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Role of Elites in Pakistan

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International Journal of Applied Economic Studies Vol. 6, Issue 1, February 2018
Available online at http://sijournals.com/IJAE/
ISSN: 2345-5721

Role of Elites in Pakistan

Hashmat Ullah Khan
Corresponding Author: Email: hashmat.kpk@gmail.com
M.Phil Scholar, Department of Political Science, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan.
Fida Ur Rahman
Visiting Faculty Member, IM Sciences Peshawar, Pakistan.
Tariq Anwar Khan
Lectures, Department of Political Science, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan.
Gohar Rahman
PhD Scholar, Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Abstract
Elites refer to the citizens who are superior to the rest of citizens in term of power, authority and capability having vital
influence and playing decisive role in any state and society. They playing decisive role in almost each and every
society. Like other states of the world it is also present in Pakistan and playing prevailing and dominant role. At present
nine types of elites are exist in Pakistan, that are military elites, landlords elites, bureaucratic elites, religious elites,
industrialist elites, judicial elites, dynamic elites, taxing elites and elites in media. Elements of these elite classes are
able to influence effectively over the policy and decisions making of their concerned institution, governmental
organizations and corporations. They are exploiting the system and institutions in their own favour and get personal
benefits and advantages. In Pakistan elites are playing very negative role and dominated the whole society. No any
governmental, semi-governmental or private organization can work independently without their influence in Pakistan.
This paper is an attempt to highlight and analyse the role of powerful elite classes in Pakistan and its implication on
state and society.
Key words: Pakistan, Society, State, Elite.

Introduction
The word “elite” was restructured from the French word elite, that again derives from the Latin “eligere”. It is a verb
mean to choose, pick out or select. The word elite refers to those people who are superior and top (Akhtar, 2014). In
Social sciences; the word elite explain the authority and power of a leading but small group in that society. The theory
describes that the undersized minority, consisted of the members of different institutions and organizations, grasps a lot
of power. Its members are competent to influence effectively and considerably over the policy and decisions making of
their concerned governmental organizations and corporations. This group controls an enormous amount of power and
wealth. In other words, Elite is “a group having superior and higher intellectual, economic or social status” (Wordweb).
In simple words, it is a higher proficient group playing dominant role in the society. “C. Wright Mills defines "elite" as:
“those economic, political and military circles, which as an intricate set of overlapping small but dominant groups share
decisions having at least national consequences. In so far as national events are decided, the power elite are those who
decide them” (Gilens and Benjamin).
It is a well settle on system in which education plays key function. In each and every state and society upper-class kids
study in renowned and top educational institutions and world top universities like Oxford, Princeton, Harvard and
Yale etc. Generally, the foundation of elite class is the institutional power in which he performs their duty. Almost all
elites are graduate. About 54 % of the top business men and 42 % of the government administrative elite are graduates
of world twelve prestigious universities (Christopher, 2013).
In Pakistan the word “elite” generally invoke the image of landlords, who were in the beginning were part of governing
elite after independence in 1947. However, over the years this began to change with the state’s civil and military
bureaucracy getting integrated into the elite and also using state resources to create other elite groups” (Siddiqa, 2012).
It is not a static one, but forever evolving theory. What made elite yesterday, may not be the same even today or
tomorrow. It can turn that existing phenomena according to their own wishes. Powerful elites in a country like Pakistan,
can easily manipulate, dominate and control state and society. The progression of elites formation are directly related
with the power, ability, assets and resources of that group. It means that the middle class or lower middle class of today
can be the elite of tomorrow. For example, people belong to lower middle or middle class backgrounds, like Altaf
Hussain, Malik Riaz, Tahar Ul Qadri etc are now the part of the powerful elite. Today some religious leaders like
Maulana Fazlur Rehman or jihadi leaders such as Hafiz Saeed, Fazal Allah and others are also part of the powerful elite.
Though Elites are present and having significant role in all most all countries of the world, there is no elite less society.
Every state and society has its elite classes. But in Pakistan elites play very negative role and dominated the whole
society. No any governmental, semi-governmental or private organization can work due to the pressure and influence of
elites. The elite appear very balefully in a multi class oriented society like Pakistan.

