Protests: a shifting paradigm
In the realm of protests Pakistan's political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. This evolution mirrors broader societal shifts characterised by growing individualism, societal fragmentation, weakening administrative apparatus and assertive rise of market forces. As a result, three key changes are evident: a shift from systemic overthrow to engagement with the system; consolidation of class divisions amongst protesters; and a transformation of protest slogans from the language of collective demands to more personality-centred lingua franca.
Historically, protests in Pakistan were largely aimed at regime change, characterised by mass mobilisation and often punctuated by violence. When, on November 7, 1968, the police opened fire on a student rally against the Ayub Khan government, killing three students, the repression led to the eruption of a major nationwide demand for the government overthrow. The 1984 MRD movement against Gen Zia is another case in point. However, the contemporary protest landscape is significantly different. The emphasis has shifted from regime change to exacting concessions through sustained pressure and dialogue.
The other observed change is in the profile of protesters. Earlier, the working class and students, wedded through a shared ideology, used to be the vanguard of these protests. While the working class remains a potent force, the middle and upper classes are now increasingly visible. Women too are prominent figures in protest movements. Millennials and Generation Z are slowly taking over the spaces of protest. Aurat March, Minority Rights day and dharnas by political groups are witness to such a shift. This shift is indicative of a society torn between traditions and modernity with subscription of modern notions of rights-based approach by high-end schools and civil society groups. While there is still a resonance of broader socio-economic grievances, the focus has sharpened on specific issues like human rights, minority rights, animal rights and environmental protection. While class divisions have widened within protest movements, certain activist groups continue to bridge these gaps, fostering a sense of unity across socioeconomic strata. Just to re-emphasise, the convergence of different oppressed segments has become less evident as the protest space is now more fragmented, with different groups pursuing their own agendas.
The protesters' voice, once a tempestuous roar demanding radical change, has softened into a modulated plea for reform. The once-inspiring calls for radical change (chehray naheen nizam ko badlo) have been replaced by more nuanced demands. While there is still a sense of collective grievance, the individual has become more central to the protest narrative. For instance, 'maang raha hae har insaan roti, kapra aur makaaan' is replaced by 'aik zardari sab pe bhari'. The trend can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of technology, which has facilitated the formation of niche interest groups. Once spontaneous outpourings of public discontent, demos are now increasingly orchestrated through digital platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
These digital tools have transformed the way protests are conceptualised, organised and executed. However, a curious paradox has emerged. While the digital sphere facilitates unprecedented mobilisation, it also seems to have created a new breed of activist: the keyboard warrior. Many are quick to express outrage and solidarity online but are hesitant to translate their virtual activism into physical presence. This raises questions about the true depth of commitment among those who participate solely in the digital realm and the long-term impact of such virtual activism on social change.
In essence, Pakistan's protest landscape has undergone a seismic shift. From mass-mobilised, ideologically-driven upheavals, it has transformed into a montage of issue-based, digitally-mediated actions. This change poses challenges for building a cohesive movement capable of effecting systemic change. The future of protest in Pakistan hinges on the ability of civil society and the torchbearers of politics of dissent to harness the power of technology while preserving the core principles of collective action.