The protest near Islamabad by elements of the right wing, led by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah Pakistan and the Sunni Tehreek, has taken an ugly turn, with a potential for worse.

During their Friday sermon, clerics from the religious groups holding the demonstration threatened to attack the families of federal ministers if the government did not accede to their demands.

It is several days since the protest began, sparked ostensibly by the controversy surrounding the amendment to the Elections Act, 2017, an amendment swiftly reversed by parliament.

Among other demands, the protesters want Law Minister Zahid Hamid to resign for what they believe is his culpability in the short-lived change to the election law; Asiya Bibi executed; cases against religious leaders dismissed; and clerics removed from the Fourth Schedule.

The Punjab government is acting as an interlocutor between the protesters and the federal government. As always, those suffering the most from the sit-in at Faizabad interchange, the main artery linking Islamabad and Rawalpindi, are ordinary citizens trying to go about their daily lives.

There is never a time quite like the run-up to elections for groups with political aspirations to flex their muscles, and expand their space. September’s by-election in NA-120 saw the TLY-backed candidate win enough votes to come in third place behind the PML-N and PTI.

It was an electoral endorsement that has further emboldened an organisation that derives its inspiration from the man who murdered Salmaan Taseer — it is hardly surprising that violence, whether in the name of religion or otherwise, is its stock-in-trade.

For the clerics to threaten the families of those against whom they are directing their ire is a form of blackmail that is particularly detestable and should be denounced in the strongest terms. The democratic right to protest is not a licence to engage in hate speech or incite violence.

Moreover, the protesters’ demands are such that no government could possibly acquiesce to them; their very unreasonableness shows them for what they are, a naked attempt to browbeat authorities.

Although the government has been right to show restraint thus far, there must be a more concerted and skillful effort to engage with the protesters so that the increasing tension can dissipate. Any violence will work to the advantage of the right wing, and they know it.

Those taking part in the sit-in are spoiling for a fight. The government must not give in to them.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2017