When it comes to combating violent terrorism, the state’s efforts appear to suffer from a lack of focus. Political confusion at the top level was evident in comments made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a recent National Action Plan Apex Committee meeting. On one hand, Prime Minister Sharif seemed concerned about terrorist infiltration and highlighted the need for all stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the menace. At the same time, however, he also took the opportunity to make divisive comments against the main opposition party, describing it as engaging in “anti-state activities” and apparently equating its confrontational activities with violence perpetrated by real terrorists. As prime minister, he should have spoken more cautiously.
While it is true that some of the criticism leveled by opponents of this government has been unfair and quite harsh, even downright reprehensible in some cases, the beauty of democracy is that it is tolerant of even the most critical points of view. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect a clear distinction to be drawn between people who criticize government policies and people who completely dismiss the idea of Pakistan and wish to replace it through violence with a fascist state. Terrorism is a serious challenge that must be faced with united determination. If anything, the prime minister should be more concerned about how his government has been treating rival politicians and the media, and the negative consequences of these policies on the overall health of society. By repeatedly attacking critics of government policies and calling all criticism “fake news” or “digital terrorism,” you are only alienating this government in the real fight against terrorism.
With opposition leaders unanimous in their complaints about state censorship and coercion, the media has been weakened by restrictions on what can and cannot be reported, and public dissidents are attacked and silenced by The State, marginal elements, which are already experts in operating from the shadows, can assume the function of narrative setting, as we are witnessing now. This should serve as a lesson that when people’s representatives and responsible journalists are not allowed to speak freely, the public can turn to much more undesirable elements to fill the void. Therefore, instead of “othering” critics and suppressing their voices, the government must provide them with space so that pent-up pressures and frustrations can be released in a reasonable manner. Not allowing dissent risks creating a pressure cooker-like situation that can explode in very unpredictable ways. The government needs all the support it can get against the growing threat of violent terrorism. The task must stop being complicated. Labeling criticism as anti-state activity has never worked, and it will not work in this case either.
Published in Amanecer, January 5, 2025.
