LAHORE: Speakers at a webinar foresee a bleak future for democracy in Pakistan, where Imran Khan, as the main opposition leader, positions himself as a ‘god-like’ figure while challenging the military establishment, and the ruling alliance of the PDM plays as the puppets of the establishment.

The webinar on “What is happening in Pakistan” was organised by the Asia-Europe People’s Forum and moderated by Zaigham Abbas on Friday.

Anchorperson Munizae Jahangir expressed her concerns about plans to establish military courts to try civilians involved in attacks on military installations on May 9. She fears that this could further restrict civil and political space in the country.

She stated that the state should prioritise justice (delivery) over a ‘revenge’ mindset.

She advised all political parties to come together and find a solution to the current crisis instead of exacerbating the situation.

She defended the poor performance of politicians when in power, arguing that they were mostly preoccupied with the military’s agenda for their own survival, rather than focusing on the issues faced by the country and its citizens.

Ms Jahangir mentioned that she had never witnessed democracy being given a genuine opportunity to govern the country throughout her life.

Political analyst Bilal Zahoor remarked that Imran Khan lacks a coherent ideology or an alternative plan to bring about a revolution against the status quo. Instead, he simply shifts his targeted enemies, from the US to the Sharifs and Zardaris, and now to the army, without addressing the fundamental flaws in the current system.

He added that Imran Khan presents himself as a ‘god’ by using a binary language of what should or should not be done.

He expressed regret that the political parties that ruled the country between 2008 and 2018 failed to address the people’s issues, thereby creating an environment where Imran Khan could be portrayed as a messiah.

Political activist Farooq Tariq partially held the IMF and judiciary accountable for the current poor economic, political, and social state of the country.

He stated that the ongoing clash between the PTI and PDM is, in fact, a dispute among the ruling class, while the working class continues to suffer.

Recalling his struggle during the COP23 in Sharam al-Sheikh, Egypt, where he sought reparations for the people affected by climate change in Pakistan, he lamented that the victims of the recent climate disaster in Sindh have not received any compensation. The funds received from international donors were allegedly embezzled by the powerful classes in the country.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2023