Liberalism is one of the most popular political
ideologies present in the world today; it has become a benchmark for comparison
throughout the world as it is developed and followed by the industrialized
West. Liberalism come from the word 'liberal', an individual willing to respect or accept behavior or
opinions different from one's own. Liberalism has some key distinct
features, namely individualism, freedom, reason, equality, toleration, consent
and constitutionalism.
In Pakistan the
political party which is most true to its stance as liberals is PPP. They have
been heavily criticized for how they ran the government and how much damage
they caused. However, they managed to give some things to Pakistan which no other
political party has been able to do so.
For starters, they
won the elections fair and square. They did not fall prey to protests denouncing
the elections as rigged. They managed to complete their 5 year tenure without
any military coup. They held the 2013 elections on time and self autonomy was
provided to the election commission of Pakistan. Moreover, they made some constitutional reforms by passing
the 18th, 19th and 20th amendments. This resulted in provincial autonomy,
transfer of presidential powers to parliament, smooth installation of caretaker
governments and revoking the right of the president to dissolve the assemblies.
Full freedom was given
to the media, allowing criticism of government ministers and office-bearers.
They adopted the policy of 'politics of reconciliation', hearing other
political opinions and finding a way to merge interests. For instance,
Tahir-ul-Qadri came to Islamabad with his many followers and had a sit in on
Jinnah Avenue for days. PPP officials went and reasoned with him and the matter
was closed. Our PPP government also believed in the liberation of women, the
first sexual harassment bill in work places was signed by Asif Ali Zardari
(which is also applicable in LUMS btw), and starting the Benazir Income Support
Program which is still running after they lost the elections in 2013.
3 comments:
I agree with your statements but I would like to elaborate on the liberation of women especially in PPP as one of its most strong points.
Benazir Bhutto is the epitome of a woman who due to PPP's liberating stance was able to become Pakistan's first and only female Prime Minister.
Moreover other party members such as Natasha Daultana, Sherry Rehman and many others now carry on her legacy.
In terms of consent and liberalism though I feel Bhutto and the PPP lacked. Examples are his conduct and legislation passed regarding Ahmedi's and his attitude towards East Pakistan.
Even so, in terms of Pakistan PPP is still the undefeated liberal party of Pakistan.
I agree with your statements but I would like to elaborate on the liberation of women especially in PPP as one of its most strong points.
Benazir Bhutto is the epitome of a woman who due to PPP's liberating stance was able to become Pakistan's first and only female Prime Minister.
Moreover other party members such as Natasha Daultana, Sherry Rehman and many others now carry on her legacy.
In terms of consent and liberalism though I feel Bhutto and the PPP lacked. Examples are his conduct and legislation passed regarding Ahmedi's and his attitude towards East Pakistan.
Even so, in terms of Pakistan PPP is still the undefeated liberal party of Pakistan.
Jiye Bhutto! Sorry couldn't help it after reading your post because I support PPP despite all it's misgivings as it's the only liberal party in Pakistan. And I loved your post by the way.
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