The last thing we need
Imran Khan wants to hold a big rally in Raiwind to pressurise the government to hold inquiry into Panama Papers. He has called on party activists from all over the country to converge on the town on September 30. The PTI chief is suspicious of hurdles from two sides. First, the Punjab police which brutally attacked PTI activists, killing about a dozen in Model Town Lahore two years back. Second, the PML-N musclemen who pelted stones at a number of places on his August 2014 march towards Islamabad.
A senior Police officer assured on Sunday that there is no plan to use force against the marchers. According to another official the PTI leadership would be requested to refrain from taking a very large crowd to Raiwind in view of the threat of terrorism. In case the party did not agree, responsibility for any eventuality would lay on it. This however does not absolve the police from its duty to provide security to the protesters.
The announcement of the march has given cold feet to the PML-N. Some of the leaders who are more loyal to the king than the king himself have threatened to break the legs of the marchers in case they dared to move towards Jati Umra. Under pressure from the Opposition the PTI has already announced holding the rally at Adda Plot, six kilometers from Jati Umra. One expects it to strictly abide by the promise.
Every political party has a right to protest. It needs to, however, ensure that the protest remains peaceful and does not cause unnecessary hassle for the general public. The PTI has to reach an agreement with the administration regarding the venue as well as the timing of the arrival and departure of the protesters. The PML-N leadership should stop its leaders involved in vitiating the atmosphere through threats of violence. The government can use the state machinery under its authority to maintain law and order. Inciting party members to violence against the opposition is an invitation to lawlessness
