The Dreams of Better life, Prosperity, Stability, Democracy and Dignity have been shattered
Pakistani Nation will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Independence on 14th August 2007, with having many questions in minds. Millions of poor Muslims from all over India rushed to the new homeland of dreams, when British Imperialism announced the Partition of India in August 1947. Indian subcontinent was divided on religious basis, which paved the way for hatred and communal violence between Hindus/ Sikhs and Muslims in which around 2 million people were killed. This laid the basis for hostility and long time enmity between the newly independent neighboring states of India and Pakistan.
The millions of people migrated to Pakistan for the better life and future for them and future generations. But their dreams have been shattered by the parasitic ruling class and respective governments in last 60 years. Chronic poverty, unemployment, hunger, super exploitation, repression, injustice, police brutality, religious extremism, military interventions and domination, rotten capitalist and feudal system are the every day realities faced by the masses after 60 years of independence. Majority of the population is still living without the proper health care, education, sanitation, clean drinking water, housing and transport. The masses feel betrayed by the ruling elite. The majority of ordinary people and working masses see no future and feelings of disappointment and desperation is running high.
The whole history of Pakistan is full of crises, wars, military interventions, betrays, experiments, working class movements, social and political explosions and Imperialist domination. The weak ruling class, colonial state structure, strong establishment and Imperialist domination created many problems for the newly created state which are still not only exist but have become more bigger and complicated problems. To understand the present situation in Pakistan, it is important to see that how the Pakistani state, ruling classes, working class, economy, political movements and society in general has developed in last 60 years.
Weak Ruling Class
Pakistan inherited a weak ruling class mainly consists of Muslim feudal lords, ex officials of different small states called Rajs (there were many small states in the British India with having limited sovereignty, Muslim traders, few capitalists and ex civil servants.
Pakistan movement was not a mass movement until 1940s. The leadership of Muslim League (the political party which started the campaign of a separate Muslim state) was mainly from aristocracy and Muslim elite. They developed this party to protect their class interests against the rising Congress Party. Quid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah( the official founder of the nation) was the only leading figure in the Muslim League who had the support and authority in the masses. He died in 1948 after just one year of independence. He left behind a bunch of opportunist and power hungry politicians without having much support in the masses. They failed to finalise a constitution for the country and to hold general elections. The first general elections were held in 1970 after 23 years of independence. The ruling Muslim league organized provincial elections in Punjab and East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in early 1950s; the results were a nightmare for the ruling elite. They miserably lost in East Bengal and succeeded in Punjab but only after widely rigged elections. The majority of the ruling class was feudal lords from Punjab and Sindh and tribal chiefs from Baluchistan and NWFP. The ruling class was frightened from the masses and consequences of general elections. Lack of public support, force them to form an alliance with the civil and military establishment. This alliance led to the intervention of the establishment in the politics. Alienated from the masses, the ruling elite become more and more dependent on the establishment to gain power. The already very strong civil bureaucracy becomes more power full. Nearly dozen prime ministers were appointed and removed in just 10 years. The dominance of civil and military establishment over the ruling class is not only continued but further been strengthened.
Military Interventions and Domination
The civil establishment fully took advantage of the weakness of politicians and becomes dominating factor in the politics. The judiciary also sided with bureaucracy and a powerful nexus developed which played important role in the future. The constituent assembly finally passed the first constitution of the country in 1956 and first general elections were planned in 1958. It was clear that ruling Muslim league will be routed in the elections and radical left nationalist National Awami Party (NAP) will be able to get the majority. NAP was a mixture of communists, radical reformists, Intellectuals, Nationalists and left wing individuals. NAP was a pro- Soviet party and considered anti Imperialist. It was a nightmare situation for American imperialism because Pakistan was the key ally of US in the region against communist Russia. Americans encouraged the military senior command to impose Martial Law and cancel the planned elections. In 1958 military imposed the Martial Law and banned the political activities in the country. General Ayub Khan became the first military dictator in the country. This laid the basis for a long military rule and future military interventions. American Imperialism fully backed this military dictatorship with all sorts of financial aid and easy loans. This dictatorship lasted for more than 10 years. This was the beginning of a long period of military interventions and domination which is still continues. The only exception was the period of early 1970s. Now Pakistan is experiencing its 4th military government since 1958.
During the military dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, the military generals become the most powerful factor in the politics. Military has not only increased its political influence but also developed its own industrial and commercial business empire. Military generals and Intelligence agencies become so dominating in the politics that they started to decide that who will form the next government even before the elections.
