Populism and Pakistan’s political history
Osama Siddiqui
Populism thrives on the idea that the common people are being oppressed by an elite group. It creates a divide between the powerful and the powerless, often blaming the wealthy for the struggles of the poor. In Pakistan, this style of politics has repeatedly found an audience, offering simple solutions to complex problems and fueling sentiments against countries like India and the United States of America.
The 1970s was a turning point in Pakistan’s political history. This era saw the rise of influential leaders such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Wali Khan, whose ideologies were starkly different. Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) relied on fiery populist slogans like “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” (Bread, Clothing, and Shelter). It gave a voice to the working class and rural poor, empowering them to challenge their employers and believe in their political strength. Bhutto brought politics out of the drawing rooms into the streets, making ordinary people feel they had a stake in decision-making.
However, Bhutto’s populism had its darker side. He often resorted to anti-India rhetoric and made divisive remarks about Hindus, even though such tactics were unnecessary for the 1970 elections. This rhetoric energized his supporters but also fueled hostility that did not contribute to solving the nation’s problems. Despite this, Bhutto’s charisma and promises won him widespread support, allowing him to form a government. His legacy remains mixed; he is celebrated for empowering the people but criticized for relying too heavily on emotional slogans.
On the other hand, Wali Khan and his National Awami Party (NAP) took a completely different approach. Wali Khan’s politics were rooted in secularism and pragmatism. He believed in peaceful relations with neighboring countries, particularly India, arguing that cooperation could benefit both the nations. However, this vision was unpopular among many at the time. The PPP accused NAP of being unpatriotic, linking it to groups opposed to Pakistan’s creation. Despite these accusations, NAP managed to form governments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though they were later dismissed under controversial circumstances. Wali Khan’s ideas were ahead of their time, and his focus on peace and cooperation remains a valuable lesson for Pakistan.
Today, Bhutto is remembered as a leader who brought politics to the people but fell short of delivering on his promises. Wali Khan, meanwhile, is seen as a visionary whose ideas were not fully appreciated in his time.
As Pakistan continues to face challenges, it is crucial for its people to learn from the past. Populist promises and the search for savior figures have not led to lasting progress. The events of the 1970s remind us of the need for practical solutions, cooperation, and a strong focus on real issues. Only by moving beyond emotional rhetoric Pakistan can build a stable and prosperous future.
The writer attended Cardiff University and completed his Masters of Science in Business Management. He has great passion for modern South Asian history, politics, political marketing and films. He may be reached at: osamasiddiqui21@yahoo.com. He tweets @osamasidd97.
Related Posts
Comments