A controversy is currently going on in Pakistan whether Maryam Nawaz Sharif was rightly made President of the PMLN, overlooking the claim of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. My own opinion is that PMLN will have a chance of facing Imran Khan’s challenge in the forthcoming National Assembly elections with the glamorous Maryam as its head, but will have no chance wifh the decrepit, old and battered Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Let me explain.
Though I have never been to Pakistan, I have been closely watching Pakistani politics. And one of the conclusions I have come to is that to be successful in Pakistani politics a woman must look glamorous.
Consider Benazir Bhutto. Here was a woman brought up in great luxury, educated in Harvard and Oxford, and trained by her father in politics. She had enough wealth, nevertheless after she became Prime Minister she and her Mr 10% husband allegedly looted the country.
Nevertheless many people in Pakistan idolise Benazir even today, and think that her heart bled for the poor.
What is the reason for this idolisation? The reason is that 90% people, both in India and Pakistan are fools. When they go to vote, most Indians will forget the real issues like widespread poverty, huge malnutrition, record and rising unemployment, skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, lack of healthcare, etc and instead largely vote on the basis of caste and religion.
Similarly, people in Pakistan voted for the glamorous Benazir, forgetting her and her husband’s massive loot. Today what I see in Pakistan are successful female politicians who take great care that they look glamorous, e.g. Sherry Rehman, Zartaj Gul, Shazia Marri, Hina Rabbani Kher and more.
Before I conclude I want to clarify that I am not against female politicians. Queen Elizabeth of England, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, etc made their countries mighty states before their reign ended. In recent times one may mention Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, who opened the door to migrants in the Syrian refugee crisis, Aung San Su Kyi, who has fought for restoration of democracy in Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, PM of Bangladesh, who has supported democracy and human rights, and opposed military rule, Tsai Ing Wen, President of Taiwan, who has resolutely opposed China’s attempt to conquer and annex the island, Saraa K Amadhila, PM of Namibia, who introduced strict financial discipline in Namibia, resulting in the first budget surplus in the country (something Pakistan can emulate), Helle Thorning Schmidt, first woman PM of Denmark, and many more.
I am not against women politicians looking glamorous, but surely they must have something more. They must also have ideas which can help the country get over its distress, and move forward.
