KARACHI:
Unlike fascism and dictatorship, the very edifice of democracy is based on tolerance for political dissent, respect for others and exercising political rights within norms and laws. This becomes more relevant for a country like Pakistan, which came into existence after a constitutional political struggled led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and other pioneers of All India Muslim League. If brute Hindu majority had been allowed to prevail, this constitutional and peaceful struggle for independence would have been difficult. There was no armed struggle involved in Pakistan freedom movement. This was a unique achievement of the Quaid.
Unfortunately, living under dictatorial oppression for years seems to have penetrated a few political parties. In recent years, resorting to uncivilised and undemocratic measures to counter rival political parties has been on the rise. Such tendencies seem to have assumed a very dangerous level. The onus lies on the leadership of political parties to keep their followers and supporters in check. More than 10 poor Pakistanis, involved in harassment and abuse of rival politicians within the compound of Masjid-e-Nabavi are rotting in jails, while those who provoked them, managed to flee the country. The manner in which a female federal minister was heckled, abused and subjected to torment in London should be condemned by all democratic elements in the country and those believing in rule of law and Islamic teachings of tolerance and dignity. Right to protest is guaranteed but not absolute; it does not allow encroaching on the freedom of others.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2022.
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