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Role of Elites in Pakistan Hashmat Ullah Khan et al.

Types of Elites in Pakistan

In Pakistan, there are nine types of elite groups. Among them the group emerged at first was the landlord elites which
was emerged soon after independence.

Figure 1: Kinds of Elite in Pakistan.

Landlords
The inhabitants who possess a huge amount of agricultural property and lease its forms to other people are called
landlords. In subcontinent British India land lords were present from since long time. British East India Company also
allocated property in their faithful, which ultimately gave birth to landlord elites in British India and then in Pakistan
after partition in 1947. In our country this class have thousands acres of agricultural lands. They do all work by
peasants who are spending life below subsistence level. In backward regions of Baluchistan and Sind many land lords
manage their own private Jails in which adversaries and rivals are placed. Sometime they make their peasants
dependent through debt bondage, generation after generation (Kristof, 2009). The land lords due to his possession of
such huge quantity of land and human capacity is powerful and authoritative enough to control the allocation of
water, fertilizer, tractor consents, agricultural credit and therefore exercises substantial influence over the income,
police force, courts and district administration of their regions. In Pakhtunkhwa this system is not existing. It is existing
only in some parts of Southern Punjab, rural Sind and in some parts of Balochistan (Saleem, 2010).
Pakistan Muslim League the party laying the foundation of Pakistan's about 69 years ago, was also mostly controlled by
landlords called the Maliks, Chaudharies, Zamindars, Jagirdars, Rajas, Sardars, Nawabs and Nawabzadas. The sole
exemption was the Jinnah. Main stream political parties of Pakistan’s are feudal oriented, and more than 2/3 member of
the legislature belong from landlord elite class. This class also hold most of the key executive and administrative posts
in Pakistan.

Military Elite
The most important scene of Pakistan political development is the role of military elites in the politics. In our country
general masses unawareness about political affairs, people faith in strong military, huge defence budget, internal and
external security threat perception, personal power, lack of capable political leaders and weak political institutions are
some major factors led to the creation of military elites in Pakistan. Lack of prominent and capable leadership after the
death of Quaid-e- Azam and Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, unorganized and weak political institutions and political
parties led to the rapid decline and turn down of the political institution in our country. This paved way to military elites
to enjoy a dominant position. Military in Pakistan had inherited all the civilian hegemony of British Army.
“S. E. Finer explain three causes about the military which make it superior. It has three enormous political advantages
over civil institutions; control over arms, an extremely emotionalized symbolic status and marked superiority in
organization” (Finer, 1988).
After Starting of conflicts with India over the accession of Kashmir, water disputes and after the 1948 war, it became
essential for the Pakistani leaders to establish a well organized and powerful Army to compete Indian Army. Other
organs of the state like parliament, political parties, judiciary and political consensus could not boost up during this
period, which later on led to the formulation of Military elites in Pakistan. Huge defense budget and rigid military
training enhanced army professional character and raised its status. All this development created imbalance between
military and civilian authority and weakened the political institutions, which altimetry led to political instability in
Pakistan. Pakistan’s Military Generals have always an effective role to play in the domestic and foreign affairs of the
country even during the civilian rule” (Waqar, 2012).
The armed forces elite showed their conceit and factual aim at the occasion of first coup d'état on 7th October 1958. This
rule continued till 24th March 1969. At the time of takeover in 1958 Iskandar Mirza elaborated worst law & order s and
decaling economic situation, the reasons for the takeover. The Army under General Ayub removed Iskander Mirza on

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International Journal of Applied Economic Studies Vol. 6, Issue 1, February 2018

