TO lessen tensions with the opposition, it is necessary for the government to refrain from taking any step that might be construed as political victimisation. Instead, it should demonstrate a readiness for dialogue and respect for freedom of expression, affiliation and peaceful assembly. These are part of the fundamental liberties that ordinary political workers and opposition leaders have the right to exercise. In this context, letters, such as a recent one by PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry and Omar Sarfraz Cheema in Kot Lakhpat jail, are reminders that some opposition politicians have long been behind bars and continue to await a fair trial in cases against them. Adding new prisoners to the vast pool of detainees swept up in pre- and post-election crackdowns exposes the fault lines of the judicial system as well as the lack of public trust in it.

The truth is that the revolving door of political persecution foments repression. Political stability requires openness for nonviolent activism and expression. The problem lies in the fact that the process itself has become the punishment whereby jail, not bail, is the new normal. Many opposition politicians have languished in prison long enough for their bail petitions to be heard; but the promised evidence against them has still to be provided. It is only fair that politicians who have not committed serious violations be allowed to walk free, while those found responsible for grave offences be held to account. Indeed, terrorism must be dealt with firmly but political agitation, without proof, cannot be equated with it. The latter may be true for activists of other organisations too, such as Mahrang Baloch who was arrested under the ambiguous MPO three months ago. For a united and inclusive political landscape, peaceful political agitation should not be prosecuted under the guise of upholding the law.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2025