A number of prominent political figures, including ministers whose lineage traces back to the repressive regimes of Field Marshal Ayub and General Zia, now lecture the nation about social justice, freedom and democracy, and lament martial law. The dramatic irony is deafening. Beneficiaries and heirs of undemocratic systems now posture as their victims. The same old families, reborn in every election cycle, continue to control narratives of "reform" while the ordinary woman, the domestic worker, the young graduate, and the teacher in a rural school remain disempowered, unseen and uninvited to the table.

A 2022 study, using data for the 2002, 2008 and 2013 general elections, published in PIDE found that "dynastic legislators constitute more than 50 percent of elected politicians in Pakistan." A newspaper article quoting PILDAT states that "in the 2018 National Assembly, around 55-60 percent of elected members belonged to families with prior political backgrounds." Another commentary mentions that "more than 300 influential political families in KP, Sindh and Punjab represent more than two?thirds of national and provincial assemblies." In such a situation, how can we expect an organic resistance against gender inequalities or the shrinking of civic spaces?

The corridors of power remain congested with the same surnames, the same dynasties and the same genetic ambitions as public service. The seats in the assemblies are........

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