Preventable chaos

The scuttled protest march by TLP taken out in the name of Palestine was both untimely and unnecessary. A ceasefire had already taken effect in Gaza, the guns had fallen silent and all key actors - including those in the Muslim world - had welcomed the halt to bloodshed. At a time when the world was cautiously optimistic about peace, the decision to hit the streets in protest in Pakistan defied both reason and relevance. The agitation achieved nothing beyond paralysing cities and creating panic among citizens who had no stake in this misplaced display of outrage.

When the situation turned violent, the state was compelled to assert its writ. Security forces moved in against the protesters as restraint could no longer be an option. The state had to act decisively to restore order and ensure that the law was not held hostage to mob pressure. Yet, even as the state's response was justified, its timing was flawed. The government had ample opportunity to prevent escalation. TLP's leadership had at one stage shown willingness to talk - a chance that should have been seized before tempers flared and lives were lost. Instead, the authorities responded reactively, not preventively, allowing the situation to reach a point where confrontation became inevitable. This failure of anticipation and coordination turned a controllable protest into a national disturbance.

Sudden panic that gripped Punjab and Sindh including unfortunate casualties and internet suspensions reflected the cost of delayed political judgment. Pakistan's streets should not have been scenes of turmoil at a time when calm had already prevailed abroad. This episode is a reminder that force, however legitimate, is no substitute for foresight. The TLP's agitation may have lacked sense, but the state's responsibility was to neutralise it through dialogue, not confrontation.