Q.6 Discuss the main features of Political culture of Pakistan. 2020

Political culture refers to the values, attitudes, beliefs, and practices that shape the behavior of individuals and groups in a political system. In the case of Pakistan, the political culture has been shaped by a complex mix of historical, social, and religious factors. Here are some of the main features of the political culture of Pakistan:

1. Authoritarianism: Pakistan has a long history of military rule, with several periods of military dictatorship interspersed with brief periods of civilian rule. This has led to a culture of authoritarianism, where the military and other powerful institutions have a significant influence on the political process.
2. Clientelism: Political power in Pakistan is often distributed based on personal connections and patronage networks rather than merit or ideology. This has led to a culture of clientelism, where individuals and groups are rewarded for their loyalty rather than their qualifications or achievements.
3. Dynastic Politics: In Pakistan, political power often runs in families, with politicians passing on their positions to their sons or other family members. This has led to a culture of dynastic politics, where the same families have dominated the political landscape for generations.
4. Islamization: Pakistan was founded as a Muslim state, and Islam has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political culture. This has led to a culture of Islamization, where political parties and leaders use religious rhetoric and symbolism to appeal to voters.
5. Ethnic and Regional Identities: Pakistan is a diverse country with a complex mix of ethnic and regional identities. This has led to a culture of identity politics, where political parties and leaders often appeal to specific ethnic or regional groups to gain support.
6. Lack of Political Tolerance: Political differences in Pakistan are often met with violence and intolerance. This has led to a culture of political intolerance, where dissent is often silenced through threats and intimidation.

In conclusion, the political culture of Pakistan is shaped by a complex mix of historical, social, and religious factors. The country has a culture of authoritarianism, clientelism, dynastic politics, Islamization, ethnic and regional identities, and a lack of political tolerance. Understanding these features is crucial to understanding the political landscape of Pakistan and its challenges.