Days after the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) predicted that the coming general elections would be the “dirtiest, most micromanaged and most intensively participated polls in the country’s history”, Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Muhammad Javed Abbasialleged that PML-N workers from Okara are being pressurised to vote for the jeep symbol. This is the latest in several developments that have indicated that efforts may be underway to create a “favourable” atmosphere for select parties on July 25. Last week when PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharifand his daughter returned to Pakistan from London the state behaviour was extraordinary. The lockdown in Lahore — which involved a complete blockade of cellular networks and main traffic arteries — along with the arrest of 300 PML-N workers was completely baffling and unnecessary. Especially when compared to the leniency showed to other groups in the past, such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf during its numerous anti-PML-N dharnas and the Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and its Faizabad protests. That terrorism cases were registered against several PML-N bigwigs was especially ironic, considering the names of certain individuals like banned ASWJ Chief Mohammad Ahmed Ludhianvi were removed from the Fourth Schedule so they could contest elections.Whether to mainstream these groups or weaken the PML-N, this strategy is fraught with dangers for Pakistan’s future. All of this combined with the restrictions placed on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) due to the security threats they face have created a playing field which can hardly be called free and fair. The PPP and ANP campaigns suffered due to threats from terrorist attacks in the 2013 general elections as well.Considering this is not a new phenomenon, both the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and security forces should have come up with a plan that allow them to contest the elections without having to fear for their lives. July 25 is not too far.And Pakistani democracy is under threat. The ECP and caretaker government must act to ensure that the polling day is not marred by violence, manipulation or intimidation of voters. * Published in Daily Times, July 21st 2018.