Prevailing political stalemate in the country with agitators of both Pakistan Tehrik-e- Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) observing sit-in at capital city of Islamabad, blocking sensitive Red Zone and threatening vital Govt buildings, have negatively impacted the entire nation causing fretful anxiety for all segments of society. The political chaos in Pakistan has deepened, with the country’s embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif now vowing not to step down despite escalating protests against his rule. Sharif came to power for the third time in elections last year. His victory marked the first successful civilian transfer of power in Pakistan’s history. His considerable electoral mandate and peerless political pedigree . Sharif is a heavyweight in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous state led many to believe the country could turn a corner, mend ties with India and revitalize its stagnating economy. But criticism of his government’s performance dogged by the persistence of the country’s woeful energy shortages, inflation, security issues among other problems grew in the year.
A lot is being said about Pak Army’s role behind instigating the current political chaos in the country. Politicians and a segment of the local and international media have been accusing the very defense institution of being the hidden power behind the turmoil. No one, so far has been able to prove it with facts. Everyone is quite familiar about peace talks and negotiations held with TTP by PTI and govt but failed. There upon Pakistan Armed forces in total cohesion with state adversaries opted to initiate Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan, which has been the main hub of terrorists. Country wide terrorist’s activities were being planned and directed by the terrorists residing in NWA. This whole situation led to various speculations about civil-military seriousness in wiping terrorism out. This also divided the society on various fronts. Politicians, civil society members and people from every walk of life started possessing fragmented feelings.
What is happening in Islamabad is in front of everybody. Apart from Pakistani media, International media outlets are reporting it fondly. What is being observed is that Media in Pakistan is divided into fragments where each media outlet has a particular stance to promote and propagate. Media has got an issue at hand. Special media and analyst teams are giving 24/7 coverage and analysis. Speeches of Dr. Qadri and Imran Khan are being covered and analyzed specifically in relevance to their agenda. The whole political scenario has diverted the media and people attention from the IDP’S and Thar affectees. Whenever any disaster hits Pakistan, army is there as saviors and defenders of their people.
The political scenario is quickly changing with every passing day though the end is not very obvious at the moment. We may have reservations over the way Imran Khan and Qadri chose to proceed with their demands, but a vast majority does accept that their demands are justified. Implementation of Article 62 & 63, electoral and social reforms, justice and eradication of corrupt system are all the things that Pakistan is desperately in need of at the moment.
