AFTER days of brinkmanship, it seems that better sense has prevailed. The PTI’s decision to move its much-hyped March 27 rally from the capital’s D-Chowk to Parade Ground is a sensible move that, hopefully, will help avoid physical clashes between government and opposition supporters. It is hoped that the opposition too will take up the Islamabad administration’s offer to hold its own rally in Sector H-9 or even the F-9 Park, as proposed by the communications minister. It is better that both rallies happen as far apart from each other as possible given the heightened emotions in both camps. It is also important that all leaders consciously acknowledge that the volatility precipitated by their bitter political battle, which is being beamed out around the clock to millions through TV screens and social media, cannot be allowed to combust. Surely, it cannot be in the country’s interest to have its people lunging at each other’s throats on the streets when the real fight ought to play out within the halls of Parliament House.

Public rallies and political gatherings are the beauty of a functioning democracy. All parties enjoy an equal right to gather the public in order to better present their case to them. However, this right must not be abused to mislead or provoke the people towards any self-serving activity which may otherwise jeopardise law and order and public safety. The political barometer promises much sound and fury on March 27, as both the PTI and the opposition will be looking to get public opinion firmly on their side ahead of the impending vote of no-confidence against the prime minister. The country’s political leadership would do well to realise that any irresponsible remark or comment could start a fire that may be difficult to extinguish. It is important, again, to stress that this is purely a political fight that has to play out in parliament under well-defined rules. The peace and security of the country should not be staked on it.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2022