I am watching Bushra Bibi’s video message to the people, and I find myself grappling with troubling questions.
The video poses a question and reveals something significant that cannot be ignored by those studying national politics.
She asks, “Khan is in jail for the sake of the people; is it not the duty of the lawyers and judges to join the protest?” While lawyers often engage in politics, the response regarding judges is so naïve that it makes my stomach churn.
This might be the first time in the history of parliamentary democracy that judges are being asked to participate in a political protest.
Such a demand lacks credibility in both political and legal realms. It is inappropriate for politics to call upon judges to join a protest movement, and the legal world cannot accept the expectation of a political leader to make such a demand of judges.
This demand reflects a complete ignorance of legal shades and the fundamentals of politics. Is the concept of an independent judiciary within the PTI that the captain should incite a protest while judges abandon their courts to take to the streets, all because an elderly leader is in jail for the sake of the nation? What are we to do while sitting in the courts?
Interestingly, a new reason has emerged for the removal of Khan Sahib from power: “He walked barefoot in the land of Madina Sharif,” she stated. That’s why he is being punished.
Furthermore, she mentioned that General Bajwa began receiving calls asking what he had brought such a thing .
This narrative, originating from America, has now taken an unexpected turn, suggesting walking barefoot in Madina is part of the issue. We can only wait to see what more will come to light in the coming days. The crunch question is whether foreign affairs will now be intertwined with domestic politics.
Although General Qamar Javed Bajwa has denied this, it is likely that the Tehreek-e-Insaf will eventually distance itself from such statements, as it has done in the past. However, does the party leadership understand the irresponsibility of this comment?
Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is unique, and making such a reckless statement about a friendly nation jeopardizes national interests.
While the religious aspect has long influenced national politics, allowing foreign affairs to fall under this influence could lead to disastrous consequences. Care must be taken when discussing relationships with friendly countries.
If the goal is to rally the public in the name of religion, there are various methods to do so in a semi-literate society. Is the PTI unaware that there are approximately three million Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia? This highlights the need for political narratives to be articulated by leaders who are genuinely aware of the political dynamics and nuances. They should know what to say and what to avoid. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has alternative leadership that operates with the will and support of Imran Khan Sahib. This leadership also remains in constant communication with its leader in jail. The question arises: why is someone else managing the affairs of the party? Isn’t this the same traditional hereditary politics against which the PTI has built its entire narrative?
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