The Power Dynamics in Chand Grehan

This drama was aired in 90’s; however, it still holds great relevance to today’s power dynamics that prevail in Pakistan. The ‘Power Triangle’ exerts all the power over every class in the society and their influence shapes the politics and economy of Pakistan. The drama very amazingly defines how the feudal, the media (Press) and bureaucracy carry out malpractices in order to maintain power and achieve their illegal aims. The feudal, Laal Hussain Shah, has the greatest power as he has all the resources and political power to manipulate the other two but at the same his survival is impossible without the help of press and bureaucracy. The feudal is a man with whom great power and influence resides as Laal Hussain in the drama says “hum maalik hain iss zameen ke, humare hokum ke baghair chirya paani nahin peeti. Similarly, this triangle together is able to control other institutions like judiciary, police and etc.

The dynamics of Laal Hussain Shah’s power could be examined through the fact that despite having lost the elections, he was still able to admonish both a sitting bureaucrat and the owner of the newspaper the agency. Moreover, the strength of bureaucracy and media could not be undermined as they are the ones who are the actual information provider to the public. They also have contacts with other institutions. If needed, they can easily turn the power politics upside for the feudal through this influence. This drama in actual is trying to critique the power dynamics that goes on in the Pakistani society and is still very much present. The manipulation of different institutions to get maximum gains and wealth at the expense of the lower classes of the society actually defines the situation of Pakistan. Therefore, it will not be wrong to say that this power triangle is still a very integral part of today’s society and is here to stay. The power of feudals might have deteriorated a bit but their influence over any political party cannot be ignored hence, these three bodies rule the politics and economy of Pakistan.