4. Baradarism and Politics, Waris Awan, Rizwan
Baradarism and Politics of Sargodha District Muhammad Waris ∗ Rizwan Ullah Kokab ∗∗ Abstract Democracy, with modifications, was adopted in the Subcontinent as the system of government during the British rule. Although during the British era, universal franchise was not introduced still the baradari system grasped a major role in the politics of the Punjab. Politics in the area that constitutes the Punjab in Pakistan particularly revolved around the baradari system of the region. The present paper is focused on the politics of Sargodah; one of the prominent districts of the Punjab. In the politics of district Sargodha, about five or six families have been enjoying power. The families who played a vital role in local, provincial and national politics are Tiwana, Noon, Syed, Qureshi, Awan, Kalyar, Piracha, Mela, Lak, Ranjha, Nangyana and Baloch. They make the ruling elite of the Punjab since the pre- partition era. This article aims at exploring different dimensions of politics centred to the Baradarism and its impact on the development of democracy in the province in general and on the district Sargodha in particular. ∗ Assistant Professor, Government College, Bhalwal, Sargodha. ∗∗ Assistant Professor, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, G.C. University, Faisalabad. 60 Pakistan Journal of History and Culture, Vol.XXXVIII, No.1, 2017 Introduction The study of Baradari influenced politics is necessary to understand and reform the democratic system in Pakistan as the politics based on ethnic relationship undermines the culture of party politics based on ideologies and issues. The change in the leadership through the votes of people free from any ethnic bias can promote honest, capable and hardworking leadership that in turn enhances the quality and life of democratic institutions.
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