Of course everything is and was based on elitism, but we aren't in the 9th century anymore nuclear armed nation like Pakistan has 70% of it's population living in poverty. They can't vote for their political representative, Govt has no proper healthcare and educational facilities for them.
In terms of the basic laws of human society, what we usually call "elites" refers to people who are particularly proficient and skilled in a particular matter. "Elite politics" refers to a country being governed by a group of people with extensive political experience. This is the basic argument.
Regarding the issue you mentioned, it does exist, but this does not contradict the argument of elite politics.
As national administrators, the core element is managing their people effectively. Regardless of their outward manifestations, the fundamental principle is to satisfy the majority of their people. Based on different cognitive environments, different groups have completely different understandings of "satisfaction." Therefore, different countries require completely different models of national governance.
Regarding Pakistan's current situation, I believe it needs to address two core issues:
1. Improving the quality of life for the lower classes. This includes improving the economic well-being of the lower classes, educating the public, and maintaining social stability.
2. Providing ordinary people with a fair path to becoming "elites." Whether one can become an "elite" depends on their own abilities, but the government needs to provide a fair path for them.
It's a tiny majority living in DHA. It's easy for someone to say this as you enjoy a fast growing economy with majority off the people living a fairly decent life.
My personal experience is the exact opposite of your viewpoint.
I was born in the late 1970s and spent most of my life in a remote, third-tier region in southwest China. This is currently one of the most suffering groups in China. Chinese people can understand, but you may find it difficult to comprehend.
Every important milestone in my life has coincided with a period of significant policy changes in China. Every change has caused me enormous losses.