SINCE its inception, Pakistan has been plagued by feudalism, which has remained deeply entrenched in society. Feudalism is like a dictatorship that deprives people of their rights. Feudal lords do not want to be questioned. They want society to run in line with their own wishes.

These lords have destroyed democracy in the country as they are not faithful to any political party. When these feudal lords become part of parliament, they never speak for the rights of the people because they do not feel their pain. There is no doubt that the most under- developed areas in the country are run by these feudal lords.

The Kashmore district is a good example to show how the socio-political fabric has been destroyed by the nexus of feudal lords and their handlers. No development work has been done over the years in the district.

People cannot criticise local feudal lords. Police work for these landlords. There is rampant lawlessness and the district has the highest number of kidnappings in the province. These feudal lords select town officers and harass the local people. They become part of parliament, but never speak about the rights of people because they are least bothered about people’s issues. Such is the environment in all rural districts.

We need to get rid of this approach to politics if we want to bolster democracy in the country. In the spirit of achieving this target, no one should be allowed to change political party for at least 10 years.

There should not be secret voting in parliament, and government employees above BPS-11 should not serve in their own districts.

Pakistan cannot move forward without strengthening democracy, and the biggest cause of weak democracy in Pakistan is the prevalence of feudalism.

All political parties that want to serve the people must unite against this evil.

Name withheld on request
Kashmore

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2024