Pakistani society is clearly divided into two distinct classes. One is the Awaam (the people), and the other is the Khawas (the elite) (Ashrafia). Before proceeding further, it is essential to clarify the meanings of these terms.The word Awaam refers to the general public—the common people, the masses.

The word Ashraf is the plural of Sharif, meaning respectable, refined, and privileged individuals. Its collective form, Ashrafia, signifies the rule of the elite (Ashrafia) —a system in which power and authority are monopolized by a small, influential minority. From the very inception of Pakistan, the government, administration, legislature, judiciary, and military institutions have remained largely under the control of wealthy, privileged families. These include Khans, Sardars, Waderas, Jagirdars, Chaudhries, capitalists, and their political representatives—individuals who are better described not as politicians, but as professional power-holders. Opposite to Ashrafia, the term “Aghrabia” may be used—the plural of Ghareeb (the poor)—which clearly represents the common citizen, the people at large. It must be noted that through modern media mechanisms, a systematic and coordinated effort is underway to mentally prepare the next generations of the elite (Ashrafia) for future rule. This reality cannot be denied: if, by coincidence, a person from the common people manages to enter the corridors of power, then despite possessing capability and competence, he or she is soon compelled to submit to the authority and discipline of the ruling elite (Ashrafia). The elite (Ashrafia) and the masses are fundamentally incapable of understanding each other’s needs, hardships, and realities. This is precisely why, despite continuous elite (Ashrafia) rule, the conditions of the masses have never truly changed. Rather than attempting to completely uproot the elite, (Ashrafia) a more practical and revolutionary solution is to acknowledge their existence, and to clearly define and demarcate the roles, limits, and representation of both Ashrafia (elite) and Aghrabia (masses).

Under this framework:

• Representatives of the Aghrabia should be elected by the people, through votes cast by the masses.
• Representatives of the Ashrafia should be elected by the elite, through votes cast within their own class.

Both should then enter the legislative chambers to serve the nation and the state within their defined mandates. Undoubtedly, this is the only viable path through which the people can be liberated from the political captivity of the elite (Ashrafia). The Election Commission of Pakistan must prepare separate voter lists for the Aghrabia (masses) and the Ashrafia (elite) (Ashrafia), so that a truly free, just, and representative democracy may flourish in the country. It must be clearly understood that such reforms would, in fact, be in the long-term interest of the elite (Ashrafia) themselves. Otherwise, the oppression, exploitation, and arrogance of the Ashrafia may provoke a coming storm of resistance—a dark and uncontrollable tempest—that could wipe them out along with their future generations.

Article on Aghrabia:

Daily Jasarat Dated 25-08-2025:

https://jasarat.news/epaper/2025/08/25/karachi/3

https://jasarat.com/2025/08/25/250825-03-5/

Article on Aghrabia:

Daily Jang Dated 13-07-2025:

https://e.jang.com.pk/karachi/13-07-2025/sunday-magazine-page11

https://jang.com.pk/news/1487703