Radical calls

Recourse to extremist tendencies is quite unfortunate. The current discourse by PTI supporters to self-immolate or opt for suicide attacks, if any harm comes to ex-PM Imran Khan, is highly regretted. That was not expected, at least, from egalitarian political party fans and especially as Khan himself had been a torch-bearer against radicalism and militancy. This indicates a sense of disgust prevalent in the party, and the lack of confidence in the affairs of the state since they have taken on the role of the opposition in national politics. While fears to Khan’s life are there, it does not mean that a narrative of jingoism and taking law into hands may be furthered. This aspect should be discouraged, and the party itself should do some cleansing act by distancing such hardliners from their midst, and promote a modus operandi that is lawful and peaceful in essence.

What really hurts is that senior party leaders, and those who had held high offices, are playing to the gallery. Likewise, social media is abuzz with stuff that goes on to threaten with suicide attacks, if any harm comes to their leader. This necessitates an immediate response, and the first tier of condemnation should be the PTI leadership itself. Likewise, other political parties should rise to the occasion and see to it as to what has gone wrong and where, and why this diatribe is gathering momentum.

Khan himself had hinted at an alleged conspiracy to eliminate him, and the fear found ripples by security agencies too. It goes without saying that providing security is the responsibility of the state, and high-profile people must be under the scanner so that nefarious elements could be kept at bay. Khan is in need of a proper security shield, and the moment the government addresses this concern in a holistic manner, such misconceptions on his person’s well-being can be conveniently put to rest. This is an opportunity for the political breed to train their supporters, and make sure that taking law in hand will have its punitive consequences. Pakistan has had enough of nuisance in the form of extremism.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2022.

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