The Renaissance of PTI!

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has at last been granted permission to host a public meeting in Lahore, Punjab, following an extended legal and administrative struggle. The party, which was also permitted to show its public support in Islamabad two weeks ago, is relieved by this development. These permissions follow the highly controversial events of May 9, 2023, during which state installations, particularly military facilities, were vandalized, allegedly by PTI supporters. In the aftermath, the state propagated a narrative that PTI was behaving more like a rogue entity than a political party, leading to restrictions on its public gatherings. Such perceptions were especially apparent in the days leading up to the February 8th General Elections, when PTI’s campaigning was severely curtailed.

Despite these state-imposed restrictions, it remains a fundamental right of the people to gather and express their views publicly. Article 16 of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) enshrines the right to freedom of assembly, allowing citizens to gather and propagate their ideas in society. Unfortunately, this right has been repeatedly undermined by state authorities, who have cited various excuses to prevent public gatherings, often disregarding court orders in the process.

The objectives of state institutions have been very clear for the last one and a half years: PTI public mobilization is never acceptable. To implement this, the state has arrested important PTI officials following the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance and invoked Section 144, which forbids public assemblies. But there may be some good news, as evidenced by the PTI Jalsa in Islamabad and the next one in Lahore. Though with great caution, it appears that state officials are starting to acknowledge PTI’s existence and its legitimacy to rally support.

The Federal Government, however, has made the matter, abstruse by passing a law that imposes strict conditions on public gatherings. Under this law, those organizing such events must conclude their activities within a specified timeframe or face severe penalties, including up to ten years of imprisonment. This legislation has added a layer of complexity to the situation, particularly as it seems nearly impossible for large gatherings to wrap up within the stipulated time.

Amidst all the chaos, after the Islamabad Jalsa, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, masked individuals stormed the Parliament and arrested several PTI leaders, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar at midnight of September 9.

Critics had also predicted chaos following PTI’s September 8th Jalsa in Islamabad, and their concerns later proved right. Considering Pakistan’s humid weather, many public gatherings typically begin in the evening when the temperature becomes moderate, and expecting a political party to conclude its event by 7 PM seems unrealistic. Moreover, punctuality is something that never follows in Pakistani society, unfortunately; even the bride more often does not reach in time, so it is hardly feasible to expect strict adherence to time limits at large political rallies.

Amidst all the chaos, after the Islamabad Jalsa, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, masked individuals stormed the Parliament and arrested several PTI leaders, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar at midnight of September 9. These leaders were charged with violating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Islamabad administration and inciting public unrest. Many of these allegations, however, appeared baseless and lacked credibility, raising questions about the state’s heavy-handed response.

However, the leadership of PTI must also take some of the blame for the deterioration of the political environment. Some of the party’s leading figures utilized extremely provocative rhetoric to agitate their fans. Tensions were heightened by disparaging comments made about powerful people and state institutions. The chief executive of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s second-largest province, Ali Amin Gandapur, in particular, ought to have been more careful with his statements. His derogatory remarks crossed beyond the bounds of free speech which has fueled institutional conflicts and social polarization, further.

The struggle between state institutions and even within them is making matters fragile as Pakistan’s political landscape continues to worsen. Instability is being exacerbated by the pursuit of personal egos and the power of persons over institutions. The people on the ground are ultimately the ones suffering the most from this power struggle.

For the benefit of the country, all the stakeholders must put aside their disagreements at this crucial juncture by opening the door for negotiations Restoring political stability, protecting the rule of law, and guaranteeing the primacy of the Constitution in Pakistan all depend on institutional harmony, and the resolution of disputes, amicably.