October 27, 1958 and assumed political authority. General Ayub gave the authority to General Yahkya in the end of
March 1969. He announced general election to be conducted in 1970. In these general elections hold in 1970, Pakistan
people’s Party led by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto won the elections in West Pakistan, and in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Awami league led by Shekh Mujib Ur Rehman swept the polls. But unfortunately the military elites were unwilling to
transfer the power to civil authority and especially not to East Pakistan based Mujib. As a result massive protest was
started against General Yahkya Khan and ultimately he send Army to East Pakistan to squeeze the unrest, but
unfortunately the operation turned into civil war and after that turned out quite deadly India intervened, eventually
paved the way for East Pakistan separation from Pakistan and creation of a new state Bangladash on December 16,
1971” (Zaheer, 1994). After this deadly misfortune Zulfaqar Ali Bhutto assumed the portfolio as Prime Minister of
West Pakistan (present day Pakistan) But unluckily once again Zulfaqar Ali Bhutto legitimize government continued for
a short time and on July 5, 1977 Army Chief General Zia-ul-Haque discharged the civilian government and enforced
martial law in Pakistan. He assured, “I will hold free, fair and transparent polls in October 1977 and will shift authority
to the democratic government, but the election was postponed almost 8 years. He prolonged and extended his govt on
the base of Islamization, de-nationalization of financial system, peace and stability. Zia obtained all the support for their
illegal martial law form religious political parties (Waqar, 2012). After his death in Airplane crash democracy was
restored in Pakistan but unfortunately once again on 12th October 1999, the democratic regime was come to a sudden
end when the then Army Chief General Pervez Musharif take over, assumed power and dismissed the popularly elected
government of Nawaz Sharif. This was the fourth military takeover since 1958 in the history of Pakistan. He made
himself the Chief Executive of Pakistan. Parvez Musharif founded a National Security Council (NSC) On October 17,
1999 to run the administration of State. This NSC included Chief executive (Musharif), Chief of Air Staff, Chief of
Naval Staff, a specialist each in Finance, Legal, National Affairs and Foreign Policy (Ghazali).

Table 1: Military Coups in Pakistan

Coup Date Coup Maker Dismissal
1 7th October 1958 President Iskander Mirza and General PM Feroz Khan Noon
Ayub Khan
2 23rd March 1969 Maj General Yahya Khan
3 5th July 1977 General Zia-ul-Haq PM Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto
4 12th October 1999 General Pervez Musharraf PM Nawaz Sharif
5 3rd November 2007 General Pervez Musharraf Imposed Emergency

General Pervez Musharif also presented twenty-nine amendments in constitutions under the banner of LFO (Legal
Framework Order) which empowered him to dissolve the assembly and popularly elected government (Mushtaq, 2007).
General Mushaaraf once again abrogated the Constitution and declared emergency in Pakistan on November 3, 2007.
The major cause was Pakistan Muslim League (Q) the than ruling party, was un-happy due his National Reconciliation
Ordinance (NRO) which closed all the cases filed against Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and against
841 other people. Musharif was failed to sustain democratic norms and value by issuing (NRO). In Musharif regime
Pakistan faced a lot of crisis and political instability. He suspended and abrogated the 1973 constitution, removed the
chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Choudary which led to judicial activism. Pakistan Army could not get success to tackle
the militants and stop Taliban activities in tribal areas as well as in many settle area of Pakistan. In Baluchistan
separatist movement supported by Indian Intelligence Agency RAW also reached to its pick. Terrorism throughout the
country, Suicide bombing, target killing and assassination of Benazir Bhutto placed General Pervez Musharif in
declining position. The dark regime of General Musharraf continued up to August 18, 2008. It was ended with his
resignation and Mr. Asif Ali Zardari was elected as the 11th President of Pakistan.

Elites in Media
There are so many immoral activists in media who are involved in exploitation. Journalist and anchor blackmail
politicians, heads of corporation, landlords and other officials. There is a common concept of “blank claque”. Even they
propagate against Pakistan and its defense agencies. The recent example is, when Hamid Mir, journalist and an anchor
person of Geo News was injured in an armed attack near Karachi airport, the channel found with strong reaction against
the attack and imposed charges without any proof directly on ISI and its chief General Zaheer Ul Islam. They use
sensationalism of news to get cheap popularity. These types of elites are the part of Pakistani media. Some of them are
playing in the hand of enemy states intelligence agencies. Most of time their negative role misguides the citizens and
play with general masses emotions. In such situation it becomes very difficult to maintain unity and harmony because at
present time media has key role in public opinion. Some TV channels create moral victim. There are so many elites in
Pakistani print and electronic media, playing very negative role in the contemporary time. Most common negative
aspect is, a lot of glamour appears in media. They cross all limitation of morality and people really feel hesitation and

