By Shahzad Niaz
In Pakistan, the allure of charismatic leaders often overshadows critical national issues. The tendency to prioritize personality over policy has led to many systemic problems remaining unresolved. It is essential for the nation to shift its focus from personality-driven politics to supporting leaders who are committed to addressing the rights and needs of the people. The political landscape of Pakistan is dominated by figures such as Nawaz Sharif from the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Benazir Bhutto from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and Imran Khan from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). These leaders have garnered significant followings through their personal appeal and compelling narratives. However, this focus on individual charisma often detracts from their policy agendas, resulting in a lack of effective discourse and accountability.
Personality politics carries several risks. Leaders who focus on their image may neglect pressing national issues, resulting in a lack of substantial policy initiatives. This approach can also foster societal divisions and instability, as political allegiance becomes more about personal loyalty than addressing the country’s real problems. For example, Nawaz Sharif’s tenure has been marred by corruption allegations, including the Panama Papers scandal. Despite these controversies, his supporters often overlook these issues due to his economic initiatives. However, his emphasis on infrastructure sometimes overshadowed critical sectors like education and health. Similarly, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), under the charismatic leadership of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari, faced corruption allegations and governance issues. Their focus on populist measures often led to economic challenges and inefficient public services.
Imran Khan, who campaigned on anti-corruption and reform, has also faced criticism for governance issues and unfulfilled promises. His celebrity status as a former cricketer initially won him support, but the emphasis on his personality often overshadowed substantive policy development. The idealization of these leaders, despite their controversial practices, has led to significant consequences, including economic instability and poor governance. The focus on personality over policy has diverted attention from essential issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. To move forward, Pakistan needs leaders who prioritize the rights and welfare of its citizens. A rights-based approach to leadership should emphasize ensuring access to education, healthcare, and justice while addressing poverty and inequality.
Such leaders advocate for policies that empower citizens and strengthen democratic institutions. They are committed to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. It is crucial that institutions like the media, judiciary, and military adhere to their constitutional roles. The media should focus on policy issues and hold leaders accountable, rather than promoting personality politics. The judiciary must ensure justice impartially, while the military should refrain from unconstitutional interference and respect civilian control as mandated by the constitution. Globally, several countries with leaders who prioritize citizen rights over personal charisma have achieved significant social progress.
Transitioning from personality politics to a rights-based approach in Pakistan is challenging but achievable with concerted efforts from civil society, media, and political parties. Civic education programs are essential to help citizens understand their rights and the role of government. The media should emphasize policy issues and maintain accountability, rather than focusing on individual personalities. Political parties need to develop comprehensive policy platforms and ensure internal democracy to promote merit-based leadership. Encouraging citizen participation through public forums and digital engagement can foster accountability and transparency.
For Pakistan to progress, it must reject the allure of personality politics and embrace leaders who prioritize the rights and welfare of the people. This shift requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. By focusing on policy-driven leadership and ensuring that institutions operate within their constitutional limits, Pakistan can address its challenges and build a more equitable and just society. The nation’s future depends on its ability to prioritize substance over style, ensuring leadership is defined by a commitment to addressing the needs and rights of its people.
(The writer holds a master’s degree in Islamic History and is a law graduate with a keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
