The impact of dynastic politics on democratic development in Pakistan.

Introduction:
Democracy is a system of government where people choose their leaders through free and
fair elections. A strong democracy gives equal chances to everyone to participate, whether
they belong to a famous family or not. However, in Pakistan, political leadership often
remains in the hands of few influential families. These families pass down political power
from one generation to the next, much like a family business. This trend is known as dynastic
politics.
In Pakistan, many well-known families such as the Bhutto’s, Sharifs, and Chaudhry’s have
controlled politics for decades. This system limits political competition and prevents new,
talented individuals from entering politics. Political parties often choose leaders based on
their family name rather than their abilities or ideas. As a result, democracy suffers because
voters have fewer real choices, and decision-making becomes centered on protecting
family interests rather than serving the nation.
This article explores how dynastic politics affects democratic development in Pakistan. It
also highlights how to create a more fair and equal political system where leadership is
based on merit rather than lineage.
Literature Review:
Many scholars and institutions have studied the effects of dynastic politics, both globally
and in Pakistan. In their research, Dal Bo, Dal Bo, and Snyder (2009) show that political dynasties are common in many countries, especially in developing democracies. They
found that once someone from a family enters politics, it becomes easier for their relatives
to follow the same path, often without any competition.
Cheema, Javid, and Naseer (2013) focused on Punjab and revealed that dynastic political
and (2013) focused on Punjab and revealed that dynastic politics is deeply rooted in rural
areas where powerful landlord use their influence and resources to win elections repeatedly.
These families often have a strong presence in both national and local governments.
According to the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and transparency
(PILDAT), most political parties in Pakistan don’t practice internal democracy. Party
positions are usually handed over to relatives of current leaders. This weakens transparency
and blocks new candidates from rising.
Shafqat (1998) also emphasized that Pakistan’s bureaucracy and political leadership are
heavily influenced by families. This results in poor governance because positions are not
given based on performance or skills.
Gallup Pakistan conducted a survey in 2020 which revealed that 62% of Pakistanis think
dynastic politics harm the country. People believe the system encourages corruption and
reduces public trust in political institutions.
These studies prove that dynastic politics is a barrier to democratic development, not only
because it reduces government efficiency and public trust.
Results and Discussion:
The effects of dynastic politics on Pakistan democracy are serious and long-lasting. Below
are the key problems caused by this system:
1.lack of Political Competition:
Democracy needs fair competition where everyone has the same chance to become a
leader. But in dynastic politics, people from famous families have an advantage. They get
more media attention, more money, and more support, even if they are not qualified. This
discourages talented individuals from participating in politics.
2.Weak Internal Party Democracy:
Most political parties in Pakistan are controlled by families. For example: the Pakistan
People’s Party (PPP) is led by the Bhutto family, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N) is led by the Sharif family, in both parties, leadership is passed from one family member to another. This means party
members have little say in decision-making, and merit is often ignored.
3- Power Governance and corruptions:
Many dynastic leaders enter politics because of their family name, not because of their
ability to govern. They may not have the right experience or education. This results in poor
decision-making and weak public service delivery. Also, when families stay in poor too long,
Corruptions increases because try use their influence to protect each other.
4- Limited Youth and women Participation:
Young people and women face extra challenges in joining politics, especially if they do not
belong to a political family. The system does not support new leaders or provide equal
opportunities. This reduces diversity in politics and keeps fresh ideas out of the political
system.
5- Public Disappointment and Low voter Turn out
When voters see the same families in power again and again, they feel hopeless. Many
people believe their vote does not matter because the outcome is already decided. This
leads to lower voter turnout and weakens the democratic process.
6- Institutional Weakness
Institutions like the Elections Commision, Parliament, and local governments often become
weak under dynastic rule. Instead of being independent and fair, they are controlled by
powerful families to protect their interests. This damages the foundation of democracy.
Facts and Figures: –
In the elections, 56% of National Assembly members belong to political families (PILDAT
2019).
Over 200 candidates in 2018 were directly related to former politicians (Election
Commissions of Pakistan, 2018)
Gallup Pakistan (2020) survey shows 62% of people think dynastic politics is harmful.
More than 70% of political do not conduct fair internal elections (PILDAT)
Case Studies:
The Bhutto Family – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP): The Bhutto’s are one of the most powerful political families in Pakistan. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
was the founder of PPP. After his execution, his daughter Benazir Bhutto became a leader.
After her assassination, her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took over. Despite being young and
inexperienced, Bilawal was given control of the party because of his family name.
The Sharif Family-Pakistan Muslim League (N):
Nawaz Sharif served as Prime Minister multiple times. His younger brother Shahbaz Sharif
and niece Maryam Nawaz also holds top positions in PML-N. The family controls most party
decisions, and leadership stays within the family.
The Chaudhry Family-Gujrat Politics:
The Chaudhry family has remained active in politics for decades. They switch alliances and
parties to stay in power. Their influence in Gujrat remains strong, and they often win
elections based on family reputation. These examples show that leadership in Pakistan
often depend more on family background than on ability or vision.
Conclusions and Final Recommendations:
Dynastic politics is one of the biggest challenges to democratic development in Pakistan. It
creates a system where only a few families have power, blocking fresh ideas, discouraging
new leaders and weakening institutions. For Pakistan to become a strong democracy, it
must take action to reduce the hold of political families.
Recommendations:
• Promote Internal Democracy in political parties
Laws should require all political parties to hold regular and fair elections. Party leaders
should be chosen based on performance and merit, not family background.
• Educate Voters
Voters need to understand the importance of choosing candidates based on their vision and
plans, not their family name. Awareness campaigns and civic education should be
promoted.
• Limit Family Influence:
The Election Commission should monitor and controls how many relatives of politicians can
contest elections at the same time. This will stop one family from taking over multiple
positions. Support Youth and Women in Politics
The government and civil society should provide training, financial support, and
opportunities for young people and women to join politics. Special seats should be given to
those from non-political backgrounds.
• Media and Civil Society Role:
The media must highlight the dangers of dynastic politics and promote honest, capable
leaders. Civil society organizations should conduct research and campaigns to encourage
fair political practices.
• Judicial Oversight and Transparency:
Courts and watchdog institutions should keep a check on political appointments and
decisions. Any favoritism or corruption should be punished quickly and fairly.
References:
• Cheema, A., Javid, h., & Naseer, M. F. (2013). Dynastic Politics in Punjab: Facts,
myths and Their implications. Lahore University of Management Sciences.
• Dal Bo, E., Dal Bo, P., & Snyder, J (2009). Political Dynasties. The review of Economic
Studies, 76(1), 115-142.
• Election Commision of Pakistan. (2018). Election Results and Candidate Profiles.
• Gallup Pakistan. (2020). Public Opinion on Political Leadership.
• PILDAT. (2019). Assessment of the Quality of Democracy in Pakistan.
• Shafqat, S. (1998). Pakistani bureaucracy: Crises of Governance and Prospects of
Reform. The Pakistan Development Review, 37 (4), 995-1017.