eaceful demonstrations inspire constructive social change, protect civic space and encourage the development of mindful and well-informed citizenry to strengthen political structures and a civic ecosystem by enabling direct participation of the citizens in public affairs. They also allow for an effective expression of dissent, besides giving voice to our grievances.

That said, the people of Pakistan need to learn to protest in a civilised manner. The protesters must learn to respect public property built with the taxpayers’ money, and not resort to destruction to register their protest. Otherwise one ends up creating a law and order situation, and the purpose for which the protest was held is lost.

Violent behaviour and clashes serve no one’s purpose. The objective of the protesters should be to bridge the gap, make way for an easy exchange of information and create a possibility for empathy and concern.

Davis Road, Lahore, which is home to a number of media outlets as well as the Lahore Press Club, has frequently seen clashes and disruptions taking place in the name of ‘our right to protest.’ Every time, this one of the most important roads of the city turns into a commuter’s nightmare.

It is obvious that the general public needs guidance in how to exercise their rights as responsible citizens before they take to the streets. As much as we feel that it is our right to protest against the wrongs done to us, we must also empathise with the hopeless situation that we’re putting everyone around us in. Hostile attacks, violence and vandalism are unacceptable, no matter what.

I recommend exploring Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP), which is an integrated citizens’ grievance redress system. It is available as a website as well as a mobile app.

We often don’t seek permission to march in the streets as protesters in some other countries do, but we must be wary of causing traffic jams and street closures. Other than the traditional public forums, there are digital platforms where one can register one’s protests in a civilised way. I recommend exploring our national digital forums such as the complaint portal, Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP), which is an integrated citizens’ grievance redress system that connects all government organisations at federal and provincial levels. It is available as a website as well as a mobile app, and enables and empowers all citizens to express their woes.

Again, whether you protest at a conventional forum or a digital space, respecting lawful institutions is a must. Adopting clear legal, regulatory and policy frameworks for the protest should be a preamble. All protest needs to comply with humanitarian standards and best practices.

On the other hand, the state needs to play its part with equal measure, allowing for peaceful protests. The government need not treat all protests as they would an inconvenience or a threat, least of all something that must be hushed. This usually happens when the issue taken up by the protesters is either too controversial or expresses unpopular views that threaten to demean the government or authorities.

No limitations should be imposed by the government that go against the principles of a democratic society and the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public) and the protection of public health, rights and freedoms.

The writer is a freelance journalist