A deeply troubling trend has emerged in Pakistani politics: the growing use of personal attacks and the targeting of politicians’ families—especially women and children. This toxic political culture is no longer confined to rival politicians; it now includes journalists and analysts who publicly align themselves with specific parties. On social media, abusive language, smear campaigns, and the spread of rumors have become alarmingly common. Such behavior not only reflects a profound ethical decline but also blatantly violates the principles of democracy.
This toxic environment is alienating the public, particularly the educated and aware segments of society. Citizens who value constitutionalism, institutional stability, and rational discourse become increasingly disillusioned when confronted with personal insults, indecent language, and baseless allegations. Their resulting disengagement from politics poses a serious threat to the health of democracy itself.
The real purpose of politics should be policy-making, legislation, and the welfare of the public—not turning someone’s sister or wife into the center of political narratives. Sadly, political party social media brigades and sensationalist media have normalized this poisonous rhetoric. Clips and videos attacking individuals on personal grounds are now part of the daily discourse, eroding not just national dialogue but also deeply held social values.
In a society as sensitive as Pakistan’s, where family honor is paramount, such political tactics weaken the social fabric. It is crucial for political leaders to immediately denounce this style of politics, instruct their supporters to avoid such behavior, and promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and reasoned debate. If this shift does not occur, the educated classes will further detach from politics, leaving democracy as nothing more than an empty shell.
