Points to ponder before the march to Raiwand
The flexibility displayed by the Punjab government regarding the PTI’s solo march to Raiwand is a positive move, especially considering the heightened media speculation regarding the issue, and the prevailing air of uncertainty in the country. The CM’s decision to remove obstacles from the way of the protestors is a welcome display of political maturity, and has, in turn, turned all eyes to the opposition, particularly the Tehreek-e-Insaf. While protests and demonstrations are democratic rights of every citizen, they must also be within the limitations of the law, and mindful of their consequences for the general public. One hopes that Imran Khan will show some appreciation for this decision, while bearing in mind that his right to demonstrate should not come at the cost of the peace and livelihood of the common man. With the nation’s current account deficit at 92% within two months of the new fiscal year and the stock exchange shedding over 500 points amidst rising concerns regarding political tension, disrupting the lives of those actually working and contributing to the economy would be disastrous.
The PTI chairman also faces pressure from the ECP – as a serving parliamentarian, he has been warned from participating in election campaigns (case in point: those for Taxila by-elections). This is a reminder that his duties as a parliamentarian will often require separation from party interests. The chairman, a champion of accountability and democratic process, would do well to abide by these rules.
And finally, the fact remains that the current tensions lie beyond merely Pakistan’s internal dynamics. The political parties would do well to keep in mind the developing situation in the region, particularly the rising tension between India and Pakistan. We reiterate – to protest is a democratic right, particularly given this government’s inability to create some measure of accountability post-Panama. Given the bigger picture however, the maturity of the PTI – and the opposition as a whole, for that matter – will be determined by how they choose to exercise it.
