Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) entered the political arena on November 30, 1967, with the manifesto “Islam is our faith, socialism is our economy, democracy is our politics, and people are source of all the power.” Within just two to three years, PPP brought politics out of drawing rooms to the doorsteps of common man. This manifesto became the force that reshaped Pakistani politics, once considered an elite game, taking it from the mansions of the privileged to the homes of common men, streets, and squares of the underprivileged. The red, black, and green colors of PPP’s flag represent this very manifesto and ideology upon which the party was founded over five decades ago. The red color in the PPP flag signifies revolution, socialism, and left-wing ideology, while the green represents peace and prosperity. The black color between the red and green represents the poverty, injustice, hunger, unemployment, and ignorance prevailing in the country. Senior PPP leaders say that the day Pakistan emerges from this darkness, the black color will no longer be part of the PPP flag.

PPP has a distinguished history of struggle for human rights, personal freedom, and the underprivileged. It believes in equality, that is why it is still seen as the voice of marginalized groups. At national level, PPP is the only progressive party that advocates for basic human rights without discrimination based on race, religion, or class. It is still widely considered only party at the national level with a consistent ideological stance on democratic freedoms, federalism, equality for all citizens, and rights for provinces, women, and minorities. However, a question arises, if PPP still claims to represent the oppressed and vulnerable, why has its influence in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  shrunk to a few seats? It is essential for PPP leaders to address this question and determine if the party has distanced itself from its foundational principles or weakened its connection with the masses it claims to represent. Blaming failures solely on conspiracies or the establishment’s machinations may offer temporary comfort but is unlikely to benefit PPP in the long run. To regain its past popularity, PPP must return to its roots. As a progressive and left-wing party, this ideology is its foundation and strength. Moving away from it will yield nothing. Right-wing votes have never favored PPP and never will.

The left-wing ideology generally represents progressiveness and forward looking thinking. Supporters of this ideology stand with those who cannot advocate for themselves. Left wing supporters are visionaries and believe in equality, which is why the fair distribution of national resources is a key aspect of their struggle. Left wing parties believe in legislation that protects women, minorities, and the underprivileged from discrimination. Since Pakistan’s inception, many leftist movements and parties have worked in Pakistan, including the Communist Party, Mazdoor Kisan Party, National Party, Socialist, and Awami Workers Party. However, PPP is the only party with leftist roots that has a broad, national presence.

After the Cold War, the weakening of leftist movements globally also impacted leftist politics in Pakistan. In the past two to three decades, leftist political parties either lost their footing or moved toward center left positions. Discussing the decline of left wing politics in Pakistan, it is clear that General Zia’s dictatorship inflicted the greatest damage on left wing politics in the country. His regime introduced gun culture and heroin while dividing society along ethnic, religious, and sectarian lines. Karachi, once a stronghold of labor movements, was engulfed in ethnic conflict. Labor unions were divided along ethnic and sectarian lines, damaging the left wing movement and hastening the decline of labor activism. Bans on trade unions and student unions also caused irreparable harm to left wing movements. Throughout its history, PPP has fought for the rights of workers and laborers on every front. During its terms in power, PPP not only supported trade and student unions but also enacted legislation to protect labor rights. Most of labor laws today are PPP’s contribution.

In the past two to three decades, due to the weakening of leftist and ideological politics in Pakistan, even a progressive party like PPP has seen an influx of conservative and right wing influences. A major reason is that new members and young people are often unaware of PPP’s ideology and manifesto. The increasing role of money in Pakistani politics and successive dictatorships have weakened ideological politics, impacting PPP the most. There is now a need for study circles, workers’ conventions, and labor conventions to educate young people and new members about the party’s foundational ideology and manifesto. PPP must also address the internal class divide and instill a sense of ownership in its members. It is inconsistent when privileged leaders like Aitzaz Ahsan openly criticize party policy and are tolerated under the guise of freedom of expression, but an ordinary member faces disciplinary action immediately for the same. For PPP to progress, it must establish equality within the party and eliminate this double standard.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has repeatedly stated that Pakistan Peoples Party remains committed to left-wing politics. His reaffirmation of this commitment reflects that PPP is still rooted in its ideology and principles. For a major national party like PPP, the revival of left wing politics will not only benefit PPP itself but also provide fresh oxygen to other dwindling leftist movements. Left wing politics is not an easy path, as it involves confronting powerful, resourceful, and privileged forces. However, though the path may be difficult and long, it is the right path, and it is the only way to win the rights of the oppressed and vulnerable by standing up against the powerful and exploitative forces.

Dated: 3-11-2024

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