Dr Bilawal Kamran
The political landscape in Pakistan has become a volatile arena, characterized by an ongoing cycle of protests, violence, and blame-shifting between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This conflict continues to cause widespread damage—economically, politically, and socially. The latest chapter in this saga saw Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq expressing his frustration over the government’s harsh lockdown-like measures in the capital. These were implemented as a response to the PTI protests, which have not only paralyzed public life but also sparked intense debates over their social and economic impact. Justice Farooq directed the Ministry of Interior to submit a detailed report on the events, underscoring the urgency of addressing the mounting consequences.
The protests, which have plagued Pakistan in recent months, serve as a stark reminder that such crises do not only affect the protesters or law enforcement. Ordinary citizens, whose livelihoods depend on stability, are often the ones who bear the brunt. Traders in the capital, for example, have filed petitions outlining the severe economic toll of prolonged roadblocks, which have left many struggling to keep their businesses afloat. This is a grim reality that reflects the broader cost of political unrest: lives and livelihoods destroyed in a never-ending struggle for power. Unfortunately, the protests have escalated into a tragic loss of life on both sides. Security personnel have been killed in the line of duty, while PTI has claimed that at least 12 of its supporters have died during these demonstrations. The government, however, has yet to officially recognize these fatalities. At the same time, PTI leaders have irresponsibly inflated the death toll, with some figures reaching over 200. This reckless politicization of human lives is reprehensible and serves no purpose other than to fuel further division.
While it is essential for the government to conduct a transparent investigation into the reported deaths and ensure accountability, it is equally crucial for PTI to resist using the deaths of their supporters for political gain. The dead, regardless of their political affiliations, deserve dignity, not exploitation. The politicization of such tragedies only adds fuel to the fire, perpetuating the cycle of animosity. Respect for human life must transcend political agendas, and it is a moral imperative for all parties involved to recognize this.
Adding to the confusion is PTI founder Imran Khan’s contradictory political stance. Khan has oscillated between offering moderate overtures and employing hawkish rhetoric, a strategy that only serves to deepen the political divide. His shifting approach confuses not only his supporters but also further complicates the political landscape. On the one hand, Khan engages in dialogue with parliamentarians and presents himself as a moderate, while on the other, his party resorts to aggressive street protests to pressure the opposition. This duality lays bare a deliberate tactic of balancing an institutional façade with an aggressive public persona. However, this approach undermines the very institution of parliament that PTI claims to represent. The party must reassess its strategy and recognize that parliamentary channels, not street protests, are the appropriate avenue for addressing political grievances.
Furthermore, PTI’s repeated recourse to street protests in Islamabad only alienates the public and exacerbates tensions. The PTI’s use of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) provincial resources to fuel these protests demonstrates a severe misallocation of priorities. With increasing terrorism and violent clashes in KP, particularly in Kurram, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should be focusing on his province’s pressing security and developmental issues rather than spearheading political protests in the capital. The people of KP deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being over political theatrics. The PTI must acknowledge that protests, when devolved into violent spectacles, lose their relevance and fail to advance any meaningful political discourse.
On the government’s side, the response to PTI’s protests has been equally problematic. The crackdown on PTI supporters and workers, characterized by arbitrary arrests and heavy-handed tactics, has only intensified the crisis. Rather than de-escalating tensions, these measures have fueled resentment and deepened the divide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal to establish a dedicated force to manage future protests indicates a focus on containment, but this approach is ultimately short-sighted. A sustainable solution to this crisis lies not in further crackdowns but in dialogue. Repressive tactics, without addressing the root causes of discontent, will only perpetuate unrest and instability.
While there are political forces, such as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), willing to seek consensus and engage with other parties, the lack of reciprocal efforts from the government and PTI has hindered any meaningful progress. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has directed the Rabta Committee to engage with other political players, an initiative that, if matched by both the government and PTI, could foster dialogue and help defuse the tensions. However, the continued refusal of Imran Khan to negotiate with any entity outside the establishment has proven to be a significant barrier. By sidelining other political parties, PTI not only undermines the democratic process but also escalates the crisis further. Imran Khan’s approach is misguided, and his insistence on negotiating exclusively with the establishment shows a lack of commitment to democratic principles.
The issue at hand is not just political rivalry; it is a national crisis. Violence, regardless of its origin, only breeds more violence. Both the government and PTI must demonstrate political maturity and engage in constructive dialogue. The cost of continued unrest is immense, not only in terms of human lives but also in terms of economic stability and national cohesion. Pakistan cannot afford the luxury of continued violence and political polarization. The country is at a critical juncture, and history will not forgive those who place their personal ambitions above the national interest.
However, the calm necessary for lasting peace cannot be achieved unless there is a commitment to transparent, free, and fair elections. The foundation for any political resolution must be built on the legitimacy of electoral processes. Without a clear mandate from the people, the political impasse will persist, leaving the country mired in instability. Additionally, the rule of law must be reinforced. A political environment that allows for free expression and participation from all sectors of society is crucial for restoring trust in democratic institutions and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in the nation’s future.
In conclusion, the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan is a complex and deeply entrenched issue that cannot be solved through violence, repression, or blame-shifting. The government and PTI must prioritize dialogue and respect for democratic institutions over disruptive tactics and political point-scoring. To achieve true peace and stability, there must be a commitment to transparent elections and the rule of law. Only by putting national interests first and engaging in constructive political processes can Pakistan hope to overcome the current crisis and move toward a more unified and prosperous future.
