Prominent journalist and head of the Team Sar-e-Aam, Iqrar-ul-Hassan, has said that political parties in Pakistan have turned into “political shops,” where personal interests outweigh national service. He stressed that Pakistan will only progress when middle-class citizens actively join politics and take charge of the country’s affairs.
On Monday he was addressing a large gathering at Chhachh Marriage Hall, Hazro, organised by senior journalist and CEO of Chhachh News Network, as well as member of Team Sar-e-Aam, Nisar Ali Khan. Upon his arrival in Hazro, Mr Iqrar Ul Hassan received a warm welcome from residents, journalists, social media activists and people from various walks of life.
Iqrar Ul Hassan lauded the efforts of Nisar Ali Khan for his professional services and for organising such a significant event. Expressing regret over the absence of fair representation for ordinary citizens in national politics, he questioned: “Which political party in Pakistan truly practices democracy or holds fair internal elections?”
He said that despite differences with Jamaat-e-Islami, it remains the only political party whose leader, Siraj-ul-Haq, rose from an ordinary background. “For the last three to four decades, only three or four names have dominated the race for prime minister. Since my childhood, I have seen the same faces ruling politics,” he remarked.
Mr Iqrar-Ul-Hassan lamented that in 78 years, Pakistan’s middle-class youth have not been allowed to enter politics, calling it the nation’s greatest misfortune. He urged the youth and members of all segments of society to strengthen themselves, participate in the political process, and aspire for leadership roles within their parties.
“The day will surely come when an ordinary or middle-class citizen will become prime minister and change the fate of this nation,” he concluded.
Speaking on the occasion, renowned journalist Nisar Ali Khan also addressed the gathering and thanked Iqrar-ul-Hassan for visiting Hazro and sharing his views with the local community.