All the major political, foreign policy and important decisions since 1980s had been taking by the GHQ. Military generals have become the ruling class or at least the most powerful and dominating section in the ruling elite. Main capitalist political parties and politicians have accepted this domination and fully capitulated with GHQ. Military generals and intelligence agencies are running the affairs of the country with comfort since 25 years. There is a deadly nexus between generals, feudal lords, capitalists and big business and mullahs. Military generals are the senior partners supported by the reactionary mullahs and feudal lords. Religious political leaders joins the ruling class in the early 80s and now further strengthened their position since than. Now the situation has started to change again as resistance and opposition against the military domination is on the rise. People have started to question the military intervention in the politics. Military generals have directly ruled this country for 31 years and failed to solve a single problem faced by working masses. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the army generals to justify their rule and political domination.
State in Crisis
The increased political, social and economic crisis has developed a serious crisis in the state institutions. The crushing military domination over all the other state institutions has developed a situation in which different state institutions have started to taking on each other. Different sections of the ruling class are fighting to control the state apparatus. There is a very strong reaction from some sections of the civil bureaucracy and politicians against the military domination. Ex and serving senior military officers are occupying almost all the key posts in the administration and also in public sector departments and corporations. Most attractive civilian posts are also going to the military officers.
Musharaf regime was forced to change the decades old policies of the Pakistani state, after the 9/11 events in US. Pakistan was forced to change its long time Afghan policy.
There was a dramatic policy shift on many issues. Pakistani state was forced to act against the Islamic Fundamentalists groups which was created and developed by Pakistani state in 80s and 90s. General Musharaf also made some changes in the Kashmir policy and started composite dialogue with India. He started speaking against the Jihadi culture and banned some militant organizations. His liberal views and policies have not only enraged the Islamic Fundamentalist elements in the state apparatus but also hurt the feelings and interests of conservative and nationalist elements.
The removal of Chief Justice of Pakistan has brought a change in the conduct and attitude of the judiciary. The judiciary has reacted strongly against the removal and started to take independent decisions against the executive. There are members of the higher judiciary which still siding with executive, but they are isolated. It is the fist time that two old and traditional partners are standing face to face. A relatively independent judiciary is not in the interest of ruling class.
Most state institutions have already lost their credibility in the working class people. The people have no respect for the police and it is the most hated state institution. Army was the most respected institution in many parts of the country and in many sections of the population, but now even army has started to lose respect and credibility. There is a massive fall in the support of the army because of its political role.
Pakistani state has practically lost control over many parts of the country. It is either Islamic militants or nationalist militias which are controlling the areas. The feudal lords and criminal gangs have developed their own respective states within the state. The national question is becoming very explosive issue in Baluchistan and Sindh. The rising tide of Islamic Extremism and militancy is directly challenging the writ of the state as they are running par aryl administration in many areas. The rising social and political polarization along with increased class tensions are further increasing the state crisis.
The serious sections of the ruling class and state officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation.
Economic Growth and Rising Poverty
There is a high economic growth rate from last 4 years. The average economic growth rate in the last four years is more than 7%. But this high economic growth rate has failed to decrease poverty and improve the living conditions of the poor and working class people. This is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan as history shows us. 1960s was called the decade of development and economic growth. The average growth rate of this so called golden decade was around 6.7%. It was also the era of industrialization in Pakistan. This economic growth on one hand give rise to famous 22 richest families in Pakistan which was controlling the most of industry and economy and on the other hand created the sea of poverty in which 46 % of the population was living. This high economic growth and accumulation of wealth laid the basis of the revolutionary uprising of the working class in 1968-69. This was the biggest revolutionary movement in the history of Pakistan.
Its economy had been developed on such a pattern that it benefits the elite. Pakistan was a agricultural economy at the time of independence and more than 85% population was living in the rural areas. Agriculture was the main contributor to the GDP. In the process of industrialization in 60s &70s, rural population started to move to the industrial cities.
Now nearly 40% population lives in the cities and towns. Few hundred feudal families dominate the agriculture and rural economy. Industry was also owned by few dozen families. Agriculture employed 43% workforce and contribute 23% in the GDP. Nearly 6o% population is still dependent on agriculture which is in severe crisis. Feudalism, shortage of water, highly expensive electricity, fertilizer and seeds, decreasing land for cultivation, very low output and yield and old methods of farming are the main reasons for this crisis.
Textile industry is the main industry in Pakistan which is also in crisis. More than 300 textile units have been closed down in last two years. Textile exports are falling as the competition from China, India and Bangladesh is intensifying. There is a growth in automobile, IT and electronics industries. The services sector is also booming and especially the banking sector is making fortunes out that. The bank profits have been surged from $130 million in 2002 to $1.8 billion in 2006. Pakistan stands 3rd in the bank profits only behind Colombia and Venezuela.
