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 is facing this phenomenon; other South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal also have political dynasties.
In some countries like India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, many old dynasties have faded away and their grip on parliamentary politics is loosening. But unfortunately in Pakistan, this trend is strengthening with every passing day. Every general election in Pakistan in the last two decades has further strengthened the grip of political dynasties in Pakistan.
The Pakistani elite has used dynastic politics and electables to dominate the political and democratic processes. Pakistani politics has become more elitist despite the fact that we are heading for the fourth general election since 2002 without any major disruption.
The continuity of democratic process and parliamentary democracy has failed to break or even lose the grip of the elite and dynasties. No serious effort is being made by the political leadership to strengthen party organizations at the grassroots level to weaken the grip of electables and dynasties. Party structures are weak at the local level. Political activists have been replaced by the market forces. From door-to-door campaigns to advertisement, everything is done through private contractors. Party organizations play little role in this process.
There were some hopes that the PTI would challenge dynastic politics and try to change the political course. But it........