Are you tired of the extremism that has engulfed the social freedom in our country? Do you think it is time that we stop the atrocities that are committed in the name of religion? Do you feel that you deserve much more in terms of economic and social opportunities but are sidelined because of your ethnic identity? If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then Congratulations! You are one of the many people in Pakistan, who want to see this country get out of the web of religious extremism and social inequality. Pakistan’s political scenario is filled with people who have no interest in making this country a humanistic state. They manipulate religious emotions to outcast certain groups and eat up the money that a commoner puts into the country’s economy through hard work. Leftist parties are the ones who at least in theory, conform to the ideas of social equality and humanism. Although leftist parties in Pakistan are hardly living up to their own ideological foundation, they still represent a tiny speck of hope. Here is a list of seven leftist parties in Pakistan.
1.Pakistan People’s Party
A big name for leftist politics in Pakistan, People’s Party has its roots in socialism. It is a part of Socialist International and follows the ideology of its founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto ideas were highly influenced by Karl Marx and he was a big preacher of equal access to basic necessities. Although the party claims equality but still has elements of monarchy within its own structure, with Bhutto family leading it since the beginning. People have questioned the legitimacy of the dynastic politics as it relates to socialism and have often wondered why the bar for leftist politics is so low in the country.
2. Awami National Party
A major leftist political party in KP Awami National Party was formed by Bacha Khan and Abdul Wali Khan. The party’s color is red, which is the symbolic color of the leftist revolution. The party claims to be working for the public goo, but has failed to impress almost every time it came to power in KP. The party is currently led by Asfandyar Wali khan.
3. Awami Jamhoori Party
A relative newbie to leftist politics in Pakistan, this party was formed in Liaquat Liaqut Khan Taraqa and is currently led by his son Shahram khan. Although the party has merged itself with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, it still participates in alliances on itself. The party’s philosophy is influenced by social democracy.
4. Communist Party o f Pakistan
Communist party of Pakistan was founded in 1948 by Sajjad Zaheer. The party is influenced by the international communist movement. The party was formed to groom leftist ideology with the intention of starting a communist revolution in Pakistan, but it was banned in the 50’s with its prominent leaders sent to jail. The party claims to represent the intellectual population of Pakistan and is currently led by Jameel Ahmad Malik.
5. Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party
Like the communist party, Pakistan Kisan Mazdoor party is one of the leftist parties that attempted a revolution. Founded by Afzal Bangash in 1968, the party has been fighting for the rights of small-scale farmers who are exploited by big landowners since 1970. The party’s foundations are found in Marxist philosophies.
6. Awami Workers Party
Leftist politics is all about giving their due rights to the working class. Awami Workers Party, although a relatively new one in the left wing, was formed by several experienced leftist politicians of different parties. The party’s main motto is to fight for the rights of the working class but it supports women’s rights movements as well.
7. Pakistan Trade Unions Defense Campaign
Another leftist party which is influenced by the international communist movement is the Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign. Their slogan ‘Aalmi social workers Inqilab’ represents their roots in the Marxist ideologies. The party’s main aims are to protect the state properties from privatization and to stop the manipulation of trade unions. These parties are not heard of much. Perhaps because they are not something the masses resonate with. Which is unfortunate because the rights of the common people are at the heart of their praxis. PPP is the only leftist party in theory that has earned a huge following, that too because it deviates from what is typically considered leftist in theory. [socialpoll id=”2512856″] Feature Image Source: Dawn News