Pakistani economy is largely dependent on foreign aid and loans. In 60s and 80s, the economy rate was more than 6%. During this period Pakistan received aid, assistance and loans of worth$ 40billion. In 90s the growth rate was around 4% but fell to 3% in last two years. In early 3 years of 2000, the growth rate was around 3.5%. This was the period when America imposed some sanctions and IMF and World Bank attached hard conditions for loans. Pakistani economy kick started after the 9/11. In last 4 years, Pakistan has received the aid and loans worth $12 billion. The annual remittances of Pakistani immigrant workers from US, Europe and Middle East has crossed $5 billion mark. Total remittances in last 4 years are nearly $21 billion. This flow of the money has pumped new life in the financial and banking system. Stock market shares are record high, real state business is booming. The banks are offering generous loans for consumer spending. Consumer loans stands at $6billion at the moment when total bank deposits are around $20 billion. It is not sustainable in the long run. These loans and increased remittances has developed and maintained a layer of middle class. But this layer can not be maintained in the long run.
There is no doubt that present economic growth has created a new layer of super rich. This growth has benefited the ruling elite, which has become more rich and arrogant. But this economic growth has left behind the majority of the people. Poor has become poorer. 88% population lives on less than 2 dollars per day and 63% lives below the poverty line or less than a dollar. 72% population has no access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Inflation and price hike is badly hurting the working masses. The prices of food items and every day essentials have been doubled in last few months. There are 200% to 300% increase in the prices of food items and other commodities. There was increase of 6 rupees in the price of flour from 1947 to 1997 but in last 10 years, the increase is 11 rupees. The prices of cooking oil have been doubled in last 2 months. The unprecedented price hike has made the life more miserable for the working class.
There are 35000 primary schools in the country without any proper facilities like, running water, sanitation, boundary walls, and proper sitting arrangements. 17000 schools are without proper buildings. 12000 middle and high schools are without laboratories and scientific instruments. There is acute shortage of power. Power breakdowns have become part of every day life. Karachi, the largest city and industrial hub of Pakistan is facing a severe power crisis. The power breakdowns in Karachi are for hours. Unemployment is rising. Living standards are falling.
The neo liberal economic policies of counter reforms, privatization, deregulation, structural adjustments and trade liberalization begun in late 80s and early 90s. 1990s are called the era of free market economy which gives rise to price hike, unemployment and poverty. 17% population was living below the poverty line in 1988, which increased to 34% in 1999 and it is doubled in last 8 years. It shows the brutality and super exploitation of capitalist system which coexist with feudalism in Pakistan.
Trade Union Movement
There were a dozen trade unions in Pakistan at the time of independence. Railway union was the largest and most militant union. There were other unions in Karachi port and ship yard, post office and few industries. Railway union was the backbone of the trade union movement and played important role in the development of a strong trade union movement. The trade union movement flourished and gained strength in the last years of 1960s. The industrialization gave birth to the proletariat and this virgin proletariat played the leading and key role in the revolutionary uprising of 1968-69. From 1967 to the 1974 can be called the golden era of Pakistani trade union movement. Thousands of new trade unions were formed and hundreds of strikes, occupations and protest movements were organized in this period. There was a mushroom growth of trade unions.
Before 1968, the politics and political parties were all about the ruling class. There was no mentioning of working class and its political role in the media and intelligentsia. But all changed after the historical revolutionary movement. The working class rise on the political scene with an exceptional revolutionary movement. This movement started as protest movement against the regime of Ayub Khan led by students in November 1968 and grows to a general strike led by working class in few months. The workers started to occupy factories and peasants started to took over lands from feudal lords. In some areas the peasantry organized armed struggles against the landlords. The people living in the rented houses refused to pay rents. Working class took over the control of the cities and started to run the administration. Few cities remain under the workers control for more than two weeks. The Socialist revolution can be smelled in the air. Socialism was the main slogan in the movement. The ruling class was terrified from this situation. PPP founder Zulifqar Ali Bhutto came to rescue for the ruling class. There was no revolutionary party and leadership which can carry through the revolution and over through the capitalism and feudalism to establish a workers state. Bhutto took advantage of the situation and derailed the potential Socialist revolution into a reformist democratic movement. The working class lost this opportunity and later paid the price for this failure. Respective regimes viciously attacked the most militant and conscious layers of the working class. They introduced many laws to prevent strikes and formation of the unions. They also banned trade union activities in many sectors of the economy. Trade union movement started to decline in 80s and significantly weakened since than. Last 15 years have been most difficult times for the labour movement. The collapse of Stalinist Russia and Stalinist states of Eastern Europe also affected the trade union movement. Many left wing unions, federations and their leaders fully capitulated with capitalism and started preaching free market economy to their ranks. Leadership betrayed many struggles against privatization and neo liberalism. Main trade union leadership also adopted the policy of compromise and opportunism against the governments attacks on the workers and trade unions. Only 3% workers are affiliated with trade unions. Trade union movement standing at a cross road. The compromise and capitulation will led to further weakness and fall of the trade union movement. But the struggle and organized resistance will provide strength and much needed confidence to the labor movement. The numbers of trade unions have started to increase as new sections of working class have started to organize. Some important struggles and strikes have emerged in last few years including the historic strike of PTCL and textile workers. Teachers are also fighting for their rights and Industrial workers have also won some important battles. In next few years, there will be a resurgence of workers struggles and strikes.
