The National Parliament of Pakistan was established to represent the people, protect their rights, legislate for their welfare and provide a forum where the nation’s most pressing challenges could be debated and addressed. It is one of the most important institutions of our democracy, sustained by public money and entrusted with the hopes and expectations of millions of citizens. Yet, regrettably, one cannot help asking whether our National Parliament is fulfilling this responsibility or increasingly becoming a theatre of personal vendettas, political hostility and verbal confrontations.

It is deeply disappointing to see elected representatives, who are expected to demonstrate maturity, dignity and a sense of national responsibility, repeatedly engaging in personal attacks, character assassination, insults and derogatory language. Political differences are natural and necessary in a democracy. Strong criticism of government policies, questioning of decisions and accountability of those in power are essential parliamentary functions. However, when meaningful debate gives way to personal humiliation and below-the-belt remarks, Parliament loses sight of its real purpose.

The most disturbing aspect is the growing disconnect between what happens inside Parliament and the hardships being faced by ordinary Pakistanis. People are struggling with inflation, unemployment, poverty and the ever-increasing cost of flour, electricity, gas, medicines and other basic necessities. Pensioners find it difficult to manage their household expenses, labourers struggle to feed their families, and countless parents are unable to provide their children with even the basic necessities of life. These are the issues that deserve sustained parliamentary attention. The people need practical solutions, not political spectacles.

Consider the educational crisis confronting Pakistan. According to UNICEF, approximately 25.1 million children aged 5–16 remain out of school. This is not merely a statistic; it represents millions of young lives deprived of education, opportunity and a meaningful future. Why is this national emergency not at the centre of parliamentary debate? Where is the comprehensive plan to bring these children into schools? Are there sufficient schools, classrooms, teachers and basic facilities? How will the government address poverty, gender disparities and other barriers that prevent children from receiving an education? Who will be held accountable for this continuing failure? A Parliament genuinely concerned about the future of Pakistan should treat this issue as an urgent national priority.

Equally alarming is the continuing exodus of educated, skilled and talented Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad. Doctors, engineers, scientists, researchers, IT professionals, university teachers and other qualified graduates are increasingly looking beyond the country for professional growth, secure careers, merit-based opportunities and a better future. This loss of human capital should be a matter of serious national concern. Why are our talented young people losing confidence in the opportunities available at home? Why are our institutions unable to retain and utilise their abilities? Where are the policies that can create employment, encourage research, reward merit and provide a professional environment in which capable people can contribute to national development? This issue deserves serious debate, not silence.

I often wonder how our parliamentarians can remain so absorbed in personal rivalries and political vendettas while seemingly forgetting the most painful chapter of our national history. Have we forgotten the tragedy of 1971, when our beloved country was dismembered and East Pakistan separated from the rest of Pakistan, becoming Bangladesh? That national tragedy was preceded by political failures, denial of democratic aspirations, injustices, widening mistrust and a breakdown of national cohesion. Have we genuinely learned its lessons? Political arrogance, failure to accommodate dissent, disregard for public grievances and the prioritisation of power over national interest can seriously endanger national unity. If the lessons of 1971 have not taught us to place Pakistan above political egos, then what exactly have we learned from that immense national tragedy?

The National Parliament must be a forum for serious discussion on the country’s future. It should address the state of the economy, unemployment, education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, energy security, institutional reforms and the challenges confronting our youth. It should scrutinise government performance, question failures, propose workable policies and ensure that public resources are used responsibly. Every parliamentary session consumed by personal hostility is an opportunity lost to discuss an issue that directly affects the lives of the people.

Parliament is not the personal property of any political party, leader or individual. It belongs to the people of Pakistan, whose taxes sustain its operations and whose elected representatives are entrusted with their mandate. Parliamentary privilege is meant to protect freedom of debate and enable representatives to perform their duties without fear or intimidation. It should never be treated as a licence for indecent language, personal defamation or the humiliation of political opponents.

The responsibility does not rest with individual members alone. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the presiding officers of the Senate must ensure that parliamentary rules are enforced fairly and consistently. Political parties must demonstrate discipline and discourage conduct that brings the institution into disrepute. The media, too, should give greater attention to substantive parliamentary work rather than allowing personal confrontations to dominate public discussion.

Democracy is not merely about winning elections, occupying seats or enjoying parliamentary privileges. It is about responsibility, accountability, tolerance and service to the people. A parliamentary seat is a public trust, not a trophy. Those who occupy these seats must remember that history will judge them not by the insults they exchanged or the political opponents they humiliated, but by the legislation they enacted, the problems they solved and the improvements they brought to the lives of ordinary citizens.

Pakistan needs a National Parliament that debates solutions rather than personalities, promotes national unity rather than division, and gives priority to public welfare rather than political revenge. Our people are looking for relief from economic hardship, opportunities for their children, quality education, accessible healthcare, employment and a future in which their talent and hard work are valued. They deserve a Parliament that listens to their voices and responds to their needs.

The question is not whether political parties should disagree. They must. The real question is whether they can disagree with dignity, debate with responsibility and put the national interest above personal and political rivalries.

Parliament belongs to the people, not to the egos of politicians. The people need solutions, not spectacles; legislation, not verbal warfare; accountability, not political revenge.

When the people needed their Parliament most, why was Parliament so busy fighting itself?

Dr Alamdar Hussain Malik
Advisor Academics, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Swat
Former Financial Advisor, Finance Division, Government of Pakistan