Pakistan People’s Party has finally and formally launched Bilawal, son of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, in the murky political arena of Pakistan. He started his political career by delivering a fiery speech on the fifth anniversary of his mother’s assassination on Dec. 27. Bilawal, who completed his graduation at Oxford University this year, is still young to contest assembly seat in upcoming elections.
However, he is being welcomed by those who still believe that politics and subsequent grasp on power are domains of few privileged elite families. I fail to understand that why a young foreign-educated student, who spent last two years to learn Urdu, can be the only one to lead a political party of millions. A party that claims to represent masses — laborers, peasants, teachers, students, educated class, nationalists and minorities, has ended up choosing one young student to lead it.
This is not limited to People’s Party only. All other major political parties are infested with dynastic politics. Top decision-making positions are filled by the party head’s family members or their cronies. In absence of any ideology-based politics, party leaders look for most profitable coalitions, which guarantee their grip on party matters.
Poor party workers are there to clap, enforce strikes, shout slogans or enjoy one good dinner after a public meeting.
As the politicians will play musical chairs to select the winning horses for next five-year term, Pakistan will continue to suffer. — Masood Khan, Jubail
