It is assumed that politicians have a deeper understanding of social, political and economical issues of society. Since they have the power, capacity and talent to solve issues, they can transform society by controlling serious crises.

In reality, what politicians do is that instead of changing old and outdated systems, they strengthen these existing systems to enjoy the privileges and facilities that are provided to them. They abhor change which could be fatal for their interests and could displace them from their elite footing.

In The Republic, Plato analyses the role of politicians and points out that their objective is limited and their agenda, short term. Their sole interest is that as long as they remain in power, there should not be any displacement of status quo which might destabilise them. They always exploit people through their rhetoric and those who are skilled in the art of persuasion, easily win over public opinion. Their only interest is in rising to power. Therefore, instead of working towards changing society, they accept public opinion and cater to the demands of the majority. This criticism holds true even today, in our modern democratic system.

In Pakistan, we observe that from the very beginning, our politicians have never tried to change the old system but have most enthusiastically followed public opinion. Those politicians who were not religious in their private lives became fanatically religious just to win the support of the people.

For instance, Ayub Khan, who claimed to be liberal and modern, established several religious institutions and patronised religious scholars to express his piety, in order to win over the support of people. Similarly, when Z.A. Bhutto assumed power, he readily succumbed to the opinion of religious parties, implemented their agenda and set a precedent. Since then, nearly all political parties and their leaders have meekly followed the opinion of religious parties and hence failed to change society.

Other factors which have hindered change are politicians who are either feudal lords, sajjada nashin (successors of Sufi saints) or emerging industrialists; whose interest is to keep the existing system intact, as it protects their social status and their privileges.

The onus then falls on scholars, intellectuals and artists to create new ideas, which will play an important role in moving society forward and transform the old system according to present-day needs. In the absence of new ideas, society becomes stagnant.

In Europe, the intellectual movement known as the Age of Enlightenment produced a large number of philosophers, literary people and artists who challenged the outdated political, social and economic system, and also defied the authority of the church. As a result of their efforts, public opinion became liberal, tolerant and secular. The ruling classes and politicians were now forced to introduce reforms to change the structure of society. It shows that in a democratic society, politicians have to respect public opinion and become the agents of change, while the people must compel them to do so.

The tragedy is that, in Pakistan, the intellectuals are not creative enough to produce new ideas and carry out a struggle against conservative and anti-liberal ideas. On the contrary, instead of change, they support obsolete values and outdated traditions to secure their own privileges and benefits.

Religious scholars move in to fill up the vacuum created in the absence of radical intellectuals. They not only effectively propagate their religious ideas but also convert people’s opinions to match their own. They are organised into such a powerful group that one cannot dare to challenge their authority.

Their views are infiltrated into textbooks to mould young, impressionable minds. They utilise media and technology such as DVDs, text messages and internet and frequently hold gatherings or ijtimah, where thousands of people participate to express their loyalty with their religious leaders.

Consequently, the influence of religious leaders is increasing day by day. Politicians are focussed on winning their favour and popular support.

Apparently, there seems to be no group present who could come forward and defy religious opinion, create new ideas and change society. There is also no hope and anticipation among the people that our politicians will play a radical and revolutionary role in order to strive to reshape, reorganise and reconstruct society.