08/02/2024
It is a common perception that the government in Pakistan targets opposition parties and individuals to suppress dissent and maintain its grip on power.
There have been instances, where the members of opposition parties have been arrested or otherwise facing legal repercussions, which have led to allegations of political repression and human rights abuses.
There have been several events that have proved to be turning points in the history of Pakistan. The most common example is the trial and ex*****on of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto was overthrown in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977 and was later tried and executed on charges of conspiracy to murder in 1979. In 2006, Akbar Bugti was killed during a military operation led by the Pakistani government, sparking widespread protests and criticism from human rights groups. His death was seen as a turning point in the conflict between the central government and Baloch nationalist groups and further fuelled tensions in Balochistan.
Manzoor Pashteen, who is a Pakistani human rights activist and the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), is being accused of terrorism for speaking out against the government for its reluctance to criminalise enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention.
Coming to the previous years, the controversies surrounding the murder of Arshad Shareef cannot be ignored. The recent arrests of Journalists and the Political Workers are the latest developments in this regard.
It is important to note that the issue of government targeting the opposition is not unique to Pakistan and is a concern in many countries. However, such actions can undermine the democratic process, erode public trust in government, and perpetuate a cycle of political instability.
Pakistanis believe in being a united nation. However, we are divided by prejudice, injustice, and intolerance. Every day, we hear the news of someone being murdered in broad daylight, or someone seeking justice for years.
Here, the question stands; Will we be able to grow as a nation?
What will it take for us to be united and put our differences aside?
