Death of ideological politics

Ideological political parties or movements are always headed by leaders with a mission, who work for the collective welfare and basic rights of the people. They do not consist of those who are accused of conflict of interest, promoting their own personal business empires, or being involved in illegitimate activities. The leadership of such parties is not handed down as an ancestral right, but rather on the basis of merit and commitment. Ideological leaders always lead their people from the frontlines, living in their own communities unless forcibly exiled. The mere acquisition of the name of an ideological party does not give the inheritors the understanding or leadership skills required.

The unfortunate reality is that there is no ideologically committed political party in Pakistan today. No ideological political party would appoint controversial individuals with a history of financial impropriety and criminal offences at the helm of state-funded organisations, as has been done by the PPP and the PML-N. People have lost faith in the capacity of the state to deliver justice.

Ali Malik Tariq

Lahore