integrity of its political workers. These are not just party activists—they are the heartbeat of democratic life.
A truly democratic Pakistan is only possible when its political workers rise above being passive supporters and become active stakeholders in shaping leadership, narrative, and policy. Public policy, after all, should be a reflection of collective wisdom—not elite privilege.
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