The brown sahib syndrome
Osama Siddiqui
Although Pakistan gained independence from the British rule nearly eight decades ago, the remnants of colonial influence still shape the nation’s political and social structures. The term “Brown Sahibs”, once used to describe native elites who imitated their colonial rulers, remains relevant today. The political class, much like the British rulers of the past, continues to wield power in an exclusive and authoritarian manner, favoring privilege over merit.
In Pakistan, entering politics often requires little more than a waistcoat and a shalwar kameez, along with an inherited estate or business. Many politicians rise to power not through competence, vision, or public service, but simply because they belong to influential landowning families whose ancestors collaborated with the British Raj. These feudal elites, who once secured power by aligning with colonial rulers, now maintain dynastic political control, treating governance as their birthright.
Some of these families have faced electoral rejection, but the deeply entrenched feudal mindset persists. Voters occasionally revolt against this system, yet the cycle of wealth-driven politics continues, blocking true democratic evolution. The political system favors a privileged few, while those working at the grassroots level remain mere party workers, forever sidelined from real decision-making.
A similar elitist structure is evident in the education system. Those educated in prestigious British-inspired institutions grow up in an environment that reinforces social superiority and entitlement. Many of these individuals later dominate politics, bureaucracy and business, wielding power through wealth, connections and influence rather than merit. This elite class boasts security convoys, expensive lifestyles and unchecked privileges, further widening the gulf between the rulers and common people.
One of the great illusions in Pakistan is that a transition to full democracy will automatically solve these issues. While democracy is essential, it cannot function effectively unless power is decentralized and political participation is broadened. Currently, the system is structured in a way that empowers new generations of autocratic rulers under the guise of democracy. These individuals, accustomed to commanding rather than serving, view opposition as a threat to be crushed, rather than an essential pillar of governance.
Real democratic transformation requires a shift in political culture. It must begin at the grassroots level, where ordinary citizens, not just the privileged elite can rise to positions of leadership. In Pakistan and the broader subcontinent, however, political activism often results in lifelong servitude to feudal lords and industrial tycoons, rather than genuine representation. Hardworking party workers remain loyal foot soldiers, while leadership remains a game of inheritance, not the ideology.
Breaking free from this colonial legacy demands a reimagining of political and social structures. Merit, competence and service must replace dynastic privilege and entitlement. A democratic system should provide equal opportunity, ensuring that powerful families do not continue to monopolize governance. Until then, Pakistan risks continuing the cycle of producing “Brown Sahibs”, the rulers who resemble their colonial predecessors in everything but skin color.
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.
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