IN a theatrical display of protest, the PTI has introduced a novel concept: the four-hour hunger strike. While one might appreciate the creativity behind this brief abstention from food, the question arises: is this a serious attempt to instigate change, or a publicity stunt aimed at attracting media attention? Called after a raid on the PTI’s central office and the arrest of Raoof Hasan, the strike demanded the release of Imran Khan from prison. Given the gravity of the party’s challenges, is this the best its leaders could do to protest? Hunger strikes have historically been a profound form of protest. They symbolise an individual’s commitment to a cause so deep that they are willing to endure extreme personal suffering. Mahatma Gandhi’s fast in the British colonial era and Bobby Sands’ fatal hunger strike during the Troubles in Northern Ireland were poignant demonstrations of unwavering resolve. Such sacrifices have not been timed to end conveniently before dinner but endured for days and weeks. In Pakistan, the history of hunger strikes is equally dignified and solemn. From teachers to families of missing persons and Baloch activists, hunger strikes for justice have been desperate measures taken when all other avenues are exhausted. These strikes garnered respect and sympathy because they were genuine and rooted in a desire for justice.

Contrast this with PTI’s four-hour ‘fast’. It is difficult to take such a protest seriously. Were its members checking their watches, counting down the minutes until they could finally break their fast with a snack? The very notion reduces the gravity of hunger strikes to a gimmick designed more for social media likes than for instigating actual change. The criticism of it is widespread, and rightly so. If the PTI genuinely seeks to protest against injustice, it must find methods that command attention and convey seriousness. True protest against injustice requires sacrifice and sincerity, not half-hearted performances.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024