Since the ouster of Imran Khan from premiership, through vote of no confidence, Pakistan is going through tough time, which not only distressed the political scenario but weakened the economy. The situation became tenser with the arrest of Chief of Staff of PTI ‘Shahbaz Gill’ together with issuance of notice of contempt of court to IK. Attempts were made to arrest PTI Chairman, but the strong reaction hindered the way to arrest him. The PTI think-tanks are also considering the same practice in rebuttal, which would triggers more catastrophes. We as a nation and particularly our political leaders lost senses, unable to differentiate between good and bad. If the situation remained the same the political leaders and general public will face severe consequences.

On one hand the popular vote is in favour of IK, as PTI won by-Election in Karachi, on the other hand government is trying to arrest him in Contempt of court case, foreign funding case, and for threading the institutions. If this is the case IK is first in Pakistani Politics to threat institutions? The answer is obvious and known to everyone.  The narrative adopted by Imran Khan acquires popularity that too increased qualms of the government. The reason, that’s why IK chose to contest from 09 constituencies himself. The Government is nerve-racking about their credibility, thus creating hurdles, which resulted in the rejection of his candidature in some constituencies, but the Election Laws are very much clear about contesting election from more than one constituency. What make them to create bottleneck in the way of his election? Perhaps worries. The more astonishing fact is that no prominent figure is welling to contest election against IK. Most probably they have already surrendered that too increase in the graph of popularity of IK.

It was a common slogan amongst the political leaders that IK is naive in politics, calling him mere a cricket celebrity; nonetheless, the time proved it contrast to their claim. I personally believe, if IK were to complete his tenure, he would definitely fail in the upcoming general election, but the unwise action/decision of PDM, turned the scenario and once again his narrative got strength. But in this whole episode the PMD in general will face heavy cost and particularly Noon League. Noon league is going to lose its credibility even in its home (Punjab), obviously it will benefit PTI and PPP in the upcoming general election.    

The Government is threatening the political leaders (apportion), in turn strong rebuttal appeared from PTI and now considering to entangle political leaders and its workers in court cases in the respective provinces where they are in Govt, however, i personally believe that it would make the political situation more tense. The PTI must not bring the fire to their home which may results the enforcement of Governor Raj in the Provinces. PTI need to look the matter wisely instead of insanely. Else the leaders of PTI and its worker may face more challenging situation, thus they must not show street power rather resolve the issues in courts. The PDM is well aware of the fact that they couldn’t be able to win their way in the general election thus adopted coercive measure to dissolve the PTI. Rumours also prevails that PTI second hand command also wants to hijack the party, waiting for disqualification of IK but if this is a case,  whether the general public would accept to lead the party other than IK?  The answer is obvious, which had earlier been proved that Reham Khan (ex-wife of IK) try to lead  some of the party matters, which were strongly condemn inside the party, as a result she was restrain to do so. So the General Public and party leaders will not accept any other leader to lead PTI.

The Political landscape heating day by day, which causing many problems and earning bad name both locally and internationally. The Rupee is depreciating, stock market has been crashed, and the country is unfortunately at the edge of default. We are internally weakening our state and thus prone to the external threats. We shouldn’t repeat the earlier mistake which cut the state into two parts. For Allah’s sake keeps the eyes open, before it is too late.

(Muhammad Irshad)

Research / Political Scientist

The writer is freelance blogger, researcher, he can be reached: irshadtab@gmail.com