Young political heirs may make a difference

By Muhammad Aayan

LAHORE: Being known in the media can be a starting point for anyone who is interested in entering politics and youngsters having a political background have a better chance of being appointed to important government positions.

The youth of this country had never been interested in politics because of several reasons. Their minds are rather focused on Blackberry phones, sports cars and pursuing a successful career. But seeing individuals of their age group in the position to run for lucrative government jobs does make them wonder what the future leadership of the country would do for its people.

“Its very different when a person is young and has access to power circles due to his family. Being successful in politics is hard these days but thinking like a youngster, I wouldn’t mind ... flying abroad for conferences on my country’s behalf”, said Syed Asaat, a student of Government College University. I expect the parliament to be changed in the coming years with youngsters occupying more of the seats and making historic reforms, he said.

The youngsters who have the privilege of being in the limelight by virtue of being born in a political family include Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto, Moonis Elahi, Fatima Bhutto, Hamza Shahbaz and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son Abdul Qadir. This younger, educated and modern lot will replace the current rulers in the coming years, yet they will have to prove their worth to the people.

The most prominent among the younger politicians is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who officially heads the largest political party in the country. He has the charm and charisma that is the hallmark of Bhutto clan and the nation keenly awaits his active participation in the national politics. Another scion of this family is Fatima Bhutto, daughter of Murtaza Bhutto, who is not actively involved in politics as yet. But the intellectually gifted girl has written two books and is respected in the literary circles.

Moonis Elahi, the son of former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, is a sitting MPA and has developed contacts in the political arena. He is potentially a tough opponent for any young political aspirant. Similarly, Hamza Shahbaz, the son of sitting chief minister, is already serving as an MNA. Working in the shadow of his father and uncle Nawaz Sharif, he is yet to make a mark for himself in politics. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani’s son Abdul Qadir is also a promising politician. However, it remains to be seen who among these youngsters achieves the greatest success in the realm of politics.

It’s relevant to mention here that these future politicians would have a tough time with the public that would have high expectations of them due to their blood relations with leading politicians. But this factor would also be helpful to them in formulating and executing plans for development of the country. Noted columnist and radio jockey Fasi Zaka says, so far, there is nothing on the credit of these youngsters and they would have to go through a great deal to establish their independent identity and their popularity would depend on the good work they do for the country.

Despite their prominence, these youngsters will also have to compete with the scholars and other political aspirants that the country is producing. The youngsters of the country have a mind of their own and if their favourite celebrity contests the election, its unlikely that he or she would be defeated easily as people are wiling to experiment and take chances with their votes.

If a Hollywood action star can become the governor of California, then there is a big chance that a rock star could step into Pakistani politics, said Usman Shah, a student of Punjab University. He said that if the intention and will of a person is unbiased then anyone is eligible to work in the government.

Home | Lahore