Yesterday, both the current and former prime ministers of
Pakistan addressed their respective constituencies, revealing starkly
contrasting approaches to tackle the challenges before them. One prime minister
issued a strict 72-hour ultimatum, demanding the arrest of all those
responsible for vandalizing the Lahore corps commander's residence. He
emphasized making an example of the "terrorists" involved in the
incident. On the other hand, the other prime minister called upon his
supporters, especially women, to take to the streets today to strengthen his
cause.
The upcoming days will be intriguing as we witness how these
two leaders confront each other. Although it seems unlikely that they will
engage in cordial discussions, there is a slim opportunity for constructive dialogue.
Imran Khan has expressed his desire for an independent investigation into the
violence that erupted following his arrest, aligning with the views of the
other prime minister. Could this be an opening for both parties to come
together, establish boundaries, assign responsibility, and find a way forward?
As they say, politics is the art of the possible.
The federal cabinet is deeply displeased with court rulings
favoring Mr. Khan and has condemned them as a "black stain" on the
judiciary's integrity. The PDM coalition plans to stage a protest outside the
apex court on Monday, potentially escalating into a confrontation. Maulana
Fazlur Rahman has warned that if any harm befalls the protesters, they will
respond with force. However, considering that Section 144 has been imposed in
the capital, how does he plan to carry out the protest? Will the administration
relax its restrictions to enable the demonstration to besiege the Supreme
Court? The optics of such complicity will need to be reconciled amidst the
existing tensions between the branches of the state.
If Pakistan had a Doomsday Clock, it would now read sixty
seconds to midnight. For the first time in recent memory, the nation finds
itself dangerously close to the brink of civil war. It is being torn apart by
its own contradictions. Those who were once considered "darlings"
have become "enemy number one," the so-called "democratic
movement" now exhibits authoritarian tendencies, and the law has lost its
consistency and objectivity. As our institutions continue to erode their
already diminished credibility, the economy remains in shambles.
There is a genuine possibility that total chaos will ensue
if someone doesn't intervene and press the reset button. Conducting free and
fair elections, satisfying all parties involved, remains the best option in the
current circumstances.
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