REFERENCE I.A. Rehman’s article ‘Decline of political parties’ (Oct 27). The writer has himself said at the beginning of the article that major political parties are against a democratic structuring and functioning of their organisations.This attitude is always evident in their governance, whenever they come to power.

The leaderships of major parties consist of the members of their families. Such families’ hold is further strengthened on the basis of their accumulated wealth, legal or illegal.

Ziaul Haq started a new trend in Pakistani politics to prolong his rule. He started to dole out sufficient money to ‘legislators’ to ensure their loyalties. This practice was continued by Zia’s successors. Now, this practice has acquired the farcical name of ‘development funds’.

Someone may consider writing a book on ‘political party incorporation.’ One can find enough material for two volumes. In the words of the writer, Pakistan did not have properly functional, democratically constituted political parties since its creation. So, there arises no question of the political parties’ decline.

Abid Mahmud Ansari

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2016