Political mudslinging and blame-game have become the hallmark of Pakistani politics. The political game has now entered a dangerous arena. Despite a flurry of claims about strengthening democratic structure, the situation has taken a turn to the point of no return.
In simple words, a turmoil-like situation has been created since the ouster of PM Imran Khan last year through a no-confidence motion. The hybrid regime and the establishmentarian democracy in Pakistan have played their worst part.
It has a lot to contribute to the culture of arrests and political witch-hunts. The very name of accountability has been made a farce. The situation has become so bad that fair and free elections seem improbable in the near future.
Present Situation of the Political Crisis in Pakistan
The following paragraphs illustrate the present political imbroglio in Pakistan.
Fragmented Political Structure Due to Political Polarization
First, looking at the vicious tentacles of political polarization, the role of parliament in a positive dialogue has diminished. The incumbent government and the outgoing party, now in opposition, remain at loggerheads. As a result, the robust role of parliament as a forum to discuss the concern of the opposition has vanished.
Political Witch- hunt in the Name of Sham Accountability
Similarly, the hybrid regime which takes the reins of power in its hands, makes its motive to push the opposition to the wall. The state institutions are used to crush the opposition parties.
Rising Extremism In the Political Narrative
Likewise, a lack of consensus among political stakeholders contributes to extremism in politics. The agenda of opposition parties is being dubbed as anti-state. The opposition parties have been tagged as working at the behest of unknown powers.
Institutional Crisis Due to Political Blame-Game
In the same way, the opposition parties continue to blame the strategic institutions of Pakistan. They try to make the masses believe that institutions are working against their wishes. As a result, the morale of institutions goes downward.
Subversion of Constitution as Per the Wishes of Regime
Last but not the least, the incoming governments try to interpret the constitution in their own way, and as a result, a constitutional crisis hovers over our country every time. For example, the recent cancellation of the election schedule by the ECP goes against article 218 which bounds Election Commission to hold free and fair elections within 90 days. But the commission referred to the Elections Act 2018 to validate the postponement of elections.
Genesis Of The Current Political Crusade
Following paragraphs throw light on the reasons which have contributed to the dwindling democratic norms.
Absence Of Constructive Dialogue
The main reason behind the recent political crusade is that a constructive dialogue between all the parties is nowhere for long. It has widened the trust deficit between the opposition and the incumbent government.
Relying on Establishment Instead of Strengthening the Political Structure
Likewise, Pakistan was created as a security-centric state. That’s why, the role of establishment has played a vital role in the formation of every democratic government. The political parties have never tried to invigorate the weak political system of the country instead they always look to third parties for the resolution of their problems.
The Vicious Culture of Political Victimization
In the same vein, every party which took the reins of power into its hands has the ulterior motive of political victimization instead of any noble aim.
The Use of Accountability Stick
Similarly, the stick of accountability has been used to crush the leaders of the opposition.
Every Genuine Concern Being Dubbed As Anti-State
Much of the same applies to this point as well. When the marginalized sections of the country and their representatives try to highlight the genuine reasons for their unrest, they are arrested and dubbed as anti-state elements.
How to Cool the Current High Political Temperature
As far as the suggestions for the current worsening political milieu are concerned, the following is the true guide to the problem.
All Parties Conference is the Need of the Hour
First, the government should show some signs of sanity by calling an all-parties conference. For that purpose, the sane voices in the government should take the lead. An immediate conference will help a great as it will be helpful in building some semblance of agreement.
The Use of Fake Cases to Browbeat the Opposition Leaders Should be the Game of Bygone Days
In the same way, the use of law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition leaders should be stopped. It only aggravates the situation instead of serving any good. The use of fair trial should be the right of the citizenry.
The Relevant Articles of the Constitution Should be the Priority
Likewise, instead of twisting the articles to suit the interests of the government, They should be strengthened by allowing the institutions to act as per the constitution. It should be clear to the ECP that their actions and rules are subservient to the constitution.
Awareness to be Created Among the Masses
Moreover, awareness should be created among the masses regarding the current problems and their solutions. In this respect, the positive role of media is of paramount importance. If a positive mindset will be created, it will down the political extremism among the masses.
Down-Trodden Strata of the Society To Be Heeded
Last but not the least, the marginalized and the downtrodden strata of society should be heeded. For example, the arrest of Molvi Hidayatur Rehman and Manzoor Pashin do not bode well for the political fabric. True and genuine concerns should be heeded.
Elections Dilemma Needs to be Resolved Through Consensus in the All Parties Conference
The issue of future elections should be resolved by building a consensus in the All Parties Conference. The government should show some semblance of flexibility here.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, we may conclude that an absence of consensus among political stakeholders has pushed the country to the brink of an implosion. Those perpetuating the crisis intentionally do not know that they are burning their own bridges.
The state needs to be on a pragmatic path and deal with these actors with an iron hand. We may deduce that only consensus building among all the political stakeholders is the true panacea to all the festering issues. We will see it happening in the near future.
