THE main opposition party first wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asking the lending agency to stop disbursing its scheduled loan tranche to Pakistan till it conducts a scrutiny of election results. The party, however, was left red-faced when the IMF refused to oblige. The opposition, not content with this answer, decided to hold protest demonstrations outside the headquarters of the IMF and World Bank in the United States.

What was more unfortunate was that these demonstrations were held when an IMF delegation was in Pakistan for a review before the release of a third tranche of $1.1 billion under the standby agreement, and negotiations were going on with Pakistani authorities. The protesters under the stewardship of someone involved in a sedition case demanded that strict conditions must be imposed on loans to Pakistan, including investigation into allegations of poll rigging.

The protesters chanted slogans for the release of their leader and against the armed forces of Pakistan. The imprisoned leader, while talking to journalists in Adiala Jail, justified the protest, but conveniently professed ignorance about the protesters raising slogans against the armed forces.

Now who can justify such an anti-state and anti-people behaviour? Political discourse at home on a political issue is democratic, but what should one call the action of asking foreign entities to put Pakistan and the whole nation into trouble? Is this loyalty to Pakistan? Is this patriotism? The fact of the matter is that the party is out to redefine everything.

Akbar Jan Marwat
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...