The toxic politics of polarisation has unfortunately reached alarming heights in the country never seen before in last seven decades or so.
The wave of political intolerance has seeped into all segments of the society, often taking a violent form and has raised fear that situation will further deteriorate if political leaders did not stop and avoid peddling negative narratives to their supporters.
It is worrisome that various important state institutions and especially military’s high command is also being blatantly targeted in the political discourse not only by political leaders but their workers and supporters as well.
While our enemy can never withstand gallantry and professionalism of our armed forces, it has always tried to weaken our forces through malicious propaganda campaign.
The hostile agencies have always tried to create a wedge between our armed forces and people and current situation in the country clearly suggests that they are succeeding in their mission. Our political leaders inadvertently appear to be fulfilling their agenda.
The ISPR spokesperson has repeatedly urged political forces not to drag Pakistan Army into politics yet unfortunately political leaders are still directly or indirectly targeting the institution for their petty political interests.
The forces draw their strength from the people and any effort to drive a wedge between them will prove to be detrimental for peace and security of the country.
Our armed forces have always proved themselves second to none when it came to defending geographical borders of the country as well as dealing with internal menace of terrorism.
It is because of their sacrifices that peace and stability has largely been restored to the country.
It was these forces that cleared areas such as Karachi and tribal districts from hardcore criminal elements and terrorists. In fact successes registered by our forces against terrorists have no example in the world.
Not only this, our armed forces have also remained at the forefront in provision of relief and rescue efforts in times of natural calamities like earthquakes or flash floods.
Any effort to weaken this well disciplined institution in the country amounts to weakening defence of the country. Hence this rhetoric against the institution must come to an end immediately.
Political leaders must demonstrate maturity in their conduct and instead of pointing fingers at the institution and issuing controversial statements against their leaders, should put their own house in order.
They should not shift burden of their own failures on others. DG, ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar rightly pointed out that security challenges being faced by the country are so huge that armed forces should be kept away from politics.
As terrorism is again rearing its ugly head, our focus must be on crushing it with an iron fist.
Stern action must be taken without any discrimination against those involved in propaganda campaign against the army on social media.
The economic situation prevailing in the country is such that it cannot afford any internal discord or confrontation.
It is time to bring down political temperature and reverse deepening polarisation. Greater responsibility in this regard rests with political leadership.
The coalition government must offer unconditional dialogue to PTI on important matters including electoral reforms and general elections, while PTI leadership must demonstrate political vision and flexibility in its conduct to settle all issues in best national interest.
The print and electronic media and especially social media should also act in a responsible manner, providing fair and credible information and analysis to take matters towards improvement.
