Protesting seems to be in vogue these days in Pakistan. Almost anyone and everyone is leading or participating in protests across the country for different reasons — from blasphemous content on television shows to electricity outages and allegations of massive rigging in general elections. Some of Pakistan’s largest protests in recent days have been led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and self-styled reformist Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).
Both groups have launched campaigns against the “stolen public mandate” in last year’s general elections and are calling for a massive shakeup of the country’s existing electoral system to promote “true democracy.” The PTI claims that it has been forced to launch street agitation as election tribunals have failed to decide on petitions against alleged rigging in last year’s general elections. The party also argues that public mandate was hijacked by the ruling PML-N government, in connivance with judiciary and a private media channel.
While these protests do not threaten the Sharif-led government, they come at a time when the government is trying to stabilize its relationship with the powerful armed forces. Some critics also remain dubious about the timing of these protests and call it part of a hidden agenda to stir further trouble for the government. Other opposition parties, such as the now irrelevant PML-Q, have also forged an alliance with the PTI to push for electoral reforms. While the PTI has been able to attract several thousands to its protest gatherings in urban centers, the truth is that majority of Pakistanis remain unmoved.
The two leaders enjoy a cult following only in certain strata of society and are not popular at the grassroots level. Pundits have dismissed the populist views of Qadri, who altogether questions the system of parliamentary-style democracy in Pakistan. On the other hand, Khan’s decision to form a provincial government is being questioned if his party was unhappy with the way elections were conducted. There is nothing new in the claims made by Khan or Qadri as, like any other country with a nascent democratic system, Pakistan’s electoral process has significant gaps. In a largely rural Pakistan, votes are not won over by promises made in election manifestos but on “biradari” (Kinship) system. Structural changes in the electoral system need to be determined by the country’s legislature and a broad consensus in the Parliament. Rather than taking to the streets, PTI should work on rallying political support in the Parliament to influence the country’s electoral system.
At a time when Pakistan is struggling to overcome energy and security challenges, and a weak economy, these protests will not help the country’s cause. The perception of political instability will further scare away foreign investment and aggravate the country’s economic problems. Protests across the country have disrupted trade activities and led to closure of businesses. These protest campaigns will also force the government to lose sight of real issues that affect the lives of common man. Recent local developments that may warrant a review of media freedom laws and restrictions of travel from Pakistan due to poliovirus deserve government attention on a priority basis. Politics of protest will not help PTI and allies win popular support as people expect the elected government to deliver on its promises and improve their living conditions.
