Socialism in Pakistan: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The struggle of socialism and communist system began in August 1947, shortly after the creation of Pakistan. The [[Pakistan Socialist Party]] (PSP) was the only socialist party of her time, and had major base in rural areas of East and West Pakistan. The PSP was a secular and socialist party that had first oppose the idea of Pakistan, and it had found itself politically isolated and with little mass appeal despite its strong base in rural areas. Because of its secular policies, the party was labeled as ''Kafirs'', by her opponents. Furthermore, it found it difficult to compete with the [[Islamic socialism]] that [[Liaquat Ali Khan|Lyakat Ali-Khan]], first [[Prime minister of Pakistan|Prime minister]], professed to in 1949. |
The struggle of socialism and communist system began in August 1947, shortly after the creation of Pakistan. The [[Pakistan Socialist Party]] (PSP) was the only socialist party of her time, and had major base in rural areas of East and West Pakistan. The PSP was a secular and socialist party that had first oppose the idea of Pakistan, and it had found itself politically isolated and with little mass appeal despite its strong base in rural areas. Because of its secular policies, the party was labeled as ''Kafirs'', by her opponents. Furthermore, it found it difficult to compete with the [[Islamic socialism]] that [[Liaquat Ali Khan|Lyakat Ali-Khan]], first [[Prime minister of Pakistan|Prime minister]], professed to in 1949.<ref>{{Harvnb|Rose|1959|pp=59–60, 64}}</ref> It had around 1200 members and was a member of the [[Asian Socialist Conference]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Doherty|2006}}<ref name="rose67">{{Harvnb|Rose|1959|p=67}}</ref> |
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[[Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto]], (Office: 1971 - 1977) was a major and driving force of introducing the [[Socialism]] in the country. Bhutto was heavily interested in secularism and socialism during his time, and while studying political science, he would later deliver a series of lectures on the viability of socialism in Muslim countries. During his tenure as the President and later as Prime Minister, he pioneered several socialist economic policies.<ref name="SC">[http://szabistliteraryclub.blogspot.com/2011/01/socialism-in-pakistan-situation-before.html Socialism in Pakistan]</ref> He eradicated the [[Feudalism in Pakistan|feudal system]] to a great extent; mass reforms took place in limiting the amount of land that could be owned, with remaining land divisions being allotted to a large chunk of poor farmers; landless tenants could also find increased support in the new programme. Labour rights were upgraded more than ever before; poverty experienced a sharp reduction. |
[[Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto]], (Office: 1971 - 1977) was a major and driving force of introducing the [[Socialism]] in the country. Bhutto was heavily interested in secularism and socialism during his time, and while studying political science, he would later deliver a series of lectures on the viability of socialism in Muslim countries. During his tenure as the President and later as Prime Minister, he pioneered several socialist economic policies.<ref name="SC">[http://szabistliteraryclub.blogspot.com/2011/01/socialism-in-pakistan-situation-before.html Socialism in Pakistan]</ref> He eradicated the [[Feudalism in Pakistan|feudal system]] to a great extent; mass reforms took place in limiting the amount of land that could be owned, with remaining land divisions being allotted to a large chunk of poor farmers; landless tenants could also find increased support in the new programme. Labour rights were upgraded more than ever before; poverty experienced a sharp reduction. |
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The influences of Socialism and socialist movements in Pakistan have been fluctuating and often limited at various times throughout the country's history and at present remain questionable. While capitalism has always held its sway, the prevalence of the socialist ideology has nevertheless continued to be found in a number of instances in Pakistan's political past and prominent personalities. Much of the remaining socialism in Pakistan today accedes to the idea of Islamic socialism, where the state would be run in a socialist set-up consistent with Islamic political principles, while other proponents demand pure socialism.
History
The struggle of socialism and communist system began in August 1947, shortly after the creation of Pakistan. The Pakistan Socialist Party (PSP) was the only socialist party of her time, and had major base in rural areas of East and West Pakistan. The PSP was a secular and socialist party that had first oppose the idea of Pakistan, and it had found itself politically isolated and with little mass appeal despite its strong base in rural areas. Because of its secular policies, the party was labeled as Kafirs, by her opponents. Furthermore, it found it difficult to compete with the Islamic socialism that Lyakat Ali-Khan, first Prime minister, professed to in 1949.[1] It had around 1200 members and was a member of the Asian Socialist Conference.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, (Office: 1971 - 1977) was a major and driving force of introducing the Socialism in the country. Bhutto was heavily interested in secularism and socialism during his time, and while studying political science, he would later deliver a series of lectures on the viability of socialism in Muslim countries. During his tenure as the President and later as Prime Minister, he pioneered several socialist economic policies.[2] He eradicated the feudal system to a great extent; mass reforms took place in limiting the amount of land that could be owned, with remaining land divisions being allotted to a large chunk of poor farmers; landless tenants could also find increased support in the new programme. Labour rights were upgraded more than ever before; poverty experienced a sharp reduction.
Fundamental rights of the citizen, such as access to adequate health and free education, were brought under a renewed focus. Schools, colleges and universities were nationalized. A large segment of the banking sector, industrial sector (including iron and steel mills), engineering firms, vehicle, food and chemical production industries were also nationalized.[2] The number and strength of trade unions experienced a rise. Rural residents, urban wage earners and landless peasants were to be given ‘material support’ as people of the state.[3]
When Bhutto founded the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in 1966, he declared the PPP's beliefs in a speech as following: "Islam is our faith, democracy is our policy, socialism is our economy. All power to the people."[4] His left-wing, socialistic ideas and his famous slogan of "Roti, Kapra aur Makan" ("food, clothing and shelter") drew mass support and contributed to much of the PPP's popularity.[5] A number of critics, notably the conservatives and hard-line religious leaders, have however blamed Bhutto's socialist policies for slowing down Pakistan's economic progress, owing to poor productivity and high costs.
Contemporary situation
Notwithstanding the changes which took place during the Bhutto era, the ability of socialism to expand in Pakistan has for most of the time, been restricted and unsuccessful. Hardcore organisations such as the Pakistan Socialist Party have failed to make an impact, especially after the Islamic socialism that Liaquat Ali Khan theoritically professed to in 1949.[6] Pakistan furthermore does not have the required economic capability nor infrastructure which would make it self-reliant and allow socialism to institutionalise.[2] Other contended reasons are opposition by right-wing religious parties, who claim that socialism in any form is not compatible with Muslim norms of ruling the state.
Socialist organisations
References
- ^ Rose 1959, pp. 59–60, 64
- ^ a b c Socialism in Pakistan
- ^ Trade liberalization and regional disparity in Pakistan by Muhammad Shoaib Butt and Jayatilleke S. Bandara
- ^ US Country Studies. "Yahya Khan and Bangladesh" (PHP). Retrieved 7 November 2006.
- ^ 1970 Elections,Pakistan
- ^ Rose 1959, pp. 59–60, 64
Further readings
- Doherty, James C. (ed.) (2006). Historical Dictionary of Socialism (PDF). Historical dictionaries of religions, philosophies, and movements, no. 73. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0810864770. OCLC 299166800.
{{cite book}}:|first=has generic name (help) - Rose, Saul (1959). Socialism in Southern Asia. London: Oxford University Press. OCLC 2862247.