Political dynasties
DYNASTIC politics curbs merit in politics. Yet it exists even in the West, China and Japan. Its strength varies. In its mild, most common form, many scions of a family…
Dream of political stability
IT is often believed that engineering political stability is the solution to a nation’s economic and security challenges. The idea of this so-called stability is used to justify the suppression…
Monarchies, dynasties, institutions
It has become de rigueur these days for many commentators to speak alarmingly about the pitfalls of political dynasties. The ‘dynasties’ they particularly disapprove of are the Sharif and the…
Strengthening dynasties
Dynastic politics is not a new phenomenon in our politics. Political dynasties are well entrenched in our political system. But Pakistan is not the only country in South Asia which…
Dynasties and cults
IN developed states, policies largely attract votes. In developing ones, electables gain vote banks by promising patronage goodies directly to local clans. These banks, being based on social links, transfer…
Dynasties, old and new
It was generally believed that the rise of the PTI would change the political landscape of the 2018 general elections. It was believed that the PTI’s young candidates would weaken…
Political parties and democracy
“Political parties make strong demands for the conduct of free and fair elections to legislative bodies, but choose to ignore the application of the same principles when it comes to…
Issue-based politics
TODAY is day 15 of the UN’s 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Before you stop reading, bored by the prospect of a feminist diatribe, consider that 28…
Spoiling the youth potential
POLITICAL parties in Pakistan generally do not have a plan to engage the youth in constructive activities to capitalise on their potential. The exception is the PTI, which has mobilised…
Politics of ‘nepo-babies’
PAKISTAN’S politics is still dominated by dynasties and family networks that manage to retain their grip over the country’s top political offices and a significant number of seats in parliament.…
