Politics of Violence: Fraying the National Fabric

Fakhar-e-Alam

Peshawar: Since its inception, Pakistan has navigated tumultuous political landscapes oscillating between democratic struggles, authoritarian regimes, and external conspiracies striving to uphold its unity and resilience.

These turbulent transitions, marked by eras of political discord and dictatorial rule, have left a lasting imprint on the nation’s history, significantly impeding its socioeconomic development.

While Pakistan has witnessed episodes of political differences and protests throughout its history, recent years have seen a disturbing shift toward an increasingly toxic and intolerant political culture.

The rise of vulgar rhetoric, below-the-belt criticisms, and divisive language in political discourse is not only eroding the nation’s ethical values but also steering its youth toward polarizing ideologies.

Political observers and analysts point to the political strategies employed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a major contributor to this decline. The party’s reliance on incendiary slogans, sit-ins, and mass protests has, according to critics, incited a culture of confrontation and intolerance.

“Politics of violence manifested in long marches, street protests, and hooliganism poses a significant threat to democratic governance,” remarked Professor A.H. Hilali, a retired academic from the University of Peshawar.

“Democracy thrives on the strength of people’s votes. In true democracies, political rivals outclass one another through performance, not through disruptive protests and agitation.”

Prof. Hilali highlighted that successful nations owe their progress to political stability and policy continuity, while Pakistan’s history is marred by cycles of instability.

“The frequent overthrow of elected governments and agitation politics have repeatedly derailed the democratic process, preventing Pakistan from realizing its vast economic potential.”

The professor also cited historical instances of political unrest, from the Pakistan National Alliance’s movement in the 1970s to the tumultuous 1990s, when corruption allegations led to the dismissal of successive PPP and PML-N governments.

These cycles of uncertainty undermined the democratic evolution of the nation, with political forces often prioritizing personal vendettas over national interests.

A pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political turmoil came in 2014 when PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) staged a prolonged sit-in against the PML-N government, alleging electoral fraud.

Although an independent commission led by former Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk dismissed these claims, the agitation set a new precedent for confrontational politics.

Rising Political Polarization

The fallout from this trend of agitation politics continues to reverberate. PTI’s critics, including PML-N KP Information Secretary Ikhtiar Wali Khan, argue that the party’s tactics culminating in incidents such as the assault on military installations on May 9 and the storming of Islamabad on November 24 have profoundly damaged Pakistan’s democratic fabric.

“The PTI leadership manipulated workers’ emotions for ulterior motives, targeting state institutions and undermining the democratic process,” he remarked.

Former environment minister Wajid Ali Khan echoed these sentiments, criticizing PTI’s leadership for what he termed “false claims and baseless demands.”

He pointed to the party’s controversial governance in KP, including allegations of corruption in projects like the Billion Tree Tsunami and BRT. “The hypocrisy is staggering PTI protests against corruption while its own initiatives are mired in scandals,” he said.

Experts believe such polarizing tactics have eroded public trust in democratic institutions and deterred foreign investors. “These irrational agitation strategies have deepened political divides, pushing the country toward dangerous polarization,” noted Wajid Ali.

A Call for Ethical Politics

As Pakistan grapples with economic challenges and a fractured political landscape, many citizens still hold hope for a stable and prosperous future. However, achieving this vision requires political forces to abandon inflammatory rhetoric and embrace a more constructive, performance-driven approach.

“Our political leaders must prioritize ethical values, respect for opponents, and the sanctity of democratic institutions,” emphasized Prof. Hilali. “Only then can we rebuild public trust and realize Pakistan’s potential as a resilient and prosperous democracy.”

The future of Pakistan depends on the ability of its political forces to rise above petty rivalries, restore public confidence in democratic processes, and focus on the collective welfare of the nation. If they fail to do so, the nation risks further alienation and a deeper erosion of its social and political fabric.

The feature story was released by APP.

All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter.