Grassroots members of political parties in Pakistan have historically been disconnected from party leaders who are typically the ones who decide the parties’ policy positions. In fact, rank and file members of most parties have often not met their party leaders, let alone had a chance to discuss policy issues with them.

“The policy development process has always been top down,” said Tahir Bizanjo, a senior leader of the National Party.  “What we are learning now is how to make it the other way around.”