The recently-held general elections in Pakistan saw an increase in the number of religious extremist groups contesting the elections. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, led by cleric Khadim Rizvi, managed to win two provincial assembly seats. Banned outfit Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) contested the polls from a new platform called Pakistan Rah-e-Haq Party despite its several candidates being on the Fourth Schedule. Everything that was said about the repercussions of ‘mainstreaming’ these terror groups fell on deaf ears. As if involvement of these groups in the elections was not enough, we now have political leaders cosying up to the winning candidates from the extremist organisations. Appeasement of such groups post-elections is hardly surprising, given that all three major parties were in electoral alliance with sectarian organisation ASWJ in different constituencies across the country. Also read: What about the minorities? On Monday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen — who is busy lobbying to get independent candidates to join PTI — held a meeting with ASWJ leader and MPA-elect Muavia Azam. Azam contested the election in independent capacity, but his affiliation with the banned ASWJ is known to all. Earlier, PTI leader Chahudhry Sarwar also held a meeting with the ASWJ leader, but a clarification was made by PTI chief whip Shireen Mazari that the party would not enter into any alliance with the extremist group. However, PTI leaders have not yet responded to the criticism over Tareen’s meeting with the ASWJ member. PTI is not the only party that is in talks with the terror group. Pakistan Muslim League — N (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah also met Muavia Azam to seek his support. But according to his official Facebook page, Azam refused Sanaullah’s request because he was already in contact with the PTI leadership. Needless to say, alliance and seat adjustments with groups involved in hate speech and terror activities do not send the right message. PTI should realise that the people of Pakistan have given it a heavy mandate and it comes with a lot of responsibility. By joining hands with extremist elements, it will end up undermining its own position. Candidates with terror links joining the PTI would certainly ask for favours in return, and it is clear that their agenda is one of hate, division and bigotry. The soon-to-be ruling party should not compromise on principles for a few seats. * Published in Daily Times, August 1st 2018.