Illustration by Abro

The revolution was a great challenge to the rulers, aristocrats, and clergy who enjoyed privileges of the old system. When Edmund Burke responded to the revolution and criticised it, a theory of conservatism developed from his ideas which became the favourite ideology of the ruling clique of Europe.

Based on Burke’s argument, the first principle of conservatism was that established traditions and customs should not be radically changed. As these traditions evolved through history and were based on the practical experiences of generations and their knowledge, therefore they should be retained and preserved. If change was necessary, it should be brought about gradually without disturbing the status quo. A sudden change to abolish them would create a void and result in chaos and disorder.

Burke lamented that the French revolution eliminated centuries old traditions and deprived the society of its vibrant culture. He supported the English system and its traditions which kept the country in peace and order.

The second principle of conservatism was the hierarchical structure of society. It advocated that social order was natural, all human beings could not be equal and inequality was important to maintain stability in society. When the French Revolution raised the slogan of equality, it frightened the nobility who were proud of their birth and ancestry — based on which they occupied influential posts by excluding other social classes. Equality threatened to steal their privileges, reducing them to become  common folk whom they hated and looked down upon.

The third principle of conservatism was to reform society in a peaceful way without damaging the existing system. But the reforms were generally introduced under political and social pressure. Likewise, the French Revolution forced most European countries to introduce the constitutional system and extended political rights to people.

The fourth principle of conservatism was to stay connected to the past and adopt a policy of continuation without any disruption and interference.

The term conservatism was widely used to indicate social, political, and religious trends in a society. In religion, conservatism means rejection of new interpretation and believing in  original teaching. Its social meaning was to assert inequality and continue to justify and hold valid, old and outdated traditions and customs.

In the political field, it legitimises the domination of upper classes and the exclusion of common people to play an active role in politics.

In every aspect of society, conservatives are interested in the conservation and preservation of existing traditions because their privileges are dependent on these traditions. As new traditions displace them from their safe and high positions, they struggle hard to maintain them in the name of religion and culture. These traditions are deep-rooted and not easy to eliminate. Therefore, those desirous of immediate change believe that only a revolution can abolish traditions instead of a gradual process.

With the development of democracy, conservative political parties emerge to champion the cause of the old system. However, it can be difficult to continue the old order and accommodate changes in order to survive and win the support of the people.

In Pakistan, feudal and tribal traditions are so strong that they are a matter of pride for the society. Inequality is accepted on social and religious grounds. Feudal and tribal leaders trace their power on the basis of their families and dominate politics because of their social status. Therefore, they oppose reforms to change the status quo.

Generally, the middle class plays a progressive role in society, but in Pakistan, it is becoming more conservative than the upper classes. The reason of their conservatism is the educational curriculum based on the ideology of Pakistan. This is indicative of the revival of forgotten customs and rituals which have now become a part of our daily lives. As the trend of conservatism spreads in the society, political parties follow it and project these values in their political agenda to get popular votes. Consequently all major parties and their manifestos are based on conservative ideas indicative of continuity instead of change in society.

As conservatism becomes stronger in Pakistan, progressive forces retreat, while the hope to change the society to modern and democratic one slowly dies.