THERE is no denying the fact that the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly cannot be taken away by the state. However, chaos is being created by the opposition and it has revealed its plans for a campaign to oust the ruling party from power.

The outrageous speeches by opposition members led by Fazlur Rehman indicate they have burnt their boats and are left with no option but to ‘capture’ the capital city. Having nothing to lose, the followers of Fazlur Rehman have started preparation for a long march.

One can see these days in the media and the social media footage of JUI-F workers bracing themselves for any scenario wearing a uniform which is symbolic.

It is scary to watch those scenes as it reminds me of the Hindutva terrorist organisation RSS’s training centres where their goons are trained in the same manner wearing a uniform.

Are we going to have a similar situation which India is facing today and an organisation like RSS in Pakistan?

While Pakistan is already blamed for religious extremism by the West, we cannot afford to have such uniformed militias, for if this is allowed Pakistan will once again be in the spotlight for being a radical Islamic state.

The opposition should think about the consequences of their agitation and so must the government.

Ahsan Saeed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2019