Rise and fall of PPP
Pakistan Peoples Party was founded in 1967 with just 35 people. Zulifqar Ali Bhutto was the founding chairman of the party. Bhutto was a big feudal lord from Sindh and served as minister in the military government of Ayub Khan. He was a clever and very intelligent politician. He correctly understood the mood of the masses and put forward a radical program with Socialist slogans. He put forward the slogans of bread, house and clothes for every one. He also talked about Socialist planned economy and classless society. In the absence of a organized left party and movement, he came forward with radical anti capitalist and feudal slogans. PPP became the largest political party in Pakistan in just few months, in after math of revolutionary movement of the working class. PPP became the largest party in West Pakistan and Awami league trounced the other parties to won a land slide in East Pakistan in the first ever elections in 1970. The military and civil establishment refused to hand over the power to Awami League and this resulted into a civil war and than separation of East Pakistan (now called Bangladesh) in 1971. Bhutto became the leader of remaining Pakistan. He came to power with a popular support. But he betrayed the working class and started attacking the advance layers of working class. He introduced few reforms in the early period of his rule, and Nationalised more than 70% economy. But he was frightened from a strong working class. He started to use repressive measures against the trade union movement. His support started to decrease in the last years of his rule. The military organized a quo against him in 1977, after a violent rightwing movement against him. He was later hanged by the military government. His hanging again made him popular in the masses, because he refused to compromise with military dictator. Benazir Bhutto became the leader of PPP in 1979. PPP organized movement for the restoration of democracy called MRD in 1983 against military dictatorship of General Zial-ul-Haq. Bhutto made compromise with the establishment and became prime minister after the 1988 general elections. It was the new beginning for Benazir and PPP. She betrayed the millions of poor working people and party activists which spent years in prisons. She completely capitulated with the ruling class and American Imperialism. PPP government introduced neo liberal economic policies and led the way for the privatization and counter reforms.
PPP started to loose its support since 1993 and now become empty. Thousands of die hard workers have left the party. PPP is no more seen as a party of the poor and working class by the working class people and poor peasants. PPP is still a big electoral party which can won elections but only with the support the establishment. PPP leadership is fully consisting on feudal lords and big capitalists. PPP was never a traditional working class party, but a party with leadership of upper class and middle class with a solid support in the masses. This represents a popular phenomenon which developed around Bhutto. Present day PPP is even not a shadow of the old party. It can not be ruled out that in the absence of a alternative, some sections of the working class might vote for PPP. But it will be critical and protest vote that can not be compared with the vote in 1970 or even 1988. PPP is finished as a party of masses and working class people. The betrayal of PPP was and still a big blow to the working class politics. There is no working class party exist in Pakistan at the moment.
The Dreams of Better life, Prosperity, Stability, Democracy and Dignity have been shattered
Pakistani Nation will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Independence on 14th August 2007, with having many questions in minds. Millions of poor Muslims from all over India rushed to the new homeland of dreams, when British Imperialism announced the Partition of India in August 1947. Indian subcontinent was divided on religious basis, which paved the way for hatred and communal violence between Hindus/ Sikhs and Muslims in which around 2 million people were killed. This laid the basis for hostility and long time enmity between the newly independent neighboring states of India and Pakistan.
The millions of people migrated to Pakistan for the better life and future for them and future generations. But their dreams have been shattered by the parasitic ruling class and respective governments in last 60 years. Chronic poverty, unemployment, hunger, super exploitation, repression, injustice, police brutality, religious extremism, military interventions and domination, rotten capitalist and feudal system are the every day realities faced by the masses after 60 years of independence. Majority of the population is still living without the proper health care, education, sanitation, clean drinking water, housing and transport. The masses feel betrayed by the ruling elite. The majority of ordinary people and working masses see no future and feelings of disappointment and desperation is running high.
The whole history of Pakistan is full of crises, wars, military interventions, betrays, experiments, working class movements, social and political explosions and Imperialist domination. The weak ruling class, colonial state structure, strong establishment and Imperialist domination created many problems for the newly created state which are still not only exist but have become more bigger and complicated problems. To understand the present situation in Pakistan, it is important to see that how the Pakistani state, ruling classes, working class, economy, political movements and society in general has developed in last 60 years.
