PAKISTAN’S Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, a cornerstone of democracy that allows citizens to express dissent, hold their government accountable and seek justice. But when civilians take to the streets, the consequences are often far from peaceful. On the government side, the streets are barricaded and mobile internet services are shut down as a precautionary measure to prevent chaos and safeguard public order. But the escalation is inevitable. Protest is the pulse of democracy, where voices, no matter how marginalized, find an avenue for expression. But it must remain peaceful.
The moment a protest transforms from a peaceful assembly into an eruption of violence, it loses its moral compass. However, when protests veer into violence, they give the state the justification to label them as a threat to public order. And once the state perceives a protest as a threat, the heavy hand of the law comes down, often with little regard for the consequences. The state’s response, however, can be equally troubling. Protesters have a right to demand change, but their methods must align with the principles of peaceful assembly.
A protest that descends into chaos and destruction is no longer a protest; it becomes a fight for control, a contest of power. It is the government’s duty to protect the rights of its citizens, when citizen’s lives and their properties are in danger. Does it bring us closer to a more stable democracy, or does it simply push the country deeper into political turmoil? Protesters driven by passions have failed to recognize that violence undermines the legitimacy of their cause. It is a vital part of a thriving democracy. Protesters must ensure that their actions do not harm others, disrupt the peace or lead to violence. And the state must ensure that its response to dissent is measured, proportionate and rooted in respect for democratic principles. A true democracy does not thrive on confrontation, division and force.
In the face of political unrest, both protesters and the government have a shared responsibility to seek common ground and work towards a more inclusive society. Protesters must recognize that violence and chaos undermine their cause and diminish their legitimacy. The government, for its part, must engage in dialogue, avoid excessive force and work to address the grievances of its people. Keeping in view the present economic crisis and resurgence of terrorism in KP and Balochistan, the government and the opposition should engage in a politics of peace, understanding and responsibility.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
