Reconciliation over repression

The incarceration of PTI leader Imran Khan “for the foreseeable future”, despite successful legal appeals, raises concerns about Pakistan’s political environment, as also noted in a recent report of Business Monitor International (BMI), an arm of the Fitch credit ratings agency. The PML-N’s move to ban the PTI, with approval from the PPP, is particularly troubling given both parties’ histories of facing political repression. Both parties must remember their own experiences under oppressive regimes that sought to eliminate their political presence and even political leaders. Both endured crackdowns, which should make them wary of using similar tactics against the PTI. This path of political repression inflicts long-term harm on a nation’s democratic fabric.

Imran Khan’s recent acquittals in various cases highlight the troubling trend of political victimisation rather than justice. The continuous pursuit of new charges against him signals a shift away from democratic principles. Rather than deepening the political divide, the PML-N and PPP should seek a grand political reconciliation. Pakistan faces pressing issues of security and economic instability, with an unemployment rate now at 10.3% and soaring inflation. The government’s priority should be fostering political stability to implement necessary economic reforms.

The Fitch report highlights that Pakistan’s real GDP growth is expected to average 3.5% over the next decade, but political instability could derail these projections. Ensuring a stable political environment is crucial for sustaining economic growth and managing the national debt burden. Banning a popular party like PTI could incite unrest and make governance even more challenging. Imran Khan remains the country’s most popular politician, and suppressing his political presence is likely to fuel further protests and instability.

The government should lead by embracing democratic principles and recognising the importance of a multiparty landscape. Prioritising national interests over partisan gains through dialogue and reconciliation can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous Pakistan.