Daily Times

Before analysing connection of PTI with ‘political extremism’ in Pakistan, one must carefully understand the basic definitions of radicalism and extremism and their connectivity with violence in different forms.

Political radicalism is generally defined as the behaviour that supports extreme and sudden change to achieve various ideas and objectives. While extremism in politics is described as a belief involving uncritical zeal with an obsessive enthusiasm that has little or no tolerance for contrary ideas or opinions. In the Pakistani context, the dimensions of radicalism and extremism in religion, as a social institution, aren’t too different. Too often, radicalism and extremism overlap, but extremism is more explicit form of rigidity in one’s belief system. Though, a common chord between both radicalism and extremism is an inclination to use violence as a means to achieve the objectives.

Political extremists are persons that hold a set of beliefs that diverge from society’s norm to a great degree. Extremists do not hold up to any scrutiny or logic, and show disdain for rights and liberties of others, but resent the limitations of their own activities. They use drastic measures to gain attention and support their pursuits, including violence. They usually define themselves by naming their opponents. They use intimidation and manipulation to spread their assertions and claims, and often announce that God is on their side. They also use religions and patriotism as an excuse for various forms of violence.

Planned or unplanned, supported or unsupported, artificial or organic, the second entrance of PTI in the national politics via that massive Lahore Jalsa on October 31, 2011 was a welcoming sign. There were too many stamps of powers that be on the effort, one being the nearly 10-hour long marathon broadcasting via the corporate Pakistani media without any ads. The massive rally rattled the political rivals, provided an alternative particularly to the weary PPP cadres, and lit hopes in the hearts of particularly the Punjabi and generally the Pashtun urban middle class youth. The party had a promise of becoming a progressive, if not liberal, political party, and offering leadership opportunities to those who have never thought of becoming political leaders. It contested the 2013 election with a tremendous presence on media and mostly appealed to the youth. It lost the general elections, and what followed has been a nightmare in the Pakistani social discourse from mainstream media to social media.

Imran Khan accused Najam Sethi of fixing 35-punctures in the electoral results, meaning that there was rigging on 35 seats. He accused the sitting and former judges to have conspired his defeat. Khan accused the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan of misconduct. He accused the sitting officials of the Military Intelligence of supporting PML-N and helping it rig the elections. He hurled insults to nearly all his political opponents and resorted to name calling.

Tech-savvy youngsters supporting the PTI have simply carried their leader Imran Khan’s habit of humiliating his opponents to the cyberspace

He termed the Mohajir voters, as the living dead, and Punjabi voters as mindless stupid people. Khan particularly termed Lahoris as rang’baaz (cheap).

Electronic media provided, and still provides, constant coverage to all his slurs and this has impacted his followers, particularly the youth. Since Khan continued with his behaviour and language in the public sphere, this set ‘standard’ for his young followers. Ask those who had to face the personal attacks and mudslinging campaign unleashed by the misguided youth. With access to various platforms of social media, youngsters belonging to PTI have simply carried Imran Khan’s habit of humiliating opponents in the public sphere to the cyberspace.

The recent incident of killing of a 19-year-old worker of PMLN reportedly at the hands of PTI supporters in Khanewal might result in a dangerous trend that will have serious challenges to the coming elections, as the violence could spin out of control. This may as well hinder the conduct and damage credibility of the elections, further aggravating Pakistan’s political crises. PTI’s leadership needs serious soul searching, or else the violence will reach where the party stands at the moment.

The writer is a social entrepreneur and a student of Pakistan’s social and political challenges. Twitter: @mkw72

Published in Daily Times, August 21^1st 2017.