KARACHI:
Offensive and derogatory language is regularly used amongst politicians and political circles in Pakistan. Although politics is about expressing and promoting different ideologies, the way to propagate one’s ideology shouldn’t entail using offensive ways to defame the opponent. Politicians should refrain from passing derogatory remarks on their opponents’ families and religion. Such practices demonstrate a lack of political tolerance, which is catastrophic for a democratic society.
Both the government and the opposition have a massive following. Instead of perpetuating intolerance, the government and opposition need to be more mindful of how they approach matters of public interest. Their behaviour reflects the way society acts. If these practices are not eliminated, not only will future politicians follow the same behaviours but the entire society will become more unscrupulous and intolerant. It is thus important that political figures understand the concept of morality into politics. Instead of issuing vague and offensive statements, they should challenge their adversaries through logical and factual arguments. This will produce a practical political environment and help create a civilised nation.
Misbah Zainab
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2021.
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