Daily Times

In the days since the US placed Pakistan on a list of countries that violate the tenets of religious freedom — some worrying developments have taken place here in this country.

Namely, the sentencing to death of two Christians for blasphemy. This latest case involves two brothers from Lahore and dates back to allegations first levelled in 2011. Among the charges (which both deny): carrying articles and images insulting the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) on the pair’s website. And while the conviction must be confirmed by the high court, the country is still reeling from the fallout of the Asia Bibi acquittal; which brought with it incitement to religious hatred and murder. Admittedly, the PTI government did book those who violently took to the streets to protest against the Supreme Court (SC) verdict. Yet this is no guarantee that other cadres are not waiting un-silently in the wings.

In fact, even the hint of such assurances should be taken off the table. For Pakistan has seemingly to still learn the lesson that those with blood on their hands can never be divided into good-versus-bad categories. Which is why Hafiz Saeed enjoys the freedom to mainstream his rank-and-file at the ballot-box. And why he is currently at liberty to call for Asia Bibi’s head on a stick. This is to say nothing of how Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Afridi was caught on camera seemingly vowing to ensure that Saeed’s political party — the Milli Muslim League (MML) — would not be barred from registration by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). At least not on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s patch.

The bottom line is that time is running out. The country must decide its future. For it cannot continue along the present path of compartmentalisation. Where on the hand, it embraces IMF-friendly fiscal policies as it continues to crack down on free speech and the independence of the media. After all, economic liberalisation thrives on the false premise that once this is in place democracy is soon to follow. Yet the truth is that Pakistan is a country where minority groups are neither protected and nor is the state interested in negotiating a newly revised social contract that is at once upheld and respected. Instead, it prefers to prioritise the rights of those who both practice and preach violent hatred and bigotry.

As a socio-political model, it is untenable. But, worst of all, it is unjust. For no revolution can be won selectively.  *

Published in Daily Times, December 19^th2018.