Pakistan is undergoing a political crisis that has polarized the country and undermined its democratic institutions. The situation started when the former Prime Minister Imran Khan was removed from office in a vote of no confidence in April 2022. Khan refused to accept the outcome and accused the government of being illegitimate and backed by foreign powers. He began a nationwide campaign of protests and rallies, demanding new elections.
The government, led by Shahbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and backed by the military establishment, has responded by cracking down on Khan and his supporters. Khan and several of his party members have been arrested or charged with various offenses, including sedition, terrorism, corruption, contempt of court and forced to leave the party. The government has also used its control over the media and the judiciary to silence dissent and criticism. Many journalists and civil society activists have faced harassment, intimidation, and censorship.
The political victimization of Khan and his allies has raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the country. Many observers have questioned the legitimacy and impartiality of the vote of no confidence that removed Khan from power. They have also criticized the military’s actions, which are widely believed to have influenced the decision by withdrawing its support for Khan following a disagreement over the choice of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency’s leader. The military has claimed to be impartial and to have no involvement in politics.
According to Human Rights Watch, Pakistan’s government has harassed and prosecuted human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists for criticizing government officials and policies. Authorities have used draconian sedition and counter-terrorism laws to stifle dissent, and strictly regulated civil society groups and organizations critical of government actions or policies. Media outlets have come under pressure from authorities not to criticize government and state institutions. Journalists who face threats and attacks have increasingly resorted to self-censorship.
The apparent lack of response from the so-called international community to Pakistan’s political victimization is also quite striking.
The political victimization in Pakistan has put the country’s future in peril. It has eroded public trust in democracy and undermined the rule of law. Additionally, it has exacerbated social divisions and tensions within and across communities. It is imperative that political leaders find a peaceful and inclusive way to resolve their differences and restore stability and legitimacy to the government. Without it, the country runs the risk of devolving further into instability and violence.
