The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally in Quetta seemed to have crossed several red lines. It is being accused of peddling the Indian narrative and has raised doubts whether the opposition alliance is working in the interest of the nation.
The most shocking statement came from OwaisNoorani, the leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan who said that Balochistan should be an independent state. He went on to say that smaller provinces are being deprived and do not have an equal state. This rhetoric is unusual for any political party and Noorani does not have considerable sway in Balochistan to make such assertions. The PDM agreed in tandem and have not condemned Noorani which states that there support the statement.
There has been backlash over such controversial statements. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal questioned whether it was a PDM of BJP rally. He may be right as the PDM seems to take an anti-state agenda which only our arch-rival has done before. Many parties have criticized state institutions but it is for the first time that someone, except for Baloch separatists, have made such assertions. What drove Noorani to make such claims remains unknown?
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also raised several taboo topics, particularly those regarding enforcement disappearances. The presence of the families of missing people and calling out the state for playing a role in their disappearance was unusual. There is no doubt the issue has lingered for years but no one has blamed state institutions directly.It has raised concerns that the PDM may fizzle out on its own weight.
Maryam Nawaz also revived several other issues such as the assassination of Baloch feudal Akbar Bugti and the sexual assault case of Dr Shazia. These issues were long-buried aside but Maryam has once again kicked the hornet’s nest by raising them publically. The taboo surrounding these topics has been shattered and now state institutions are being slammed more easily in public.
The question remains whether PDM may lose its meaning in this narrative. The PDM has large support but there seems to be a greater game at play. This could be part of a much larger conspiracy to bring down Imran Khan’s government or a ploy for the opposition to make a statement. The only concern is whether may have crossed the limits to a point of no return.
