Time for some calm

The ongoing cycle of protests, violence, and blame-shifting between the government and the PTI continues its damage – political, economic, and social. Now Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has expressed frustration over the government’s lockdown-like measures in the capital, implemented in response to PTI protests, and directed the Ministry of Interior to submit a comprehensive report on the events. The hearing came after traders filed petitions highlighting the economic toll of prolonged roadblocks – a grim reminder that such crises affect not only protesters and law enforcement but also ordinary citizens whose livelihoods depend on stability. Tragically, the protests have resulted in fatalities on both sides, with security officials losing their lives and PTI claiming the deaths of at least 12 supporters, though the government has yet to officially acknowledge these casualties. PTI leaders have been irresponsibly inflating death tolls as well, with some claiming over 200 fatalities. This politicisation of human lives is reprehensible – on all sides. While the government must launch a transparent investigation into these claims and hold those responsible accountable, the PTI must resist the urge to exploit the deaths of its supporters for political mileage. Respect for the dead transcends politics; and the dead deserve dignity, not propaganda.

Adding to the chaos, PTI founder Imran Khan has adopted a contradictory stance: oscillating between moderate overtures and hawkish rhetoric. This duality not only confuses his supporters but also lays bare a deliberate tactic to pressure opponents with an aggressive front while maintaining an institutional façade by engaging parliamentarians. However, the PTI’s repeated recourse to street protests undermines the very parliament it claims to represent. It is imperative for the party to prioritise parliamentary avenues for addressing grievances rather than resorting to disruptive demonstrations that increasingly alienate the public. The PTI’s use of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s resources in protests exemplifies misplaced priorities. With a surge in terrorism and violent clashes in KP, particularly in Kurram, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should focus on addressing his province’s pressing challenges instead of spearheading the party’s protests. KP’s citizens deserve a government that prioritises their security and development over political theatrics in Islamabad. The PTI must also recognise that protests lose their relevance when they devolve into spectacles of violence. And this is why a recalibration towards constructive political engagement is urgently needed.

On the government’s side, the crackdown on PTI supporters and workers has only exacerbated tensions. Arbitrary arrests and heavy-handed responses have deepened the crisis rather than defused it. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s suggestion for a dedicated force to manage future protests underscores the need for preparedness, but a more sustainable solution lies in dialogue. A crackdown without addressing root causes is a recipe for perpetual unrest. Political forces like the PPP have shown a willingness to seek consensus, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari directing the Rabta Committee to engage other parties. Such efforts must be matched by the government and the PTI. Imran Khan’s insistence on negotiating only with the establishment has been clearly misguided. By sidelining other political players,his party has only ended up undermining democratic principles. We hope all sides also realise that violence, no matter its origin, begets only more violence. Both the government and PTI must demonstrate political maturity and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Pakistan can ill afford the cost of continued unrest. Lives, livelihoods, and the nation’s future are at stake, and history will not forgive those who prioritise personal ambitions over national interest.