Weak Ruling Class
Pakistan inherited a weak ruling class mainly consists of Muslim feudal lords, ex officials of different small states called Rajas (there were many small states in the British India with having limited sovereignty, Muslim traders, few capitalists and ex civil servants).
Pakistan movement was not a mass movement until 1940s. The leadership of Muslim League (the political party which started the campaign of a separate Muslim state) was mainly from aristocracy and Muslim elite. They developed this party to protect their class interests against the rising Congress Party. Quid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah( the official founder of the nation) was the only leading figure in the Muslim League who had the support and authority in the masses. He died in 1948 after just one year of independence. He left behind a bunch of opportunist and power hungry politicians without having much support in the masses. They failed to finalise a constitution for the country and to hold general elections. The first general elections were held in 1970 after 23 years of independence. The ruling Muslim league organized provincial elections in Punjab and East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in early 1950s; the results were a nightmare for the ruling elite. They miserably lost in East Bengal and succeeded in Punjab but only after widely rigged elections. The majority of the ruling class was feudal lords from Punjab and Sindh and tribal chiefs from Baluchistan and NWFP. The ruling class was frightened from the masses and consequences of general elections. Lack of public support, force them to form an alliance with the civil and military establishment. This alliance led to the intervention of the establishment in the politics. Alienated from the masses, the ruling elite become more and more dependent on the establishment to gain power. The already very strong civil bureaucracy becomes more power full. Nearly dozen prime ministers were appointed and removed in just 10 years. The dominance of civil and military establishment over the ruling class is not only continued but further been strengthened.
Military Interventions and Domination
The civil establishment fully took advantage of the weakness of politicians and becomes dominating factor in the politics. The judiciary also sided with bureaucracy and a powerful nexus developed which played important role in the future. The constituent assembly finally passed the first constitution of the country in 1956 and first general elections were planned in 1958. It was clear that ruling Muslim league will be routed in the elections and radical left nationalist National Awami Party (NAP) will be able to get the majority. NAP was a mixture of communists, radical reformists, Intellectuals, Nationalists and left wing individuals. NAP was a pro- Soviet party and considered anti Imperialist. It was a nightmare situation for American imperialism because Pakistan was the key ally of US in the region against communist Russia. Americans encouraged the military senior command to impose Martial Law and cancel the planned elections. In 1958 military imposed the Martial Law and banned the political activities in the country. General Ayub Khan became the first military dictator in the country. This laid the basis for a long military rule and future military interventions. American Imperialism fully backed this military dictatorship with all sorts of financial aid and easy loans. This dictatorship lasted for more than 10 years. This was the beginning of a long period of military interventions and domination which is still continues. The only exception was the period of early 1970s. Now Pakistan is experiencing its 4th military government since 1958.
During the military dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, the military generals become the most powerful factor in the politics. Military has not only increased its political influence but also developed its own industrial and commercial business empire. Military generals and Intelligence agencies become so dominating in the politics that they started to decide that who will form the next government even before the elections.
All the major political, foreign policy and important decisions since 1980s had been taking by the GHQ. Military generals have become the ruling class or at least the most powerful and dominating section in the ruling elite. Main capitalist political parties and politicians have accepted this domination and fully capitulated with GHQ. Military generals and intelligence agencies are running the affairs of the country with comfort since 25 years. There is a deadly nexus between generals, feudal lords, capitalists and big business and mullahs. Military generals are the senior partners supported by the reactionary mullahs and feudal lords. Religious political leaders joins the ruling class in the early 80s and now further strengthened their position since than. Now the situation has started to change again as resistance and opposition against the military domination is on the rise. People have started to question the military intervention in the politics. Military generals have directly ruled this country for 31 years and failed to solve a single problem faced by working masses. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the army generals to justify their rule and political domination.
State in Crisis
The increased political, social and economic crisis has developed a serious crisis in the state institutions. The crushing military domination over all the other state institutions has developed a situation in which different state institutions have started to taking on each other. Different sections of the ruling class are fighting to control the state apparatus. There is a very strong reaction from some sections of the civil bureaucracy and politicians against the military domination. Ex and serving senior military officers are occupying almost all the key posts in the administration and also in public sector departments and corporations. Most attractive civilian posts are also going to the military officers.
Musharaf regime was forced to change the decades old policies of the Pakistani state, after the 9/11 events in US. Pakistan was forced to change its long time Afghan policy.
There was a dramatic policy shift on many issues. Pakistani state was forced to act against the Islamic Fundamentalists groups which was created and developed by Pakistani state in 80s and 90s. General Musharaf also made some changes in the Kashmir policy and started composite dialogue with India. He started speaking against the Jihadi culture and banned some militant organizations. His liberal views and policies have not only enraged the Islamic Fundamentalist elements in the state apparatus but also hurt the feelings and interests of conservative and nationalist elements.
The removal of Chief Justice of Pakistan has brought a change in the conduct and attitude of the judiciary. The judiciary has reacted strongly against the removal and started to take independent decisions against the executive. There are members of the higher judiciary which still siding with executive, but they are isolated. It is the fist time that two old and traditional partners are standing face to face. A relatively independent judiciary is not in the interest of ruling class.
Most state institutions have already lost their credibility in the working class people. The people have no respect for the police and it is the most hated state institution. Army was the most respected institution in many parts of the country and in many sections of the population, but now even army has started to lose respect and credibility. There is a massive fall in the support of the army because of its political role.
Pakistani state has practically lost control over many parts of the country. It is either Islamic militants or nationalist militias which are controlling the areas. The feudal lords and criminal gangs have developed their own respective states within the state. The national question is becoming very explosive issue in Baluchistan and Sindh. The rising tide of Islamic Extremism and militancy is directly challenging the writ of the state as they are running par aryl administration in many areas. The rising social and political polarization along with increased class tensions are further increasing the state crisis.
The serious sections of the ruling class and state officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation.
Economic Growth and Rising Poverty
There is a high economic growth rate from last 4 years. The average economic growth rate in the last four years is more than 7%. But this high economic growth rate has failed to decrease poverty and improve the living conditions of the poor and working class people. This is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan as history shows us. 1960s was called the decade of development and economic growth. The average growth rate of this so called golden decade was around 6.7%. It was also the era of industrialization in Pakistan. This economic growth on one hand give rise to famous 22 richest families in Pakistan which was controlling the most of industry and economy and on the other hand created the sea of poverty in which 46 % of the population was living. This high economic growth and accumulation of wealth laid the basis of the revolutionary uprising of the working class in 1968-69. This was the biggest revolutionary movement in the history of Pakistan.
Its economy had been developed on such a pattern that it benefits the elite. Pakistan was a agricultural economy at the time of independence and more than 85% population was living in the rural areas. Agriculture was the main contributor to the GDP. In the process of industrialization in 60s &70s, rural population started to move to the industrial cities.
Now nearly 40% population lives in the cities and towns. Few hundred feudal families dominate the agriculture and rural economy. Industry was also owned by few dozen families. Agriculture employed 43% workforce and contribute 23% in the GDP. Nearly 6o% population is still dependent on agriculture which is in severe crisis. Feudalism, shortage of water, highly expensive electricity, fertilizer and seeds, decreasing land for cultivation, very low output and yield and old methods of farming are the main reasons for this crisis.
Textile industry is the main industry in Pakistan which is also in crisis. More than 300 textile units have been closed down in last two years. Textile exports are falling as the competition from China, India and Bangladesh is intensifying. There is a growth in automobile, IT and electronics industries. The services sector is also booming and especially the banking sector is making fortunes out that. The bank profits have been surged from $130 million in 2002 to $1.8 billion in 2006. Pakistan stands 3rd in the bank profits only behind Colombia and Venezuela.
Pakistani economy is largely dependent on foreign aid and loans. In 60s and 80s, the economy rate was more than 6%. During this period Pakistan received aid, assistance and loans of worth$ 40billion. In 90s the growth rate was around 4% but fell to 3% in last two years. In early 3 years of 2000, the growth rate was around 3.5%. This was the period when America imposed some sanctions and IMF and World Bank attached hard conditions for loans. Pakistani economy kick started after the 9/11. In last 4 years, Pakistan has received the aid and loans worth $12 billion. The annual remittances of Pakistani immigrant workers from US, Europe and Middle East has crossed $5 billion mark. Total remittances in last 4 years are nearly $21 billion. This flow of the money has pumped new life in the financial and banking system. Stock market shares are record high, real state business is booming. The banks are offering generous loans for consumer spending. Consumer loans stands at $6billion at the moment when total bank deposits are around $20 billion. It is not sustainable in the long run. These loans and increased remittances has developed and maintained a layer of middle class. But this layer can not be maintained in the long run.
There is no doubt that present economic growth has created a new layer of super rich. This growth has benefited the ruling elite, which has become more rich and arrogant. But this economic growth has left behind the majority of the people. Poor has become poorer. 88% population lives on less than 2 dollars per day and 63% lives below the poverty line or less than a dollar. 72% population has no access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Inflation and price hike is badly hurting the working masses. The prices of food items and every day essentials have been doubled in last few months. There are 200% to 300% increase in the prices of food items and other commodities. There was increase of 6 rupees in the price of flour from 1947 to 1997 but in last 10 years, the increase is 11 rupees. The prices of cooking oil have been doubled in last 2 months. The unprecedented price hike has made the life more miserable for the working class.
