Power Politics and Role of Baradaries in District Khushab (1982-2008)

Abstract

This study presents a blend of applied and theoretical approaches of Biradari significance and the elite power dynamics.The research design lays down the objectives with pertinent questions to be explored from the pages of history of region and Pakistan. A deep insight into the role of Biradari in the local power elite groups and their characters is essential to understand the mechanism of power in Pakistan. Therefore, this research provides a discourse of the interplay of Biradari and politics and their relationships in Pakistan in general and in district Khushab particularly. These concepts and themes bear special standing in modern social and democratic cultures. Special emphasis is given to examine their impact upon political and social norms of equality and decision-making. The socio-economic considerations on the Biradari role in Punjab and Khushab have been studied in detail. The introduction and political standing of major Biradaries in Khushab has been studied with emphasis on Awan, Tiwana, Bandial, Ganjial, Bandial, Baluch and other important Biradaries. The electoral performance of the Biradaries of Khushab from 1937 to 2008, gives their thorough profile in all political episodes of power struggle. A comprehensive review of the results of these elections has also been given to present each Biradari in its exclusive political positioning in the Khushab district. This analysis establishes the link of the local character of the power and Biradari to the national character of the democratic institutions and the Biradari influence on their making and functioning. This study elaborates the need to strengthen the political parties in the real sense through political working and promotion of democratic culture in their ranks and files. Unless and until the democratized political parties are autonomous in selecting their candidates, Biradari will continue to hold sway over power and its dynamics on different local, provincial and national levels. Political parties are concentrating to encash Biradari influence to widen their majority in the elected institutions. That is why Awan, Tiwana, Gunjial, Bandial, Baluch, Qureshi and others are present in these institutions both as independently elected members (MNAs, MPAs and Senators) and on tickets of different political parties. This study recommends changing the course of party politics. Political parties must behave as xviii strong social institutions as well. The continuous lacking of this character would be benefiting Biradaries for long.