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Role of Elites in Pakistan Hashmat Ullah Khan et al.

shame to watch various programs along with family members. Another negative role played by media elites is the
public advertisements. Some worst advertisements have bad impacts on the mind of immature children.
Apart from their negative role, we cannot totally ignore the role of media in any society. The Positive role of media can
increase political awareness, highlight political engagement, develop awareness in general masses. Media explore
hidden talent. It makes public opinion about current issues. The Anchors who have skilled and bold personalities
analyze government policies, either in favour or against the interest of the public and develop the public opinions. The
rulers feel shame when media explore their un-due and ill-legal actions before the millions of the citizens. Media
successfully informs the citizens against any injustice and corruption, the recent example is Panama leaks.

Bureaucratic Elites
“Bureaucracy means the assemblage of bureaucrats, who include all government servants accept those who are
popularly elected” (Khan, 2006). The German sociologists Max Weber elaborates that “well trained bureaucratic
professionals prevail against the less expert ministers who run the administrative divisions, the cabinet which directs the
state legislature which make decisions and policies”. In Pakistan bureaucracy is the true representation of such guess
and prediction. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”, in our country civil servants has absolute authority and power
which bureaucratic elites utilize for their own wishes. They obtain the task of consultant, specialists, advisers, policy
makers and policy executers. In Pakistan bureaucracy is very much powerful, because Pakistan inherited an iron steel
bureaucracy from our colonial masters who also led them to have an attitude of ruler” (Kalia, 2014).
Bureaucrats have the real power and command to administer the state. They are well-known for red-tapism, corruption
and favoritism nepotism, while government pays them huge salaries. Even when soon after independence Pakistan
faced grave financial problems, the government of Pakistan obtained loan to pay salaries to bureaucrats. “In 1947, the
first budget projected a revenue of Rs. 150 million and the government had to borrow Rs. 80 million from the Habib
Bank Limited to pay salaries to its employees” (The News, November 30, 2013).
From 1947 to 1958 bureaucratic elites work hard for progress and development of Pakistan. They also play exceedingly
significant function in the drafting of 1956 constitution (Khan, 2006). In that era key decisions related to financial
course of actions, foreign policy, internal and external security etc. were being taken by bureaucrats. The govt was only
in name. In actual sense state and business of govt was run by the bureaucratic elites. The Prime Minister Chaudhary
Rahmat Ali was a bureaucrat (Khan, 2006). Its power and influence were increased day by day. They were able to block
the publication of two reports strongly criticize its role. One was “Report on Pay and Chief Service Commission 1959-
1962” commonly known as Cornelius report, compiled by Chief Justice Cornelius could not published due to its strong
criticism against bureaucratic elites and their poor performance.
In the era from 1958 to 1971, during the regime of General Ayub Khan and General Yahya Khan, military elites were
front line actors and bureaucratic elites worked as their subordinate and junior collaborator. The General Zia Ul Haq
eight years rule from 1977 to 1985, was bureaucratic elite rule. In the last three years of General Zia's regime when he
lifted the martial law on December 31, 1985 the democratic government was only in the name and the military and
bureaucratic elites carry on their role and function as senior and junior partners. Today the issues of Taliban and cross
border terrorism create many diplomatic challenges for the government of Pakistan. It is also created by the then
bureaucratic elites. Like this energy crisis is also one of the major problem facing Pakistan today mostly created by
bureaucratic elites. It is also a cause of unrest in lives of Pakistani citizens. Improper research and planning in this
sector are also due to bureaucratic elites present in WAPDA.

