Pakistan: National Marxist School Report

Over the weekend the Pakistani Marxists held a cadre school as part of their work of building the framework of the Marxist Tendency in Pakistan. Here we provide a brief report and some pictures.

A national cadre school of the Pakistani Marxists took place on November 20-22, 2009 in Rahim Yar Khan. For the first time the Pakistani Marxists organised a second national school after the one held this summer, which is an important step in the development of Marxism in Pakistan. Around 70 Comrades from as far as Kashmir and the war torn areas of Pukhtoonkhwa participated among others, undertaking long journeys in order to attend the school.

The agenda of the first session was “Pakistan Perspectives in the International Scenario”. Comrade Zohaib Butt led off by explaining the ongoing global economic crisis and its effects on the working class all over the world. He mentioned the crumbling state of the Pakistani economy and the conflicts within the state machinery. He emphasized the role of Marxists in explaining to the working class and the youth the real solution of their problems and organizing them in a revolutionary struggle for socialism. Comrades from almost every region participated in the discussion and explained the situation and perspectives in their respective regions.

The second session was chaired by comrade Rashid Khalid from Kashmir. Comrade Changez gave the lead off on “Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State”. Changez explained the different stages which the human family and society had passed through during its evolution. He explained how the origin of private property was once a progressive step in the journey of mankind towards the realm of freedom which has now become the greatest obstacle in its path. The structures and formations of the initial states were also discussed. Many comrades participated in the discussion including comrade Imran and comrade Paras.

The third session of the School started on the morning of 21^st November. The agenda was “Marxism and Art”. Comrade Vinod was in the chair and comrade Adam Pal gave the lead off. Adam explained the importance of art and culture in human life from the very initial stages of human history and the profoundness of early human art. He explained the dominance of ruling class over art throughout human history and the changes in art and culture with the development in the means of production. In their interventions different comrades explained the revolutionary currents in music, painting and other forms of art.

The last session was on 22^nd November, chaired by comrade Zohaib Butt. Comrade Zafar Imam led off on “Bolshevism, the road to Revolution”. In his lead off he explained the history of the class struggle in Russia. He went on to explain the historical developments that led to the defeat of the 1905 revolution. The building, strategy, and tactics of the Bolshevik party that led to the revolutionary victory of the proletariat in 1917 were discussed in detail.

This was followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for Youth Work. Reports on the progress of youth work from all the regions were presented. The strategy and tactics for the future were thoroughly discussed. The school was concluded in the traditional manner by singing the Internationale.