There are 35000 primary schools in the country without any proper facilities like, running water, sanitation, boundary walls, and proper sitting arrangements. 17000 schools are without proper buildings. 12000 middle and high schools are without laboratories and scientific instruments. There is acute shortage of power. Power breakdowns have become part of every day life. Karachi, the largest city and industrial hub of Pakistan is facing a severe power crisis. The power breakdowns in Karachi are for hours. Unemployment is rising. Living standards are falling.
The neo liberal economic policies of counter reforms, privatization, deregulation, structural adjustments and trade liberalization begun in late 80s and early 90s. 1990s are called the era of free market economy which gives rise to price hike, unemployment and poverty. 17% population was living below the poverty line in 1988, which increased to 34% in 1999 and it is doubled in last 8 years. It shows the brutality and super exploitation of capitalist system which coexist with feudalism in Pakistan.
Trade Union Movement
There were a dozen trade unions in Pakistan at the time of independence. Railway union was the largest and most militant union. There were other unions in Karachi port and ship yard, post office and few industries. Railway union was the backbone of the trade union movement and played important role in the development of a strong trade union movement. The trade union movement flourished and gained strength in the last years of 1960s. The industrialization gave birth to the proletariat and this virgin proletariat played the leading and key role in the revolutionary uprising of 1968-69. From 1967 to the 1974 can be called the golden era of Pakistani trade union movement. Thousands of new trade unions were formed and hundreds of strikes, occupations and protest movements were organized in this period. There was a mushroom growth of trade unions.
Before 1968, the politics and political parties were all about the ruling class. There was no mentioning of working class and its political role in the media and intelligentsia. But all changed after the historical revolutionary movement. The working class rise on the political scene with an exceptional revolutionary movement. This movement started as protest movement against the regime of Ayub Khan led by students in November 1968 and grows to a general strike led by working class in few months. The workers started to occupy factories and peasants started to took over lands from feudal lords. In some areas the peasantry organized armed struggles against the landlords. The people living in the rented houses refused to pay rents. Working class took over the control of the cities and started to run the administration. Few cities remain under the workers control for more than two weeks. The Socialist revolution can be smelled in the air. Socialism was the main slogan in the movement. The ruling class was terrified from this situation. PPP founder Zulifqar Ali Bhutto came to rescue for the ruling class. There was no revolutionary party and leadership which can carry through the revolution and over through the capitalism and feudalism to establish a workers state. Bhutto took advantage of the situation and derailed the potential Socialist revolution into a reformist democratic movement. The working class lost this opportunity and later paid the price for this failure. Respective regimes viciously attacked the most militant and conscious layers of the working class. They introduced many laws to prevent strikes and formation of the unions. They also banned trade union activities in many sectors of the economy. Trade union movement started to decline in 80s and significantly weakened since than. Last 15 years have been most difficult times for the labour movement. The collapse of Stalinist Russia and Stalinist states of Eastern Europe also affected the trade union movement. Many left wing unions, federations and their leaders fully capitulated with capitalism and started preaching free market economy to their ranks. Leadership betrayed many struggles against privatization and neo liberalism. Main trade union leadership also adopted the policy of compromise and opportunism against the governments attacks on the workers and trade unions. Only 3% workers are affiliated with trade unions. Trade union movement standing at a cross road. The compromise and capitulation will led to further weakness and fall of the trade union movement. But the struggle and organized resistance will provide strength and much needed confidence to the labor movement. The numbers of trade unions have started to increase as new sections of working class have started to organize. Some important struggles and strikes have emerged in last few years including the historic strike of PTCL and textile workers. Teachers are also fighting for their rights and Industrial workers have also won some important battles. In next few years, there will be a resurgence of workers struggles and strikes.