Judicial Elites
Judicial Elites in Pakistan appeared in 1955 with the controversial role of Chief Justice M. Munir. He backed Governor
General Ghulam Mohammad's action to dissolve the first Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan. On September 21, 1954
the then Constituent Assembly of Pakistan amended the Government of India Act 1935 which was implemented in
Pakistan as an interim constitution. This amendment stops the Governor General of Pakistan from acting except on the
advice of cabinet. All ministers were to be members of the Assembly (Ghazali). This amendment decreased the
Governor General power that’s why he dissolved the National Assembly. This act was challenged in Sindh High Court
by the abrogated Assembly speaker Molvi Tamizuddin Khan. In Molvi Tamizuddin Khan's case, Justice Munir declared
that the Assembly was not a sovereign body. After three years in 1958 again the Chief Justice Munir Approved the
President Iskandar Mirza's action to dissolve the National Assembly and abrogate the 1956 constitution. The Supreme
Court of Pakistan once again unanimously permitted the General Zia Ul Haq martial law. The courts accepted and
uphold the “Doctrine of Necessity”, and provided umbrella for military elites takeover on civilian govt. Supreme Court
dismissed Nusrat Bhutto appeal of challenge Ex-Prime Minister Zulaqar Ali Bhutto arrest under Martial Law. The
bench composed of nine judges of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Anwarul Haq confirmed
that because of rigging in election and worst law and order situation martial law was essential in Pakistan. But again
Supreme Court in case the Federation of Pakistan vs Saif ullah Khan, declared that the dismissal of Junejo's govt by
General Zia was un-constitutional but it refused to restore the National Assembly. On another occasion judicial elites
also played very ambitious role. On May 26, 1993, a full bench of the Supreme Court unanimously declared that
President Ghulam Ishaq Khan had acted un-lawfully in dissolving the National Assembly and dismissing the Nawaz

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International Journal of Applied Economic Studies Vol. 6, Issue 1, February 2018

government. But the Supreme Court did not declared illegal the dissolution of the Benazir Bhutto government by
Ghulam Ishaq Khan under Article 58(2)(b) on August 6, 1990. Once again when President Leghari dissolved the
Benazir govt, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on January 29, 1997 upheld Leghari’s proclamation of dissolving the
National Assembly and dismissing Benazir's government. Justice Zia Mahmood Mirza was the only judge who said that
presidential order was unlawful and couldn’t be maintained, the Prime Minister and the cabinet should have restored
(Ghazali).
Judiciary is one of the most important pillar of democratic state like Pakistan. Common people glance towards judiciary
for justice and to assure fundamental rights. It works as a checker over executive. Ordinary citizens get fair protection
against any wrong done of any department or individual. The judiciary also has check over the bills passed by the
parliament through judicial review. If Parliament passes an act against the constitution and fundamental rights then
judiciary through “Judicial Review” can declare it null and wide. It eliminates general masses grievances. In the history
of Pakistan only in the Chief justice Iftehar Muhammad Chudary era from 2007-2013 Judiciary play an important role
and work according to the prescribed rules and regulations and wishes of the people. Through Suomoto actions Iftahar
Chudary try his best to insure fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan.

Religious Elites
In any Islamic society like Pakistan religious leaders play very important role. Nobody can ignore its role, because they
are the torch bearer of Islamic society. They guide moral as well as spiritual values of the Muslims. They led Muslim
society at the time of various religious ceremonies and gatherings. Although, Pakistan is an Islamic State, but it has
religious elites. Religious elites were emerged in Zia era during Afghan holy war. Religious elites are running religious
institutions that are Madrasses, where people get religious education. Madrassa is present in Pakistan for centuries and
its educational and social roles and function have never been controversial, but from the last 20 years, particularly after
the incident of 9/11, the institute of Madrassa got international weight (Butt, 2012). Concerns about Madrassas grow in
international community and even in mind of indigenous people.
In contemporary era some religious elites involve in anti-state activities like Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders and activists.
Since 2004 these groups of elites are involved in boom blasts, suicide attacks and assassinations of political leaders,
ministers, MNAs, MPAs, bureaucrats, business men, Army officials, professors, foreigners and other high profile
people. They are also involved in kidnapping. Due to their activities Pakistan is also become isolate in international
community. U.S violate every day the sovereignty of Pakistan through Drone attacks in FATA and now also in settle
areas the recent example is Drone attack on Afghan Taliban head Mula Akhtar Mansoor in Balochistan. It is also due to
the existence of Al Qaeda and Taliban activists in that area. Some religious elites are working as pressure group like
Mulana Fuzal Rahman and Tahir Ul Qadri etc. On August 14, 2014 Tahir Ul Qadri launched “Inqalab March”, which
was ended as a result of a controversial agreement with government. Before this in 2012 he had also launched a Darna
(Protest) against PPP government. But the then government handled the Qadri protest effectively. An agreement that the
PPP government signed with Qadri brought him to the point where he looked to save image. By Darnas he tried to
pressurize government to fulfill their personal interest by acting as social reformer. He tried to exploit general masses
and to overthrow the elected government. In recent Darna he tried his best to create the feelings among his followers
that he is the blessings of the Army and the Supreme Court.

