The major brunt of this violence has been borne by ANP, which has lost over 700 workers and leaders in the past few years. PHOTO: FILE
It is a matter of concern that Pakistan’s elections are being steered and monitored by the deadly banned, non-state actor Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). We had assumed that the Election Commission of Pakistan and neutral caretaker administrations would be managing the elections oversight but such is the state of Pakistan that the TTP are calling the shots as to who can freely participate in these elections. The recent statement issued by the TTP’s spokesperson makes it clear that political parties with a liberal and secular ideology are under threat. In particular, their support to the military operations against terror outfits is being cited as the key reason for such attacks.
The election campaign has sadly left a divided and blood-stained Pakistan. In Punjab, major parties are running their campaigns freely while in the three smaller provinces, there have been dozens of attacks leading to over 40 deaths in the past fortnight. The major brunt of this violence has been borne by the Awami National Party (ANP), which has lost over 700 workers and high profile leaders in the past few years. In Karachi, the MQM is facing the wrath for its moderate politics and its workers and election offices have been attacked repeatedly. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also been attacked with its top leadership facing dire security threats.
The TTP has also made it clear that it opposes the secular democratic system and its affiliate, al Qaeda, has already declared the Pakistani Constitution un-Islamic. Echoing the decades-old mantra of the right-wing, the TTP spokesperson also said that “a man cannot be secular and Muslim at the same time”. In a country where the majority has been influenced by Islamist rhetoric, political forces would need to join hands and struggle against this grave threat to democracy.
The situation becomes even more alarming when the major leaders from parties that have been spared the attacks are hesitating to condemn the TTP-led violence. In fact, their election campaign has not even referred to the issue of extremism. This does not augur well for the evolution of the democratic system in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2013.
COMMENTS (9)
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@Enlightened: Bro,you have given the true analysis of the situation.i agree with you,once pml(n) or pti would take charge they will be demanded to enforce to the taliban approved shariah in pakistan and if they fail in compliance,the consequence will be dire
These terrorist control large sections of Pakistan - dictating everyday life including basics such as what vaccinations are appropriate - so why are you surprised that they might have a say in elections? The election complaints ignore the real issue - time to eliminate the terrorist - time to give all Pakistani's the freedom and responsibilities they rightly deserve.
In Pakistan, there has always been a struggle between progressive and conservative forces. If we look critically, we may find that all institutions of the state and procedures are heavily skewed in favour of conservative parties. These institutions and procedures create hurdles to thwart easy and smooth entry of any liberal or progressive party into system. Present violence against all centre-left parties is a naked use of violence that is embedded into Pakistani society and system. That is why we do not see any protest or strong and credible condemnation of violence against all political parties taking the brunt. People who are unleashing violence against these progressive parties are not doing it because of mis-governance or corruption, they are killing them because they know that they are only forces against their agenda of terror. Do not forget that JUI-F, PML-F and PML-Q were also part of last government and because of their conservative agenda they have been spared. Lets face it, if TTP were given a choice to select which political party they would like to see in power, their obvious choice would be either PTI or PML-N.
What s the difference between the regime change policy of the USA and the avoidance of having an unfriendly regime by the Talibans. The democratic elections must be conducted on peace manifesto and not on war. Pople want jobs, employment, education for their children and have less interest to fight for the intersts of foreign powers. The Talibans are not going to give peace to those who do not seek peace with them. This is a very straight message. Imran and sharif undestand it and others should not play machiavillean tricks.
Rex Minor
Is this farce of an election a new face of Democracy being shown to the World ? What is the role of the Caretaker Government in this scary security situation where TTP decides who can and who cannot campaign ? Who is in charge of the security situation -- Police or Military ? Are they both sleeping on the job or does their affection and loyalty lie with those usurping Power ? That no heads from the Security Establishment have rolled shows a failure of society to deal with the monsters that have been created. Are the gains from Non State actors in Kashmir and Afghanistan enough to offset the loss of 50,000 innocent lives in Pakistan ? You cannot escape from any situation by refusing to address it.
Paying lip service to a lost cause will not heal any wounds. What is needed is a carefully crafted strategy to defang and neutralize these criminals of all hues who are being provided shelter under the Umbrella of Religion. The combination of Religion with Politics is lethal and ensures that Politics will be feeble and Religion will get destroyed.
The editorial goes "TTP are calling the shots as to who can freely participate in these elections. The recent statement issued by the TTP’s spokesperson makes it clear that political parties with a liberal and secular ideology are under threat." So where is the problem? The TTP and RO with the help of Zia's article 62 and 63 are making sure that the results are to their liking. It is a screening, selection and walkover process rather than free, fair and peaceful elections. After obtaining the desired results the two leaders of Punjab would form majority over the smaller provinces and everybody would be happy including TTP on their victory.
Are security forces in Pakistan on a holiday or deliberately allowing all mayhem to happen during most important times of elections ? All these blasts are happening at regular intervals and at places which have already been declared as potential targets by TTP but not a single arrest made nor any protection provided to the affected parties or its candidates. Well, those who are presently in the comfort zone would be targeted after the elections by TTP to enforce their ideology on people of Pakistan. This is just a trailer but the real picture would emerge after the elections are over with more blood-shed in offing. God can only save Pakistan.