The opposition parties have decided to launch a joint campaign to mobilise the masses
TURBAT: Azadi March is an anti-government march planned by the chief of JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman with the support of the coalition of other main opposition parties. The opposition parties have decided to launch a joint campaign to mobilise the masses. The Maulana had first set 27 October as the date for the long March, but later deferred it till October 31, saying they would instead organise rallies on October 27 to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. It is evident that the Maulana is using religion in politics. However, he does use the word religion while he directly and indirectly attacks the government. Even though protest is the democratic right of every citizen, using religion in today’s politics is relevant. Islam is the religion of peace while today’s politics is home to conflict and harassment of the ruling government. Therefore, Islam should not be tied to politics. Moreover, the prime minister had constituted a seven-member team under Defence Minister Pervez Khattak to engage the JUI-F and other parties ahead of their planned march but they refused to hold any discussions with the government, promising to launch the march under any circumstances, soon or later. Even though the Maulana may have the full right to protest, he has no right to use religion to gain power.
Nizar jan
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2019.
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