Taxing Elites
A group of people in Pakistan that enjoys all types of privileges, exemption, immunity and political advantage, does not
pay any tax. More than 90 per cent members of federal and the provincial assemblies are landlords and industrialist,
they do not pay taxes. “In Pakistan Only 1.44 million people regularly pay taxes that is 0.6 % of the total population, as
against 4.7 % citizens pay taxes in India, 58 % in France and 80 % in Canada”
(http://www.aboardthedemocracytrain.com/less-than-1-percent-of-pakistanis-pay-tax-survey).

Dynastic elite
Hereditary rulers and leaders, are called dynastic elites. It’s a series of rulers from the one family. Their ancestor leads a
political party or any other portfolio which after them handed-over to another person of his family instead of to an
eligible person on merit, capabilities or potentials” (Akhtar, 2014).
The history of emergence of dynastic elites is date back to General Ayub Khan regime. He gave too many economic
and political opportunities to only the 22 families of Pakistan, which ultimately lead to the Dynamic elites formation.
Pakistani Voters motivation and inspiration created brand names. Family credentials and citizens tendency toward
personalities also playing key role in creating Dynastic elites. It has key role in Pakistan’s politics. All most all political
parties top leaders are belong from ruling dynasties. For instance, PPP chairperson Balawal Bhutto Zardari, Mulana
Fazal Rahman, Maryam Nawaz, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Aftab Sherpaw and Ijaz Ul Haq etc.

Industrialist
The General Ayub Khan government support 22 families by giving them businesses and other commodities at lower
rates. This leads to the formulation of industrial elites in Pakistan. These 22 families hold all business and economic

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 Role of Elites in Pakistan Hashmat Ullah Khan et al.

opportunities in the country, which enable them to influence the government policies and exploit general masses. The
role of industrial elites in Pakistan is not favourable. They exploit poor labours and give him only subsistence wages.
They are not willing to pay taxes. Through holding goods, they sometime pressurise government by stocking the goods,
and fulfil their personal interests. In some extent the nationalization policies in 1970s also affected their financial
position. Industrialist and even all kinds of above discussed elites have always opposed nationalization policies.

Recommendations
1. Elites can be eliminate by the strengthening of Political institution, mass political participation and awareness
in the society and strengthen of NAB and judicial system in Pakistan.
2. If gave a chance regularly to democracy for several tenures than it can also decrease and even eliminate the
role of elites in Pakistan.

Conclusion
The word elite refer to a small group of persons having dominant position in the society, due to their personal status.
Elite class existing in every society; there is no any society which is free from the influence of elites. They are existing
in every department and influence their policies in own favour. It has both negative and positive roles. In most of third
world countries it plays negative role. The role of political parties is nothing more than platforms of political families,
which gave birth to other types of elites groups. The unfavourable role played by all the above mentioned type of elites
can be eliminate by the strengthening of Political institution, mass political participation and awareness in the society
and strengthen of NAB and judicial system in Pakistan. Military elites and Bureaucratic elites mostly dominant our
society and badly exploit. We can eliminate its role by making affective laws against the government servant
interference in politics and by the implementation of Article 6 without any compromise. Bureaucrats are the servants of
Pakistani people not their masters and rulers. Military duty is to protect borders and tackle with internal security of the
state, not to take over, over through the civilian government and send people representative to jail and exile. If gave a
chance regularly to democracy for several tenures than it can also decrease and even eliminate the role of elites in
Pakistan.

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