Rise and fall of PPP
Pakistan Peoples Party was founded in 1967 with just 35 people. Zulifqar Ali Bhutto was the founding chairman of the party. Bhutto was a big feudal lord from Sindh and served as minister in the military government of Ayub Khan. He was a clever and very intelligent politician. He correctly understood the mood of the masses and put forward a radical program with Socialist slogans. He put forward the slogans of bread, house and clothes for every one. He also talked about Socialist planned economy and classless society. In the absence of a organized left party and movement, he came forward with radical anti capitalist and feudal slogans. PPP became the largest political party in Pakistan in just few months, in after math of revolutionary movement of the working class. PPP became the largest party in West Pakistan and Awami league trounced the other parties to won a land slide in East Pakistan in the first ever elections in 1970. The military and civil establishment refused to hand over the power to Awami League and this resulted into a civil war and than separation of East Pakistan (now called Bangladesh) in 1971. Bhutto became the leader of remaining Pakistan. He came to power with a popular support. But he betrayed the working class and started attacking the advance layers of working class. He introduced few reforms in the early period of his rule, and Nationalised more than 70% economy. But he was frightened from a strong working class. He started to use repressive measures against the trade union movement. His support started to decrease in the last years of his rule. The military organized a quo against him in 1977, after a violent rightwing movement against him. He was later hanged by the military government. His hanging again made him popular in the masses, because he refused to compromise with military dictator. Benazir Bhutto became the leader of PPP in 1979. PPP organized movement for the restoration of democracy called MRD in 1983 against military dictatorship of General Zial-ul-Haq. Bhutto made compromise with the establishment and became prime minister after the 1988 general elections. It was the new beginning for Benazir and PPP. She betrayed the millions of poor working people and party activists which spent years in prisons. She completely capitulated with the ruling class and American Imperialism. PPP government introduced neo liberal economic policies and led the way for the privatization and counter reforms.
PPP started to loose its support since 1993 and now become empty. Thousands of die hard workers have left the party. PPP is no more seen as a party of the poor and working class by the working class people and poor peasants. PPP is still a big electoral party which can won elections but only with the support the establishment. PPP leadership is fully consisting on feudal lords and big capitalists. PPP was never a traditional working class party, but a party with leadership of upper class and middle class with a solid support in the masses. This represents a popular phenomenon which developed around Bhutto. Present day PPP is even not a shadow of the old party. It can not be ruled out that in the absence of a alternative, some sections of the working class might vote for PPP. But it will be critical and protest vote that can not be compared with the vote in 1970 or even 1988. PPP is finished as a party of masses and working class people. The betrayal of PPP was and still a big blow to the working class politics. There is no working class party exist in Pakistan at the moment.
What Future for Pakistan?
Many western and American think tank and commentators are raising serious doubts about the future of this country. They raise the possibilities of a possible Talibanisaton, disintegration and civil wars. There is not a single commentator and writer who raised the idea of a possible working class uprising and a revolution. There is no doubt that Pakistan is facing many serious problems including Islamic militancy, explosive national question, crisis in the state and a possible economic meltdown. Under capitalism and feudalism there will be no future for working class people. The ruling class has failed to solve the basic problems faced by people. The ruling class has failed to establish a functioning democracy. There is no prosperity, social and economic justice and political freedom.
There will be no change in the lives of the masses on the basis of capitalism and feudalism.
The only class which can bring change and transform the lives of working masses is working class. Socialism is the only vial able system to replace capitalism. The working class has not yet started to move but once it started to happen, the whole political scenario will be different. There is a 43 million strong working class which is one third of the total population. Pakistani working class and masses again and again showed that they have the potential, courage and capability to conduct a revolutionary struggle against the capitalism and rotten ruling class.
Working class needs its revolutionary party and leadership to organize the struggle. Such a party with clear program, strategy and tactics and mass support can won the future for masses.
Pakistan is heading towards another showdown between ruling class and working class. The out come of this showdown will determine the future of this country and masses. Working class can not take full advantages of independence and can not enjoy the real freedom without over through of capitalism and feudalism.
Many western and American think tank and commentators are raising serious doubts about the future of this country. They raise the possibilities of a possible Talibanisaton, disintegration and civil wars. There is not a single commentator and writer who raised the idea of a possible working class uprising and a revolution. There is no doubt that Pakistan is facing many serious problems including Islamic militancy, explosive national question, crisis in the state and a possible economic meltdown. Under capitalism and feudalism there will be no future for working class people. The ruling class has failed to solve the basic problems faced by people. The ruling class has failed to establish a functioning democracy. There is no prosperity, social and economic justice and political freedom.
There will be no change in the lives of the masses on the basis of capitalism and feudalism.
The only class which can bring change and transform the lives of working masses is working class. Socialism is the only vial able system to replace capitalism. The working class has not yet started to move but once it started to happen, the whole political scenario will be different. There is a 43 million strong working class which is one third of the total population. Pakistani working class and masses again and again showed that they have the potential, courage and capability to conduct a revolutionary struggle against the capitalism and rotten ruling class.
Working class needs its revolutionary party and leadership to organize the struggle. Such a party with clear program, strategy and tactics and mass support can won the future for masses.
Pakistan is heading towards another showdown between ruling class and working class. The out come of this showdown will determine the future of this country and masses. Working class can not take full advantages of independence and can not enjoy the real freedom without over through of capitalism and feudalism.