As the mills of rumor continue to work round the clock; season of chaos seems to stay longer in our land of pure! Reports pouring in from Lahore related to a halted protest are not good! Trouble emanating from provincial capital has disturbed the large part of upper Punjab. Road closures and traffic diversions in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have become a permanent torture for the citizens. As per media reports, Tehreek-e- Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced a protest march citing the plight of Gaza residents amid inhuman genocidal atrocities committed by Israel. So, apparently the declared objectives had nothing against the government. But as a matter of bad routine; the protestors and administration have locked horns . The issue of Gaza is very close to the hearts of masses in Pakistan. Ironically, peaceful conduct of the protest could not be ensured. Administration opted to put in place the road blocks to prevent the hostile gathering in federal capital. Protest is a right guaranteed in the constitution but it provides no legitimacy to violent acts like arson, public harassment, interference or hindrance in the functioning of the state offices.
Likewise , the government is responsible to maintain the law and order with minimal use of force that too under unavoidable circumstances primarily to prevent bigger damages. Simply put, protestors cannot cease the fundamental human rights of the non-protesting citizens. Right to protest should not be taken as a license for violation of law of the land. Breach of law by massive assembly of any particular group or party subsequently may turn in to serious challenges to the writ of state. Unfortunately, history of protests, in current decade is full of bitter and unpleasant episodes. It is full of rhetoric, fiery speeches, accusations, unwise use of force and violent reactions.
Bleak History of Violent Protests: Misuse of Constitutional Right
It is very disturbing that many of the popular political and religious parties lack the requisite sense to protest in smooth manner. TLP , PTI , PAT and BYC are those names which can be easily recalled for damaging the law and order situation in the garb of protests. Prolonged TLP sit-inn at Faizabad interchange and long marches to Islamabad were no good experiences for the residents of twin cities. Despite victory claims at the end of each episode; balance sheet always shown loss to both protestors and the government.
Though, TLP has indulged number of times in unsmooth protests, however, the worst manifestation came from the PTI camp . Nature of 9th May arson is too serious to forget. Coordinated attacks were launched at more than 200 military garrisons and installations across the country. These massive violations were committed in the garb of peaceful protest guaranteed in the constitution. Attack on PTV and forced closure of federal capital are just few of the many bitter glimpses of 2014 protest adventure of PTI PAT duo. In the past protest marches remained restricted to the opposition parties. PTI has changed the trend and while ruling the KP province its CM charged at Islamabad leading a protest march in November previous year.
It all turned violent once armed protestors clashed with LEAs. Follies are not always committed by the protesting parties. Unnecessary arrogance coupled with brutal use of force by the state officials might lead to serious complications. Condemnable high handedness of Punjab police against the workers of PAT at Model Town Lahore in 2014 is one such example where the lack of dialogue led to the loss of precious human lives.
TLP Protest and The Government: What is
Wrong and Why?
TLP and the government are both under public criticism. Hardships being faced by the masses due to prolonged road closures have triggered anger. TLP is being questioned for selecting a timing beyond common understanding. Why a protest march is being arranged for Gaza when ray of much needed peace has emerged on the sky? Even the Hammas representatives have joined the negotiation table. It seems very strange that TLP remained restricted to stereo type statements during the peak of genocidal atrocities but all of a sudden decided to launch protest when even the victims in Gaza are taking a sigh of relief. TLP leadership should answer the nation as well as her followers that why every protest call ends up at a clash with LEAs? What is the justification for violent attacks on Police officials by the armed protestors?
Being in power, the government cannot take refuge in accusing of the protestors only. Why the state officials always fail in opening a dialogue window with the habitual protestors like TLP? Arrogant provocative statements of few ministers and spokespersons adds further to the bitterness and tensions. Reports of violent clashes between protestors and police officials are very disturbing and reflect gaps in intelligence gathering capacity of civil LEAs.
Looming Threats: Unity be Preferred over Divisions
It is about time to shun the polarization and forge unity at national level. Enemies are breathing at our necks. Flop military misadventure of Modi led BJP regime is enough to understand the real designs of India. Terrorists of all brands are launching attacks in KP and Baluchistan provinces to dismantle the writ of state. Deadly combo of ethnic venom and twisted religious interpretations are instrumental in spreading the polarization. Presence of a hostile extremist pro India regime in Afghanistan has added more complications in the security matrix. Surging terrorist attacks on armed forces and LEAs followed by coordinated border attacks from Afghanistan is nothing but a well thought-out scheme to shake the stability of Pakistan.
Officials of Interim Taliban regime are hosting the banned terrorist groups like TTP / BLA and comfortably spitting venom against Pakistan while sitting with Indian counterpart. There is no riddle involved in unfolding the issue of terrorism. Unwise cannonade from KP ruling party camp on the issue of counter-terrorism and ill-timed protest call of TLP have done more damages than repairs.
How Agitation or Violent Protests May Harm
the Society
The use of violence in protests has far-reaching consequences, affecting the economy, society, and politics. Beyond causing property damage and endangering public safety, it tends to discourage support for the movement and worsen instability. A key distinction is that while state violence can sometimes rally support for a cause by exposing injustice, protester-initiated violence typically backfires, harming the movement. The direct safety risks are significant, with clashes putting everyone- protesters, law enforcement, and bystanders-in danger of serious harm or death. Furthermore, violence makes these events unpredictable, raising the risk for all involved and potentially damaging the public’s trust in police, particularly when use of force by LEAs is collectively seen as a bad act.