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Feudalism, Cruelties and Mayhems in Sindh

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Feudalism, Cruelties and Mayhems in Sindh
Jam Owais, Accused in murder case of Nazim Jokhio - Photo Courtesy: Social Media

Feudalism is a crime against humanity. It violates basic human rights. It does not allow an ordinary man to breathe in the open and fresh air.

By Mustajab Zahra

According to Lumen Western Civilization, “Feudalism was a set of legal and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries. It can be broadly defined as a system for structuring society around relationships derived from the holding of land, known as a fiefdom or fief, in exchange for service or labor.”

In the contemporary world, Europe has liberated itself from the limitations and cruelties of feudalism and has become a center of individual liberty, freedom, and modernity. Europe did not complete its journey within days but it sacrificed its years, decades, and centuries to acquire the contemporary image. Centuries of wars against feudal lords injected violence and chaos within the roots of their society. Today’s feudalism in Pakistan resembles yesterday’s feudalism in Europe.

Feudalism has taken deep roots in the various regions of country, mainly in rural areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and Southern Punjab. No one can deny the fact that these regions are encircled mostly by Sardars, Waderas and Pirs. They have power, authority, and influence to rule within their decided regions. One can claim that their affiliation towards their rule over the populace is because they know that poor masses can only be controlled by their power and influence. The feudal lords are politically active and powerful landlords. The idea of controlling masses and their lands are still alive in remote areas of the country. Sindh has no exceptions.

The unending threat of feudal lords has suppressed the voice of common men. Many might argue that the Feudal attitude is the criminal factor behind an array of illiteracy, poverty, and declined social status of people of Sindh.

Deceased-Nazim-Jokhio
Nazim Jokhio, who was murdered recently in Malir Karachi

Recently an incident took place near Malir where a young man was brutally tortured, wounded, and murdered by an influential Sardar who is also a member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh. The incident jolted the entire country and raised many questions regarding the lives and safety of common people. How can a Sardar kill people who disagree with his illegal activities?

The constitution of Pakistan allows a person to roam freely and can ask questions in order to protect the homeland. No one has the right to violate the constitution and basic human rights but the scenario here is quite opposite. The Wadera or Sardar is the last authority who decides punishments for the people. No one asks the question because they are a politically active group and have influence over their lands and lives.

The structure of Sindh’s politics is an open secret for all. People vote for the individual, not for his political background. The ruling party has always favored and offered election tickets to the people who have the influence and power to control the masses for vote gain within their constituency. It has become a political custom that has allowed the culture of feudal impunity. The criminals have always got a safe passage to get rid of cases of their crimes and cruelties.

Manzur Ejaz, a political economist, and the author is of the view that Political office is inherited in Pakistan. The provincial and national assemblies are dominated by feudal landlords. Almost 75 percent of the Pakistani legislative is composed of feudal lords. Local influential individuals and political feudal lords protect each other in heinous crimes. Even the religious discourse in these regions tells masses that you have to follow the rules of the feudal lord. If you do not follow them you will lose your principles.

By evaluating the whole scenario, one can infer that how feudal dignity and greatness have adversely affected the lives of common men. They don’t have the basic necessities to live a normal life. They are always answerable to “Bhotaars” and “Waderas.”

Feudalism is a crime against humanity. It violates basic human rights. It does not allow an ordinary man to breathe in the open and fresh air. The masses consider powerful politically active feudal lords as their saviors of principles because they have been injected the concept for so long with the help of rotten discourse and traditional teachings. No state or political party can justify the results of barbarity and mayhem done by feudalistic mindsets. It forcefully forbids the nation to get involved in modernization like other developed nations of the country. Feudalism not only violates basic human rights but also creates an environment of isolationism. People under the feudal influence cannot develop their social and economic statuses neither they can protect their lives within their homeland.

Although it is being observed that the new generation has learned the art of question and now they are more aware than ever. Educated and progressive masses can make difference but one cannot avoid the responsible factors behind all ills in society. The state has the responsibility to protect the lives of common people and provide a secure atmosphere for the citizenry. Pakistan has still a long way to go forward to dismantle the feudal system and its robust traces. It will cost our time and sacrifice to acquire a modern, developed, and liberated society.

[author title=”Mustajab Zahra Khoso” image=”https://sindhcourier.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Mustajab-Zahra-Sindh-Courier-scaled.jpg”]Mustajab Zahra Khoso is a freelance writer and interested in gender, international politics and digital marketing topics. Twitter: @MustajabZahra, Email: zahramustajab110@gmail.com[/author]