Participatory Politics for Democratic Voice

If people remain detached from politics, decisions will be made only by the influential elite, landlords, or corrupt groups

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

Human beings are inherently social and political creatures. Their existence can never be detached from politics. Politics is not merely about ruling, belonging to political parties, or being confined to the air-conditioned halls of ministers, MNAs, or parliamentarians. Rather, politics permeates every village, every neighborhood, every union council, every district, and every province. It is part of every decision, every law, and every tradition that shapes and influences our daily lives.

For a free and progressive society, the active role of the people in politics is absolutely essential. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, and especially in Sindh, many people prefer to stay away from politics, believing that it is only the business of politicians. But this is a dangerous misconception, because when we withdraw from politics, we surrender the important decisions of our lives to others. For example, whether it is the distribution of water, the repair of roads, the appointment of teachers in schools, employment issues, or the supply and shortage of medicines in hospitals, every one of these matters is decided through political processes at some level. Therefore, avoiding politics for ordinary people means relinquishing their own rights.

This article sheds light on the importance of public participation in politics at the local, provincial, and national levels in our society.

Why is participation in politics necessary?

Participation in politics is not limited to casting a vote. It also includes criticizing the government, attending public gatherings, raising voices for social change, and engaging with institutions.

Public involvement in politics is the foundation of democracy and keeps its spirit alive. For a strong democracy, it is necessary that people are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and that they hold the government accountable.

The fundamental problems faced by our society, such as water, education, health, employment, and infrastructure, are all tied to political decisions. When citizens engage in politics, they can pressure the government to resolve these issues and contribute to decision-making. Active participation by the people can curb corruption, maladministration, and wrong decisions by ensuring accountability. When rulers know that people are watching every action of theirs, they are more likely to work transparently in the public interest.

Involvement in politics also gives people a sense of contributing to the improvement of their society. This not only brings individual development but also leads to collective progress of the entire community.

The importance of participation with reference to Sindh and Pakistan

The significance of political participation in Sindh and Pakistan can be understood on three levels: local, provincial, and national.

1. Local level participation (villages and cities): Why is it necessary?

In Sindh’s villages and towns, the weakness of local governments has always been a major issue. Many people vote on Election Day, but then consider their role finished. In reality, participation in local politics is the most important, as it directly affects our daily lives.

Issues such as water shortage, sanitation, sewerage systems, and the condition of streets fall under the responsibility of local governments and are resolved through union councils and town committees. When people participate in local politics, they can directly address the problems of their homes, neighborhoods, and areas.

Moreover, if citizens do not demand accountability from local representatives, those representatives act as they please. Therefore, political awareness at the local level is crucial, as it can reduce corruption to a great extent and ensure that basic needs are prioritized.

2. Political participation at the provincial level

In Sindh, where the challenges of education and health are deep, public scrutiny of the provincial government’s performance is essential to address them. Public voices can play an important role in provincial affairs, which include education, health, agriculture, and law and order.

Sindh’s history shows that whenever people have been politically organized, they have raised questions about their resources. Provincial participation is crucial because major decisions regarding Sindh’s agriculture, land, water, and other resources are made in the provincial assembly.

If Sindh’s people do not hold their representatives accountable, issues like water distribution, unemployment, job quotas, education policies, or the protection of language and culture will be neglected. Legislation at the provincial level will benefit the public only if people monitor their elected representatives. When citizens take an interest in provincial matters, assembly members and ministers take public issues more seriously.

3. Participation in national politics (country level)

At the national level, critical decisions are made regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy, defense, economy, federal budget, distribution of national resources, and law-making. Public interest in national politics is necessary to ensure that no policy is framed against the people’s welfare.

For instance, in matters like new taxes or increases in electricity tariffs, public opinion plays an important role. This opinion empowers people to hold their representatives accountable for safeguarding the country’s future.

For Sindh, participation in national politics is vital to maintain balance in the federation through proper representation. It also ensures that Sindh’s voice is included in national decision-making. Sindh’s resources, gas, coal, water, and seaports hold national importance. But unless Sindh’s representatives in the National Assembly and Senate play their roles effectively, these resources cannot be fully utilized for the province’s benefit.

Obstacles and solutions

Sadly, there are many barriers to public participation in politics in our society. Many people lack sufficient knowledge about political processes, and many feel that their single vote or opinion makes no difference. Corruption and political chaos also discourage people from engaging in politics.

These barriers can be overcome by:

• Including political education in school and university curricula so that young people become aware of their political rights and responsibilities.
• Encouraging youth to participate in political debates and activities, since they are the nation’s future.
• Using social media and digital platforms to spread political awareness among the public.
• Strengthening and empowering institutions such as the police, judiciary, and election commission, to build public trust.

A new attitude for Sindh and Pakistan

We must view politics not as party rivalry or emotional slogans, but as a process of responsibility, accountability, and public welfare. If young people, women, and ordinary citizens raise their voices in politics, social justice will increase, resources will be distributed more fairly, democracy will strengthen, and respect for the constitution and law will grow.

The dangers of staying away from politics

If people remain detached from politics, decisions will be made only by the influential elite, landlords, or corrupt groups. Instead of public needs, special interests will be prioritized. Without participation, the protection of people’s rights and resources will not be possible.

Ultimately, indifference to politics means indifference to one’s own future. Sindh and Pakistan need such awareness and practical participation where every citizen not only votes but also plays a role in daily decision-making. Public participation in politics is indispensable for building a prosperous, peaceful, and developed Sindh and Pakistan.

Not participating in politics means giving up control over the decisions that shape our lives. Through the involvement of every individual, we can create a society where justice, equality, and prosperity prevail. Let us all recognize politics not merely as the work of political parties, but as an essential part of our collective and individual lives, and play an active role in it.

Avoiding politics does not make problems disappear; it brings them right to our doorstep. Only through participation at local, provincial, and national levels can democracy truly become people-centered, and only then can Sindh and Pakistan move towards becoming responsible, just, and developed societies.

Read: Past Shapes Our Present And Future

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.