Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) senior leader, Asad Qaiser, has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Pakistan, claiming that offers are being made to buy the loyalties of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).
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In a video message, Qaiser expressed his alarm at what he described as a “game of fire and blood,” accusing the current rulers of resorting to desperate measures to maintain power. According to Qaiser, the government is pressuring legislators to change their allegiance, a tactic he condemned as shameless and indicative of the lengths they would go to cling to power.
The PTI leader announced a nationwide protest under the banner of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan, set for July 26. The protests aim to address three main issues: the deteriorating law and order situation, the illegal detention and disappearance of political figures and social workers, and the crippling inflation that has burdened the common people. Qaiser called on all political parties, including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and various sectors of society to join the protest.
Addressing Law and Order and Unlawful Detentions
The protests come at a time of heightened tension following a Supreme Court verdict on July 12 that reinstated PTI’s eligibility for reserved seats for women and minorities in parliament. This decision has caused friction within the coalition alliance, changing the dynamics of the national assembly. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan accused the government of coercing PTI MPs to defect, following the party’s exclusion from the February 8 polls due to an electoral body ruling in December 2023.
Qaiser highlighted the government’s failure to address the deteriorating law and order situation, citing it as a key reason for the protests. He also condemned the unlawful detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi, and other political prisoners. Qaiser emphasized that the protests also aim to address the illegal abduction and disappearance of social workers, particularly those involved in social media activism.
Economic Hardships and Calls for Unity
Inflation and economic instability have significantly impacted ordinary citizens in Pakistan. Qaiser pointed out the increasing costs of electricity, gasoline, and taxes, which have brought immense hardship to the population. He described the situation as a doomsday scenario for the poor, attributing the economic crisis to the government’s budgetary policies.
The protests are intended to be a historic moment of unity, with Qaiser calling on farmers, students, traders, and workers to join in the effort to save the country. The decision to hold the protests was made during an emergency meeting chaired by Mehmood Khan Achakzai, a senior politician from Balochistan and the leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. Achakzai’s involvement underscores the broad support for the movement across various political and social groups.
The Role of the Judiciary
The recent Supreme Court ruling, which limited the reserved seats for specific groups, including descendants of the 1971 freedom fighters, from 56% to 7%, has been a significant point of contention. Critics argue that the quota system is used to fill public jobs with loyalists to the ruling Awami League, a practice they believe undermines meritocracy and fairness in government employment.
Despite the challenging circumstances, PTI leaders remain hopeful that the nationwide protests will lead to meaningful change. Qaiser’s passionate call to action reflects a broader desire for transparency, justice, and economic stability in Pakistan. By bringing together diverse segments of society, the protests aim to create a unified front against what many see as an undemocratic and oppressive regime.
As the date of the protests approaches, the government’s response will be closely watched. The involvement of prominent figures like Mehmood Khan Achakzai and the support of various political and social groups suggest that the movement has the potential to drive significant political and social change in Pakistan. The international community, including figures like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has also called for investigations into the violence and for world leaders to intervene to end the crisis.
A Call for Collective Action
The upcoming protests in Pakistan represent a critical juncture for the country’s democracy and governance. The allegations of political coercion, combined with economic hardships and unlawful detentions, have galvanized a broad coalition of citizens and political groups. Asad Qaiser’s leadership in mobilizing these protests reflects a deep-seated commitment to addressing these issues and pushing for a more just and equitable society.
The nationwide protests scheduled for July 26 are not just a response to immediate grievances but a broader call for systemic change. The participation of various political parties, social groups, and ordinary citizens underscores the widespread desire for a government that respects the rule of law, protects human rights, and ensures economic stability. The success of these protests could mark a turning point in Pakistan’s political landscape, setting the stage for a more inclusive and democratic future.