Populism and Politics of Pakistan

Abstract

The objectives behind the struggle for Pakistan were based on warding off the hegemonic pasture of Hindus in British India against the minorities, especially against the Muslims of the subcontinent. In his first address to the legislative assembly of Pakistan, the founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah laid the foundations of the new state vis-à-vis, inter alia, the role of religion in state affairs and the role of corruption in the bad governance of any government. Unfortunately, just after his sudden death in 1948, the religious parties, especially those who had earlier opposed the idea of a separate country, assumed the role of the guardian of the religion and started their campaign to turn the country secured for the Muslims and other religious minorities into an Islamic state. To secure their objective, a slogan of ،پاکستان کا مطلب کیا ۔ لا الہ الا الہ،  was introduced, and the ordinary Muslims were indoctrinated so effectively that they always responded to the calls of these religious parties for the sake of religion. The influence of these religious parties grew to the extent that the legislature had to incorporate the name of the country as ‘The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the 1956 constitution. Except for the constitution of 1964, the legislatures that drafted the constitution adopted in 197 could not dare to delete the word ‘Islamic’ from the official name of the country. The religious parties grew to enormous strength during the dictatorial regime of Gen. Ziaul Haq. The religion under his regime became a populist tool to legitimise and prolong his regime.

The post-Ziaul Haq era created another populist theory by the Establishment where the politicians were continuously demonised as corrupt by using state media and cooperating print media to justify the removal of any civilian government. Both the populist tools, rather than creating corruption-free and competent governance by any civilian governments, helped polarisation of the politics of the country. It divided the people of Pakistan to the extent that respect for political dissent ceased to exist. The political disagreement turned into personal hostility, even within a family setup.

Keywords: populism, religion, corruption, Pakistan, politics

 Introduction

Though the demand for a separate country for Muslims comprising Muslim-majority areas of India was based on opportunities for practicing religious and social rituals without interference from Hindus, the early years of politics were dominated by political instability. The religious leaders of British India, who had earlier opposed the concept of a separate home for the Muslims, suddenly assumed the role of torchbearers of turning the course of the future. They concentrated their efforts on branding the newly-born country as an Islamic country. Their rhetoric attracted the common man, and the slogan مطلب کیا ۔ لا الہ الا الہ،  پاکستان   کا’  became a popular slogan. The zeal of the religious leaders to turn the country into an Islamic state was so intense that it cost the fragile country in terms of religious disharmony and political instability.

 The political instability gave birth to several controversies. These included rhetoric of ineptness and corruption of the politicians. The rhetoric of religious identity and corrupt politicians became popular topics in the later history of Pakistan. The religious leaders used religious slogans to identify the politicians, practising Muslims or not, and the establishment used the slogan of corruption against the politicians to topple the civilian government. At the behest of the establishment, the media, print or electronic, ran articles and TV programmes continuously to make public opinion against politicians.  The irony was that the people of Pakistan accepted and supported the martial laws and dismissal of the ’corrupt’ governments because of the perceived corruption by the politicians. 

Populism, a political strategy that is apparently aimed at attracting the interests of the common people against the perceived elite, has been a tool to gather the support of the masses for a particular cause. The politics of populism thus had a profound impact on the political landscape of Pakistan. 

 Understanding Populism

While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, populism often involves:

• Anti-elitism: A rejection of established political, economic, and social institutions.

• Direct democracy: The people's will is valued over the authority of experts or elites.

• Nationalism: a strong focus on one's own identity and interests, frequently at the detriment of collaboration with other countries.

• Easy fixes: A propensity to characterise difficult issues as having simple, uncomplicated fixes.

Political philosophies that range from left-wing to right-wing are replete with populism. It is frequently connected, nevertheless, to right-wing movements that prioritise matters like immigration, economic disparity, religious identity, corruption, and deterioration of culture.

Historical Context of Populism in Pakistan

Pakistan's past has been characterised by episodes of populism, frequently sparked by political unrest, economic hardship, and social inequity. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the nation's founding father, was a compelling public speaker who made the promise of a separate homeland for Muslims. The development of religious nationalism and populism finally overshadowed his vision of Pakistan as a modern, secular state.

The 1970s saw the rise of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a populist leader who fought for social justice and economic equality. Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) received widespread support from the working class and rural communities. However, his populist initiatives resulted in economic instability and political chaos. 

Populism in Contemporary Pakistani Politics

In recent decades, populism has played a significant role in Pakistani politics.  The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, emerged as a powerful force in the country's political landscape.  Khan, a former cricketer, positioned himself as an outsider who would challenge the corrupt establishment.  His campaign focused on issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and foreign interference.

The PTI's success in the 2018 general elections can be attributed to its populist message.  However, Khan's government failed in many areas to deliver, including uplifting economic conditions and addressing the allegations of corruption not only against his political opponents and his party leaders.  His populist rhetoric often led to clashes with the political parties.

The 2022 no-confidence vote against Khan's government represented a watershed moment in Pakistani politics. The vote was successful, and Khan was removed from office. Since then, the country has seen political turmoil and economic uncertainty. His refusal to negotiate with his opponents' political parties may be interpreted in the context of his populist stance towards corrupt politicians. 

 The Impact of Populism on Pakistani Democracy

Populism can have positive and negative effects on democracy. On the one hand, it may empower marginalised populations while also holding elites accountable. It can also increase civic engagement and participation. However, populism can erode democratic institutions and norms. It can result in divisiveness, intolerance, and even bloodshed.

In Pakistan, populism has produced varied effects. While it has aided in bringing about political change and addressing some of the country's most important issues, it has also led to instability and political deadlock. The rise of populist politicians has frequently coincided with a loss of trust in democratic institutions and an increased reliance on the military.

Conclusion

Populism remains a formidable force in Pakistani politics. The influence on the country's democratic destiny will be determined by how it is channelled and handled. While populism can be a healthy counter to the excesses of elitism, it must be balanced by a dedication to democratic ideas and institutions. The interaction of populism and other political forces is likely to influence Pakistan's democratic destiny.