Will the government ban the PTI? There seem to be different camps on what could be a most dangerous precedent set under an ostensibly ‘democratic’ dispensation. Although the federal cabinet met on Wednesday and did not discuss this issue, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s announcement that the government is proceeding with plans to ban the PTI after consultations and legal preparations is a worrisome development that could intensify political instability. This would be a profoundly misguided step that threatens to erode the democratic foundation of Pakistan at a time when economic stability is crucial. Banning a political party, especially one with substantial popular support like the PTI, is a rather self-defeating step – more so for a government that seems to be teetering on the edge of any popularity it may have ever enjoyed.
The justification for this drastic measure is ostensibly linked to the PTI’s involvement in the May 9 events and alleged attempts to sabotage Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). There is little doubt that both these events and measures were against national interest, and justice must be done in both these cases. However, transparent legal processes would surely trump a sweeping ban that sets a perilous precedent which will likely only exacerbate polarization and unrest. This has been the reaction of most in the civil society and even saner political voices have counseled restraint. Unfortunately, restraint seems to be in short supply at the moment, the federal government having decided to establish special courts for trials under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, thereby reigniting the longstanding debate over the Peca law’s impact on human rights and freedom of expression. Passed by the National Assembly in 2016 during the then PML-N government, Peca has faced significant criticism for allegedly granting overarching powers to law-enforcement agencies and encroaching upon fundamental human rights. The law’s controversial nature was further highlighted in February 2022 when then-president Arif Alvi promulgated the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022, a move later deemed unconstitutional by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The current government – in a disturbing throwback to its 2016 iteration – also seems quite gung-ho about controlling the digital space and along with that using a controversial law to arrest and prosecute its opponents. The arrest of the PTI’s Information Secretary Raoof Hasan on charges including cyber-terrorism and hate speech, shows Peca’s far-reaching implications and its possible political usage. In fact, Pakistan’s recent history of social media disruptions and the introduction of the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 by the Punjab government have amply shown increasing state control over digital spaces. While the need to combat misinformation and anti-state propaganda is valid, these efforts must not come at the expense of stifling dissent and curbing free expression. There must be a measure of balance here: how does responsible media use tie in with individual freedoms? The courts may need to look at this in depth.
We are going through a crippling economic situation and can hardly endure any further divisions in society and politics. The focus should be on strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive political dialogue, and addressing economic challenges through consensus. Banning a party or applying problematic laws generously is not exactly a step in the direction of peace and stability. So, what does Pakistan need? A political environment where democracy can thrive, ensuring that all voices, including those of dissent, are heard and respected. For this, every stakeholder has to come through – including the opposition, regardless of the political compulsions it feels it has to adhere to. Our political parties really need to stop bickering, grow up, and talk to each other.