Stray words
IT is more than just a little bit concerning that the uncertainty over the election schedule refuses to dissipate, despite stern warnings from the Supreme Court. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman remains vocally unhappy about a February election as if the date is somehow still ‘optional’, and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s remarks to a TV show host, saying there would be nothing wrong if elections were delayed by another few days, have further stirred the waters. It bears mentioning that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari clarified to the media the next day that the remarks were quoted out of context, and the PPP has faith in the chief justice’s assurance that elections will not be delayed any further. Nevertheless, the steady drip-drip of negative speculation, which Mr Zardari carelessly augmented with his remarks, has added ambiguity to an already tense political equation. Although the chief election commissioner on Monday extended assurances to a PPP delegation that there would be no further delays, promising that an election schedule would be announced within a few days, one wonders why the ECP has not been more proactive in putting an end to this idle talk.
A large part of the blame for the uncertainty lies with the ECP, mainly because it has unilaterally and abruptly changed election timelines more than once during this outgoing year. On one occasion, it had even revoked the election schedule after issuing it. Despite the glaring contravention of the election law these delays represented, various political parties, instead of challenging them, repeatedly insisted that the ECP enjoys some sort of supra-constitutional power to alter election timelines according to its own assessment of on-ground realities. Invariably, these were the same parties that have stood to benefit most from repeated delays in the polling exercise. Most of them, it appears, are still not enthusiastic about returning to the people to seek a fresh mandate. However, since the Supreme Court has guaranteed the most recent date provided by the ECP, there is no good reason for the Commission to continue putting off its announcement of the election schedule. It should do so at the earliest, within this week. It is strange to see it be so inflexible on a mere technicality after the many times it has bent the rules to go its own way.
Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2023
D.I. Khan attacks
APART from political and financial crises, the outgoing year will be remembered for the high number of terrorist attacks the country witnessed, particularly targeting civil and military security men. Three separate attacks in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan district on Monday and early Tuesday are an unfortunate reminder of the ferocity militants are capable of.
According to ISPR, the deadliest attack took place in the Daraban area, where terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a military check-post, followed by a suicide bombing. At least 23 troops were martyred in the attack, while six terrorists were reportedly killed.
Two other engagements took place in the Darazinda and Kulachi areas respectively, resulting in the martyrdom of two more soldiers, as well as the deaths of numerous terrorists. The Daraban attack has been claimed by the shadowy Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan, believed to be an avatar of the banned TTP, and has resulted in the highest loss of troops in a single attack this year.
D.I. Khan and adjacent districts in KP, as well as neighbouring areas of Punjab and Balochistan, have seen the greatest frequency of militant activity in the current year. November’s Mianwali air base attack, as well as July’s Zhob garrison attack — both believed to be the handiwork of TJP — have occurred in the same geographical region, whilst several other deadly incidents in D.I. Khan and nearby districts have occurred throughout the year.
The militants have seemingly changed their tactics compared to the terrorist campaigns of a decade ago. Rather than attacking civilians in the cities, they have chosen to focus on military and police personnel. This has resulted in disturbingly high casualty rates amongst security men.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, up till November around 600 militant attacks had occurred in Pakistan, causing nearly 900 fatalities. This is said to be an 81pc escalation in attacks over those in 2022.
The situation is indeed grim, but the challenge must be handled resolutely. Too many lives, particularly of our brave security men, have been lost in terrorist rampages, and the time for decisive action has come. Moreover, an election is on the horizon, and terrorists cannot be allowed to thwart the democratic process.
Therefore, both the caretaker government and the security establishment must address the militant menace determinedly. As stated above, most of the recent attacks have been concentrated in one geographical area, so targeted action in this particular region is essential to either capture or neutralise militants.
If this is not done, more widespread military operations may be required, resulting in the dislocation of civilian populations. Furthermore, whilst it may be difficult to deal with the Afghan Taliban, channels need to be kept open, and pressure applied so that terrorists are unable to find sanctuary in Afghanistan.
Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2023
Unjust detentions
THE case of Khadija Shah, a prominent PTI supporter, has once again brought the prolonged detention of PTI women into sharp focus. Ms Shah, who had been granted bail in the last of her cases relating to the May 9 protests, has now been handed over to Quetta police. This development raises serious questions about the motives behind her continued detention — which has lasted more than six months — and the treatment of jailed PTI women in general. Ms Shah’s legal troubles, following her alleged involvement in the May 9 protests, have been marked by a series of detentions and rearrests, highlighting a troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation. The HRCP has strongly criticised the decision to grant Quetta police her transitory remand, noting that it appears to be a continuation of harassment, especially given Ms Shah’s separation from her children. Ms Shah has, in an open letter, shared heart-wrenching stories of separation and suffering among the detainees, emphasising the heavy toll of these long-drawn-out imprisonments. The issue has also echoed in the Senate, where concerns have been raised about the rights and freedoms of political rivals and activists.
The state’s handling of Ms Shah’s case and those of other PTI women highlights a need for transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The repeated rearrests and lack of clear legal processes not only undermine the credibility of the justice system but also raise concerns about political vendetta. Those who wield this sword of political vendetta so wantonly would do well to remember that when the winds change, the sword may swing the other way. Therefore, it is crucial for the authorities to ensure due process and fair treatment, particularly in politically sensitive cases. The situation demands reflection and a re-evaluation of the approach towards political detainees. Upholding the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, is essential for the health of our democracy.
Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2023