For students of history and politics, perhaps it is better to begin with defining the concepts of the left wing and the right wing as they apply to economic, political, and social developments and movements in society. A primary feature of the left wing is its belief in equality and fraternity of the working people without any preference for creed or denomination.

But even a right-wing group can claim to fight for equality and fraternity, so there are some other features too that make a difference. Left-wing politics revolves around an emphasis on equal opportunities and fair treatment in the necessities of life such as health; education, electricity, water, sanitation, and above all respect for human rights. Again, a right-wing party may also claim the same, and a left-wing government can end up suppressing human rights. So here we come to the most distinguishing feature between the Left and the Right.

Left-wing politics believes in progress and reform without indulging in narrow nationalism and without promoting a religious agenda. It does not believe in an unbridled market economy that extracts more profit from the people even on the necessities mentioned above. A majority of right-wing activists and leaders appear to be promoting ‘traditions’ while left-wingers tend to challenge traditions and question masculinity and patriarchy in society. Right-wingers mostly support private property even if it results in a massive accumulation of wealth in a few hands. They also lay stress on some real or imagined past glory based on their nationality or religion.

In Pakistan, the state has led a right-wing agenda, promoting one nation, one language, and one religion, while compromising on democracy, human rights, and equal opportunities for all. Why progressive politics in Pakistan could not succeed and why the right wing has held sway is a question worth considering. How do we get to know about what transpired in the left-wing circles and how they remained on the receiving end of injustices? It is also a related question and........

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