EXCEPTIONS apart, most religious groups in Pakistan engage in politics fuelled by violence, and that is why they have never been considered part of the democratic process, and tend to lose in electoral politics.

One such politico-religious party, which is holding protest rallies in various parts of the country, especially Karachi, for the last few years, has for long been known as the pioneer of violent politics in educational institutions across Sindh. It was this violence that subsequently triggered ethnicity-based politics in the multi-ethnic city of Karachi.

The same party organised a nationwide strike recently, and its workers attempted to forcibly close most markets and shops in various cities, a matter that was also reported in the media. I happened to visit Thatta for some work on the day, and as soon as I entered the city, I noticed that some shops, hotels and even government offices on the main road were closed.

I was surprised to see that the party had such an influence in Thatta. When I inquired about this from some shopkeepers, they told me that the party workers were armed with pistols and were forcibly shutting down the market by displaying weapons and threatening the shopkeepers. This basically means that the party continues to believe in politics of violence. However, I wonder whether Thatta’s district administration was unaware of the party’s action plan, or it was simply afraid of the political party.

Ali Raza Soomro
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024