The growing intolerance in the political culture and the use of unsavory language against political opponents has finally culminated in the form of physical attacks on politicians. The warning signs were already there but in recent days the dangers that many were alluding to has become a reality.
A day after ink was thrown on Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Sialkot; a shoe was thrown at Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Quaid Nawaz Sharif during a ceremony at Jamia Naeemia in Lahore. A few days back a man hurled a shoe at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal while he was addressing a workers’ convention in Narowal. In another incident on Sunday, an attempt was made to attack Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan with a shoe but was thwarted.
Although there is no confirmation of motives of the attackers, the attacks are being linked to increasing toxicity in the country’s political discourse. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is often criticized by opponents for brining an element of aggression and harsh language in politics. The trend is however not restricted to the Imran Khan led party alone. Punjab Chief Minister, Shehbaz Sharif during the 2013 election campaign was highly critical of then President Asif Ali Zardari and openly threatened to drag him in the streets during political rallies. Many other politicians from across the political spectrum have also used indecent language against political rivals time and again. Like already said, the motives of recent attacks are yet to be ascertained but the incidents must be a wakeup call for all political parties. The trend to launch verbal attacks against rivals is definitely a factor in increasing lack of tolerance among political workers. The incidents have also provided political parties an opportunity to address the use of abuse language by social media users affiliated with various parties. The issue has been raised time and again by mainstream media and unless efforts are made to tackle it, the largely un-moderated social media space will become extremely toxic, with general elections in sight.
The shoe throwing incident involving Nawaz Sharif was condemned by political leadership. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPPP President Asif Zardari, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and many others have condemned the incident. The across the board condemnation has set a good precedent. Political differences will always remain between various political parties and leaders but the differences should be debated with civility.