by Shahzad Niaz
In the wake of the April 2022 regime change that saw the removal of the then-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government through an orchestrated vote of no confidence, Pakistan has been thrust into a maelstrom of civil unrest. The sequence of events that followed has driven the nation to the brink of a collapse. To find the root causes of this turmoil and urge our leadership to take immediate and decisive action to restore political stability through peace and reconciliation, it is essential to understand the context. The abrupt ousting of Imran Khan’s government has left a vacuum of uncertainty and instability. Though PTI’s administration, despite its flaws, was seen by many as a bulwark against corruption and an advocate for the common citizen, the subsequent imposition of incompetent and corrupt leadership has only exacerbated the situation. The new regime’s inability to govern effectively and its blatant self-interest have further disillusioned the public.
The response to the public’s sympathy for Imran Khan has been severe and brutal. The use of force against citizens expressing their support has deepened the divide between the government and the people. Such oppressive measures have only fueled resentment and anger, pushing the nation toward the edge of conflict. Pakistan, once on a path of growth, is now teetering on the brink of becoming a failed state. The unfair 2024 election has only compounded the sense of injustice. Many view the election as a farce, further undermining faith in the democratic process. The recent vote in the US House of Representatives, which passed a resolution 368-7 calling for a “full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s February 2024 election,” underscores the need for the Pakistani government to address this matter seriously.
It is imperative to bring the facts before the public and, if irregularities and unfair practices in the 2024 election are proven, dissolve the current government and announce fresh elections where the public can vote freely and choose their leader. The continuous, unannounced restrictions on social media, especially on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), have been another blow to the public’s freedom of expression. By suppressing voices of dissent, the government has stifled any chance of meaningful dialogue and resolution. This draconian measure has only intensified the public’s animosity toward the regime. Inflation has been the silent thief in our midst, eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services, combined with rising tax rates and extraordinarily high prices of utilities, have placed an unbearable burden on the average family. The imposition of multiple taxes on each utility bill has further strained household budgets, leading to widespread protests.
All these factors have added fuel to the fire of public discontent. The hateful sentiments against the illegally imposed corrupt government are reaching a boiling point, and the country is on the brink of unrest and civil war. The culmination of these issues has pitted citizens against each other, tearing apart the social fabric of our nation. It is imperative that our leaders recognize the gravity of this situation and take immediate steps to address the root causes of this unrest. Economic policies must be re-evaluated to curb inflation and provide relief to those struggling with the high cost of living. Law enforcement agencies must be strengthened and reformed to restore public trust and ensure that justice is served impartially. Furthermore, restrictions on social media must be lifted to allow for free and open communication among citizens.
The road to recovery will not be easy, but it is a journey we must undertake to salvage our nation from the brink of collapse. We call upon our leaders, community members, and every citizen to unite in the pursuit of peace, justice, and prosperity. Only through collective effort and unwavering resolve can we hope to heal the wounds of our society and build a future that is just, equitable, and free from the shadows of inflation, lawlessness, and injustice. In these trying times, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can overcome the challenges that threaten to tear us apart and emerge stronger as a nation. The path to peace is paved with justice and fairness, and it is a path we must tread with determination and hope.
(The writer, is a law graduate with keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at shahzad.niaz@gmail.com)
