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Violent politics
This must stop. PTI is waging a low-level insurgency against the government. Party workers are excited to agitate in an attempt to provoke confrontation with the police, administration and armed forces. The aim appears to be to draw blood on both sides, creating images for television screens to garner more sympathy for the party.
At present, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf may be doing as much damage to the country’s economy as militant groups, given that its actions are directly responsible for the repeated shutdowns of major economic hubs such as Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as key arteries like the motorway and the GT road. The only aim for this futile exercise is to get release of Imran Khan nothing else.
The government cannot unilaterally withdraw cases currently being contested in the court. If the government succumbs to public pressure today and releases a charged individual, it sets a dangerous precedent, tomorrow, anyone could gather a crowd to demand the release of a murderer, embezzler or a traitor. This slippery slope is highly perilous and dangerous in constitutionality. The Party is merely making itself a larger nuisance, offering no tangible agenda for the welfare of the people it claimed. Its past rule of the country is proof of this assertion. Continuous protests planned in various cities, risks evolving into a rolling insurgency and it may now be time for the government to clamp down accordingly.
The disruption to Pakistani citizens’ lives is intolerable. The damage to state property and symbols is intolerable. The injuries and loss of life among servicemen, forced to confront their own countrymen, are intolerable. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf must cease this senseless violence, or it will soon find itself trapped in a cycle where only violence answers violence.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Militancy resurgence
Pakistan is witnessing some of the deadliest attacks in years, with militant activities severely undermining peace in the country. The government has struggled to effectively counter terrorism, leading to a resurgence of violence since 2021. Militant attacks in the KP and Balochistan have increased and the merger of the (former) FATA with KP has contributed to the rise of the TTP.
Failed peace talks between the government and the TTP, along with disappearances, have significantly fueled the increase in militancy by militants in Balochistan. The merger of FATA with KP, enacted under the 25th Amendment, prompted the TTP to intensify its activities in an effort to pressure the government to revoke the merger.
In response, Pakistan held a series of meetings with the TTP to prevent further attacks. A ceasefire was established after extensive discussions, but it lasted only a month, as the TTP unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, citing the government’s weak response.
Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have contributed to the increase in militant attacks. The region faces numerous issues related to missing persons, and the government has denied the fundamental rights of the Baloch people, fostering resentment among the youth.
Many in Balochistan have turned to separatist groups in response to the government’s failures. Recent massive attacks in the province can be attributed to the government’s missteps. The population has taken up arms instead of pens. The current decision by the government to conduct military operations in Balochistan could further escalate militant activities in the region.
ABDUL RAZAQUE
Via email
Counter tax evasion
The government’s efforts to minimize tax evasion and curb illicit trade are commendable, with the potential to generate billions of rupees for the economy. However, these measures require consistent checks and balances as the country is amidst a severe financial crisis.
Recently, Pakistan secured approval for a $7 billion loan program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after months of delays and demands for imposing additional taxes and tariffs. This loan presents an opportunity for the government to reform economic policies and implement strong measures against tax evasion and illicit trade, which could significantly boost the economy. However, this will only be possible with unwavering political will and effective systems of accountability.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently stated that the country’s economy could potentially be worth more than $700 billion—double the current estimate of $325 billion. The undocumented sector is causing over Rs 7 trillion in annual tax evasion. Similarly, he estimated that smuggling costs the government Rs 750 billion annually.
These figures highlight the critical financial challenges Pakistan is currently facing. Without addressing these significant losses, the country will struggle to achieve financial stability.
USAMA RASOOL
Karachi
