LAND LORD FAMILIES ARE DOMINANT IN POLITICS OF SINDH: A CASE STUDY OF DISTRICT GHOTKI

Abstract

 In feudal societies, landlords—those who own land—control essential sources of income and wield significant power. Land ownership greatly enhances the social and political status of these individuals. In Sindh, the political landscape has long been influenced by powerful landlord families, many of whom held prominent positions during the British Raj and continue to dominate local politics today. In the district of Ghotki, political authority has largely remained in the hands of the descendants of these traditional elite families since the creation of Pakistan. During elections, leaders of political parties frequently seek the support of these influential landlords to secure votes. Landlords, tribal chieftains (sardars), and spiritual leaders (pirs) play a critical role in shaping election outcomes at both national and provincial levels, as well as in local governance. Ghotki was officially declared a separate district in 1993; prior to that, its area was part of the Shikarpur and Sukkur districts. This paper analyzes the role and influence of landlord families in Ghotki’s politics and explores the broader impact of their dominance on the region’s political dynamics.