Political Parties Quetta
There are many political parties in the district and they try to mobilise political opinion in their favour. However, tribal affiliation, religion and family kinship are the main factors determining the shape of political behaviour. This is evident form the recent election held in February, 1997. J.U.I (a religious party) won one of the provincial assembly seats. Two seats went to the Pakistan Muslim League. One seat went to the Pashtoon Khawa Milli Awami Party. The National Assembly seat was won by the Pakistan Muslim League.
The role of women in the political parties is not significant, mainly due to the social and tribal set-up. Their role is confined to the extent of casting votes. Moreover, only in urban areas women organize political activities for their parties, but this is also limited to mobilizing support (votes) for male candidates during elections. Despite their potential, political parties, dominated by males, do not give women politicians any significant role. They are certainly marginalized; in recent elections not a single woman contested. Main reasons are that they are not encouraged or have the economic independence to be serious candidates.
Their interest in politics compels them to tail male politicians, a frustrating secondary role for women politicians . The often very worldly and educated women cannot break the stronghold of men. Recently a women’s political forum came in to existence, with the objective of fighting the male monopoly in politics.
Student organisations of different parties exist at college and university level. They work for their parties as well as try to solve educational problems through their organizations. It is worth mentioning that by comparison to other districts, student organizations are well organized in Quetta. However, it is also a major reason for deterioration of educational standards due to undue interference in all matters.
Quetta is the centre of business and economic activities. It is an industrial area and, being the Provincial Headquarters, is the centre of all trade unions activities. Head offices of all provincial labour union & trade unions are located in Quetta. These trade unions are actively involved in organizing labour under their banners.