By Dr. Syed Akhtar Ali Shah
The recent distribution of Senate tickets by political parties has once again exposed the reality that in Pakistan’s politics, self-interest prevails over ideology. In recent days, tickets have been awarded to individuals who are either politically unaffiliated or have repeatedly changed loyalties in the past. A significant number of these candidates have been selected purely based on their wealth, influence, or proximity to the establishment. This practice has deeply disillusioned party workers who remained ideologically committed for years and made sacrifices for their parties on the ground.
This trend reflects a deeper socio-political crisis within our system. True public representation should mean that those entering the corridors of power are individuals who understand the people’s pain, who live among them, and who can relate to their struggles from personal experience. Unfortunately, politics has now become a profession — or worse, an industry — where capital, connections, and influence are the primary investments, and political office is seen as a return on that investment.
Seen through a Marxist lens, this is a clear manifestation of class domination — exactly as Karl Marx theorized. Marx argued that the state is not a neutral institution working for the common good, but rather a structure that protects the interests of the ruling class. This idea finds vivid expression in Pakistan’s political economy, where feudal lords and wealthy elites continue to dominate legislative forums and shape laws to serve their own interests.
The manner in which tickets have been distributed even for the Senate — once considered a relatively serious and credible body — has damaged its credibility. What was once perceived as the house of sober deliberation is now transforming into an exclusive club for the ultra-wealthy. Sadly, almost all major political parties are complicit in this regression. Ideals, principles, and democratic traditions are nowhere to be seen in the current process.
This raises an important question: is there any space left for ideological political workers? Have political parties been reduced to mere vote-winning machines, devoid of historical continuity or philosophical foundations? If so, this signals a dangerous erosion of democratic spirit. When politics becomes purely a struggle for power — divorced from ideas — institutions cannot be strengthened, people’s problems cannot be solved, and national direction remains lost.
It is also worth noting that when political leadership emerges primarily from wealth and power, the space for working- and middle-class individuals in the political process shrinks further. The grassroots workers — those who raise party flags, attend rallies, and run campaigns — are left out of decision-making and denied opportunities to advance. Their role is limited to mobilization and sloganeering, with no prospect of actual representation.
True political transformation can only occur when parties begin to empower ideologically grounded and people-oriented individuals. If working- and middle-class candidates are not brought forward, the existing vacuum will always be filled by elites — turning the political system into a tool of class interest rather than a vehicle of public service. This demands organizing politics around collective purpose and principles rather than individual personalities.
The future of Pakistan depends on a vibrant, conscious, and idea-driven politics. The Senate should include those who are not only skilled in legislative matters but also committed to social justice, human rights, and transparent governance. If even the upper house is surrendered to wealth and privilege, the public will be left with little hope.
It is time for political parties to begin a process of self-accountability — or they risk losing the confidence of the people. And when that trust is gone, democracy becomes nothing more than an illusion.
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@yahoo.com
