Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest in Islamabad has sparked a massive outrush of anger and protests across Pakistan and beyond. The supporters of Khan have taken to the streets in processions, rallies and even resorted to burning and breaking down public and armed forces properties. The chaos has even caused a spike in the dollar price and a crash in Pakistan’s stock exchange.
Despite the mayhem, it seems highly unlikely that the arrest of Imran Khan will quell the PTI movement and popularity. The people’s wrath is tangible, and the authorities blocking access to social media and mobile internet networks has raised concerns among rights groups, including Amnesty International. It is imperative for the authorities to exercise restraint and prevent any clashes between law enforcement and Khan’s supporters that could lead to potential human rights violations.
It is worth noting that the unrest began when the Punjab and KPK general elections were a hot topic in the country. The authorities’ reluctance to hold the elections in these provinces has been a sore point for many. However, the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution must be upheld in all circumstances. The authorities must act swiftly to hold general elections and avert the country’s descent into civil war. As the proverb goes, “People are state, and state is people,” and it is the responsibility of the authorities to maintain stability and preserve the people’s rights.
The timely conduct of elections in Pakistan plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the country’s democratic institutions and averting public protests that could harm its peace and prosperity. However, simply holding elections is not enough. It is equally important to ensure that the rule of law and the constitution of Pakistan are upheld. This requires holding all individuals and institutions accountable for their actions and upholding principles of justice and fairness.
Currently, the arrest of Imran Khan has caused turmoil and unrest in the country. Despite this, it is unlikely to suppress PTI’s popularity. To overcome the current crisis, authorities must work together to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote the rule of law. If sanity prevails, the country can avoid a catastrophic descent into chaos.
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