By Farooq Tariq
January 21, 2010 -- The
political perspectives of the Labour Party Pakistan (LPP) have been put to the test several
times in a rapidly changing political situation. From day one we
opposed General Musharraf's military dictatorship. We oppose both US
imperialism and religious fanaticism, while some feel they must support
one side or the other.
Almost
all of the present LPP leadership, including women leaders, were jailed
under the Musharraf regime for demanding democratic rights or taking part in the
struggle for workers’ and peasants’ rights. The LLP has worked to
maintain its political space and refused to be driven underground.
Unlike
the traditional left parties, who set up organisations controlled by
the party, since its inception the LPP has put
special emphasis on helping to develop independent social, labour and
peasant organisations and other social movements. For example, there is
no trade union wing of LPP. Instead we support the development of the
National Trade Union Federation, formed in 1998, and also aided the
Pakistan Workers Confederation from its beginning in 1994.