The 42nd Congress of The Struggle, the Pakistan section of the International Socialist League (ISL), was successfully held on 12–13 April 2025, marking another decisive step forward in building the forces of Marxism in Pakistan, South Asia and beyond. Despite the brutal conditions created by IMF programs, rampant price hikes, intensified state oppression and collapsing infrastructure, more than 1100 comrades attended the Congress over two days. Participants included 105 women and came from all walks of life—workers, students, youth, as well as comrades from the most far-flung areas of Pakistan and its held regions.
The core organizing committee of the Congress, consisting of about 25 comrades, worked tirelessly day and night to manage security, food, lodging, hall decorations and audio/video arrangements.
The Congress was dedicated to the resistance and struggle of the Palestinian masses against the Zionist onslaught.
Preparations and Congress Documents
In the lead-up to the Congress, three key documents were published, corresponding to the titles of the first, second and fourth sessions:
• A Turning Point in History: Trump, Crisis and the Decline of the Liberal Order
• Pakistan Perspective 2025–26
• Forging the Revolutionary Party
These documents were thoroughly discussed across the organization in the weeks preceding the Congress. After vibrant debates and detailed discussions, they were unanimously adopted through voting at the Congress, demonstrating a high level of political unity and organizational maturity.
Participation of International Delegates
The Congress was marked by an inspiring display of international solidarity. More than 20 sister organizations from all continents sent solidarity messages, in both video and written forms, expressing support and revolutionary greetings to the Congress. These messages were received with great enthusiasm and reinforced the understanding that our struggle is part of a wider global movement against capitalism and imperialism.
The Congress was further enriched by the participation of three international delegates from the leadership of the International Socialist League (ISL):
• Ezra Otieno from Kenya
• Federico Moreno from Argentina
• Sergio García from Argentina
Moreover, half a dozen comrades from Pakistan and its held regions, currently residing abroad, especially traveled to Pakistan to attend the Congress. Their presence and contributions greatly inspired the comrades, strengthening our internationalist perspective and emphasizing the shared struggles of workers worldwide.
Proceedings Overview
Day 1 – 12th April 2025
The Congress formally opened with remarks by Qamar Uz Zaman, followed by an introduction of the international delegates by Imran Kamyana. Solidarity messages were read by Awais Qarni, and a short musical video about the horrors of capitalism and the mass resistance against it was presented to set the revolutionary tone.
The first session, titled “A Turning Point in History: Trump, Crisis and the Decline of the Liberal Order,” featured a powerful lead-off by Sergio García, followed by a finance appeal led by Babar Patras and Rehana Akhtar. Contributions included significant interventions by Ezra Otieno and Farhad Kiyani, who offered internationalist perspectives on Africa and the Americas. The session was summed up by Imran Kamyana.
After lunch, the second session on “Pakistan Perspective 2025–26” was chaired by Rashid Sheikh and opened by Zafar Ullah. The discussion addressed the deepening crisis in Pakistan and the perspectives for revolutionary change. Following contributions by Ilyas Khan, Haris Qadeer and Anwar Panhwar, comrades divided into commissions:
• Women’s Commission led by Rehana Akhtar and Khkula Bacha
• Youth Commission led by Arslan Shani and Awais Qarni
• PTUDC Commission led by Changez Malik and Anwar Panhwar
Day 2 – 13th April 2025
The second day began with revolutionary poems and anthems, followed by additional solidarity messages read by Imran Kamyana.
The third session centered on “The Saur Revolution of 1978 – Hope, Resistance and Salvation.” It was chaired by Nazar Mengal and opened with a short documentary about the history and legacy of the Saur Revolution, and the devastation that befell Afghanistan and Pakistan after the revolution was crushed by imperialism. Ghufran Ahad introduced the discussion, which was further enriched by contributions from the floor, reflecting on the lessons of the Afghan Saur Revolution. After contributions by Asif Rasheed, Rauf Lond, Zafar G. and Rehana Akhtar, the session was summed up by Zafar Ullah, who linked it to the discussion on Pakistan held the previous day.
After lunch, the fourth session focused on “Forging the Revolutionary Party.” It was chaired by Rahul JP. Awais Qarni delivered the lead-off, emphasizing the urgent tasks ahead. The Central Committee slate was presented by Rauf Lond and was approved through voting after the presentation of commission reports.
Sergio García and Rang Elahi then delivered their remarks, further boosting the morale and revolutionary spirit of the Congress.
The Congress closed with spirited final remarks by Imran Kamyana, the singing of the Internationale, and a dynamic two-hour rally against the IMF and state oppression, symbolizing the energy and determination of the comrades to advance the struggle. A full report and pictures of the rally will be published separately.
The 42nd Congress of The Struggle reaffirmed the revolutionary traditions of our organization, demonstrated the political maturity of the comrades, and strengthened our links to the international movement. It set a clear course for the coming period—of intensified struggles, greater challenges, but also immense revolutionary opportunities.
Long live The Struggle!
Long live the ISL!
Long live international socialism!
More pictures here.
