The structure of Pakistan’s society is at crossroads. With the middle-class battling hard for survival, the balance of power has shifted dangerously toward the political and ruling elite of the country.
Feeling the heat of high inflation and rampant unemployment, the middle-class is fast vanishing. In such situations, the rule of jungle prevails. The rich and well connected feel that they have the authority to pursue their own agendas and teach a lesson to anyone who stands tall to test their power.
The changing socio-economic conditions of Pakistan in recent years have added fuel to the existing class struggle within the country and are having serious repercussions for the society.
A recent murder case of Shahzeb Khan highlights the class conflict and social condition of Pakistan. Twenty-year-old Khan was killed on the night of Dec. 24, 2012, when he was returning home with his sister after attending a wedding. Son of a police officer, Shahzeb was allegedly murdered after having an altercation with Nawab Siraj Talpur, servant of the main accused Shahrukh Jatoi.
The servant was believed to have teased and given verbal threats to the victim’s sister. A verdict by the Karachi Anti-Terrorism Court has announced death penalty for Shahrukh Jatoi and Nawab Siraj Talpur, while life imprisonment was awarded to their accomplices.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court had taken suo moto notice of the case after it was brought to the limelight through several well-organized and peaceful protests, and extensive media coverage. Almost all of the country’s major political parties have hailed the decision, terming it as a test case for the independence of judiciary. The court decision has instilled hopes that justice will be served to victims in the society, regardless of their social status, religion and caste. The high-profile case is a perfect example of the feudal mindset displayed by some of the country’s most powerful individuals with strong political connections. It should not be treated as an isolated case as the decision provides hope to the families of other victims, who wait for justice while the criminals roam freely with impunity. However, Pakistan needs to identify and address the root causes of this class struggle to ensure that the society does not malfunction. The process of social change will be a time consuming and slow process that would restore the dignity of society’s culture, communities and institutions through coherent and well-thought strategies. All state and non-actors would have to play a role to bring true social change in Pakistan so that the country may overcome its class struggle, helping the nation reach greater heights.
The government needs to prioritize education and land reforms across the country. These reforms would have far-reaching consequences on the social fabric of society and provide all citizens an equal opportunity for growth. The focus on education would keep in check the society’s deteriorating social condition, in which the mighty do not shy away from taking lives for the sake of their personal ego. Both formal and informal institutions must also assume the responsibility to promote social values among the disillusioned minds, particularly in the younger generation, so that the civil society may prevail.
