What is happening in Pakistan?
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted following a Vote of No-Confidence an opposition coalition of thirteen political parties in April 2022. After the regime change, the violation of human rights in Pakistan has been alarming. However, whilst grievances have persisted for a year, the recent abduction of Imran Khan by paramilitary forces from the court has become the tipping point for a surge in escalating tensions.
The aftermath has seen riots, several cantonments and the GHQ stormed, monuments associated with the military destroyed, a sharp rise in arrests, numbering over seven thousand in the past week alone, countless injuries, and the loss of fifty lives in a mere two days. There have also been brutal assaults on women and vulnerable individuals.
The Erosion of Human Rights:
Regrettably, the past months have witnessed a distressing deterioration of human rights in Pakistan. Numerous individuals, including women, have fallen victim to violent assaults. A differently-abled young woman was dragged through the streets by her hair for attending a protest. Shockingly, the children of various PTI leaders have been targeted for abduction when their parents were absent. Furthermore, a professor and his entire family, who were peacefully protesting, were unjustly detained along with his wife and children. The Pakistani parliament passed a bill earlier this week that criminalises “insult” of the parliament or any member of it. It provisions six months in jail or 1M rupees fine or both for individuals found guilty of insulting parliament.
In the Azam Swati case, a senior citizen, and a former minister, saw his bedroom bugged. He was blackmailed with a private tape of his wife and him, in an attempt to silence him. Pakistan’s youngest political prisoner was a 9-month-old girl, incarcerated with her mother. Her sole crime was that her father worked as a chauffeur for a PTI leader. The Corps Commander in Lahore has reportedly been dismissed for ordering his troops to stand down under all circumstances. These incidents bear testament to the extent of the crisis.
Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination:
A grievous violation of human rights has been observed through the harassment and mistreatment of female protestors by law enforcement agencies. Reports of catcalling, manhandling during arrests, torture in custody, and an instance of a male policeman exposing himself to intimidate women are both shocking and unacceptable. Moreover, the police have raided the homes of political leadership at odd hours, and have harassed female family members of opponents inside their houses.
It is also troubling to witness the exploitation of religion to character-assassinate female protestors, thereby tapping into the sentiments which render violence against women acceptable in an extremely conservative society like Pakistan. Anti-Semitic sentiments by the government are also being used to attack Khan over the religion of his ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith. This systematic abuse must cease immediately.
Corruption and Criminal Facilitation:
The ongoing crisis in Pakistan reveals a government that is complicit in corrupt practices, with allegations of high-ranking officials engaging in criminal activities. An eighty-five-member cabinet, with an anti-narcotics minister involved in smuggling, Mohsin Dawar, formerly shunned by the state as a “traitor” and several members out on bail. This highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency within the administration.
Protecting Freedom of Speech and Press:
The erosion of freedom of speech and press is evident through the corporate control over media outlets and the weak state of the judiciary. Journalists are being abducted and even killed with alarming frequency, stifling voices of dissent and undermining the principles of democracy. This pattern of repression should be a cause for concern for all those who value the fundamental right to express oneself. Arshad Shareef, a prominent journalist, known for being vocal in the face of intimidation was murdered in Kenya several months ago, and the investigation is yet to reach a conclusion.
Disrespect towards War Veterans:
In a disheartening display of disregard, war veterans have faced disrespectful treatment on the streets, with uncouth policemen demeaning their sacrifices. Furthermore, others have reportedly been summoned to General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where they face intense questioning for openly expressing their opinions. Such acts only serve to erode the trust and unity within society and should not be tolerated.
The Path to De-Escalation:
For a nation grappling with poverty, crime, and a pervasive gun culture, the need for de-escalation becomes increasingly paramount. The use of tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition to control protests is a dangerous approach that only fuels further violence. The state’s provocative tactics, coupled with enforced disappearances, lead to a dangerous cycle of bloodshed and destruction. It is imperative for the authorities to prioritize the well-being of citizens and seek peaceful resolutions.
The Quest for Democracy:
It is important to remember that the political upheaval in Pakistan is not a “revolution” in the classical sense of the word. It is a struggle for a functional Constitution. More than the state itself, the battle is against the corrupt elite who exploit their power for personal gain. The establishment must refrain from enabling, aiding and abetting criminals by pushing the “People vs Pakistan” narrative. As Mark Twain said, “Loyalty to the country always, loyalty to the government when it deserves it.”
Calling for immediate elections can help restore faith in the democratic process and pave the way for a brighter future. Also vital is that the authorities exercise restraint. The current “democratic” regime is but a puppet singing to the tunes of the military. An anti-establishment pulse amongst the masses is not an excuse for state terrorism. Fascism will never not be a destructive path to tread upon. The restoration of democracy, the protection of human rights, and the pursuit of justice are fundamental in shaping a society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all its citizens. It is our collective responsibility to demand change and ensure a better tomorrow for Pakistan.
