It isn’t free for all
Thanks prolonged periods of military rule, Pakistan is still in the process of developing a democratic culture. Those in power think the mandate given to them is absolute and that they need not give importance to Parliament or undertake consensus building on crucial issues. Many in the opposition believe the freedom of speech and association ensured in the constitution are unconditional and they are free to conduct protest marches and sit-ins in whatever way they like even if this impinges on other people’s rights.
The PML-N government mistakenly thinks the crisis is over and it can now get tough with the PTI. Imran Khan who is pulling large crowds at every public meeting is brimming with overconfidence. He demands the setting up of the judicial commission to probe the election rigging before November 30 failing which his movement would not remain peaceful. There are reports of a Presidential Ordinance being on the cards to restrict the entry of the protesters in the Red Zone. The PTI believes it can gather enough people to breach any barrier. Unless both sides act with a sense of responsibility, things could take a nasty turn. What is needed is a give and take. Both sides had shown keenness early this month to restart the suspended dialogue. The government should take the initiative to revive talks to resolve the issue of rigging.
Imran Khan needs to read the guidelines for holding protests in Britain to understand the conditions under which marches are allowed in a democracy. The law requires a notice to police six days before the event by the organisers mentioning the date, time and route. The police reserves the right to change the route or location and put a limit on how long the rally is to last. It can even limit the number of participants in the march. The law specifies that police can stop a sit-in if it blocks road traffic or public walkways. It is time both the government and the opposition learn to act with responsibility.
