KARACHI:
Politicians’ increasing use of populist rhetoric is promoting a culture of hatred and intolerance among the masses. Political leaders are exploiting the inflation-hit masses to gain political mileage. Resultantly, people have been divided along political preferences and grown unreceptive to ideological differences.
The PTI government’s populist measure to announce fuel subsidies ahead of the no-confidence motion last year, and the PDM government’s recent decision to provide wheat and fuel subsidies ahead of seeking the loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to appease the public have only backfired and harmed the economy. PTI chairman Imran Khan’s use of religious rhetoric i.e., calling his campaign a Jihad against the government can have dangerous consequences. Inciting violence and abuse against state institutions is further destabilising the country and may threaten the country’s security.
All political leaders should uphold the Constitution and the rule of law and avoid perpetuating populist narratives. Political parties must acknowledge the dwindling economic situation and reconsider their agendas and strategies. They must adopt policies that can benefit the country and restore political stability instead of inciting violence against one another. Political parties must realise that the country needs stability and coherence to get out of the socio-economic crises.
Rameesha Mehmood
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2023.
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