Written by: Muhammad Hanif Malik
Member Azad Jammu & Kashmir Council
In a well-informed and progressive society, every school of thought is afforded equal opportunities to advance. While such instances are rare, individuals like Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif stand out for their dedication to preserving and advocating for their beliefs. Ms. Maryam Sharif rose to prominence in the political arena when the Muslim League-N secured a two-thirds majority in the 2013 assembly, leading to the election of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as the 20th Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. During this time, Ms. Maryam Nawaz was appointed to lead the Youth Program, a position through which I had the privilege to work closely with her as a coordinator Youth Program Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
When the government of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was encountered and faced with politically motivated moves, and ultimately dismissal of Mr. Nawaz Sharif as the elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and subsequent imprisonment, Ms. Maryam Nawaz demonstrated political acumen and steadfastness, emerging as a formidable leader in Pakistani politics and within the Pakistan Muslim League – N. Despite facing challenging circumstances, she transformed from being perceived as her father’s weakness to becoming his strength and an influential figure in Pakistani politics. Ms. Maryam Nawaz’s unwavering commitment to the party’s principles has earned her the status of a true successor to its ideological legacy, garnering support even in the most adverse conditions.
For political parties to succeed in their ideological endeavors, they must embody ideological principles themselves. However, Pakistan has historically grappled with issues of democracy, rule of law, constitutional and civilian supremacy, and the pervasive influence of judiciary, bureaucracy, and security establishment in domestic politics. The lack of ideological clarity and organizational structure within the political parties has hindered the success of ideological struggles in the country.
Looking back at the history, the political landscape was complicated by the non-partisan elections of 1985, which introduced political electable, and elements like casteism, factionalism, bribery, nepotism, and money into Pakistani politics. Consequently, political parties have prioritized short-term gains over long-term ideological commitments, relying heavily on electable who switch allegiances for personal gains. As a result, genuine ideological leadership and organizational coherence within political parties have been undermined.
To address these challenges, it is imperative to foster a third-tier ideological leadership structure that extends from the party level down to the grassroots level. Visionary leadership is crucial for sustaining ideological struggles, and governance reforms are essential for earning public trust and support. Transforming political consciousness into tangible action requires robust organizational capabilities and a collective commitment to ideological principles.
The pivotal role played by Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and Senator Pervaiz Rasheed(Her Political Mentor) during difficult times exemplifies unwavering dedication to the cause of the Muslim League-N. Captain’s steadfast support for Ms. Maryam Nawaz amidst difficult times underscores the resilience of the party’s leadership. With emerging young leaders like Ms. Maryam Nawaz, there is hope for a better and brighter future of Pakistan, provided that they uphold the ideals of ideological politics and organizational integrity.
