CONSTRUCTIVE politics goes beyond mere agitation and protest. Unfortunately, over the past decade or so, all of Pakistan’s major political parties have demonstrated a disappointing lack of vision with which they could inspire the people of this country.

Admittedly, this is not entirely our politicians’ fault: incessant interference in the democratic process has upended the rules of politics, making it so that political parties see a greater incentive in winning the favour of those pulling the strings than in putting effort into generating good ideas for public welfare that can be backed by popular support.

Considering how long this disequilibrium has been allowed to persist, it is no surprise that modern politicking in Pakistan has been reduced to ‘us vs them’ fights based on divisive narratives, referring to rivals with insulting epithets, rabble-rousing over moral panic situations, and accusing the competition of corruption.

The PTI is often accused by its critics of triggering this decline, and not without reason. The party was initially nurtured by the establishment as a counterweight to the PML-N and PPP, and it seized power by constantly attacking and delegitimising its peers. It was fed with so much confidence that it came to believe it was above the rules of politics. It sought to tear down the fragile structure of Pakistan’s fledgling democracy, perhaps aspiring to build it anew.

However, it came up short in terms of capability. By the time its crutches were taken away, the party had grown too accustomed to confrontation. It fought for survival using the same self-righteous anger it had once been encouraged to use against its rivals — only this time, it was turned on those who had been nurturing it.

In the recent elections, the party managed to achieve the unthinkable. Its credentials and mandate can no longer be denied — it is now an entity that doesn’t need any external support. However, the manner in which it has wielded power in the past still gives many cause for concern. Its quick successes seem to have engendered a youthful hubris that sees it get carried away when the situation requires patience. Its supporters don’t realise that change is a process, not an event.

Their angry campaigns on social media only reinforce their image as a volatile crowd. In this context, the party’s recent announcement of a shadow cabinet to oversee the Punjab government is an encouraging sign. It indicates that the party is maturing politically. It must do more. Another good step would be to start talking to other political parties.

The PTI should know that it is welcome as a disruptive force in the political landscape as long as it can make a distinction between disruption and outright destruction. It must learn to wield its influence responsibly.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2024