Earlier this year, the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024 was passed by the legislature banning gatherings of “unregistered” organisations and seven-year jail time in the case of non-compliance. The PoK supreme court suspended the ordinance this month after peaceful protests. Even so, the demonstrations continued to “call for accountability and justice” since the people of PoK had demanded cheaper electricity, subsidised flour and other measures to combat inflation earlier this year.
Dawn (December 10) believes that the government and protestors’ back-and-forth is “a powerful example of how dialogue can play a constructive role in effectively responding to public dissent”. The editorial elaborates further: “The government’s decision to form a consultative committee, release detained activists, and meet public demands reflects a recognition of the wisdom in civic engagement. By addressing grievances… defused tensions and reaffirmed faith in institutional processes.”
Express Tribune (December 9) seems to agree, commending the “sanity” of both sides that “embraced dialogue in the true spirit of democracy and constitutionalism”. However, with the situation slightly under control, it urges the government to act on its guarantees — “the focus should be on moving beyond mere promises… keeping in view that respect for local autonomy and a greater degree of political freedom could help alleviate the sense of powerlessness that fuels such protests.”
Contestation over the Madarsa Bill
The Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 that aims to reform madarsas and keep them from becoming spaces that can contribute to extremism in Pakstan by streamlining the registration process has garnered controversy with President Asif Ali Zardari having sent it back — twice — without his assent, citing “technical flaws”. This has agitated the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Fazal Ur Rehman who was essentially guaranteed the passing of this Bill in exchange for his party’s support in the passage of the 26th Amendment. Rehman has threatened legal action and has said that his party will take to the streets if the proposed legislation is not passed.
Daily Times (December 9) discusses the merits of the Bill saying, “The government’s initiative to register seminaries and open bank accounts for them is a step towards formalisation… the objections raised by the president… shows the legal and procedural hurdles that complicate the implementation of such policies.” However, instead of the current stalemate, the editorial believes that all stakeholders should “work towards a more inclusive and transparent process to address concerns”.
The Nation (December 9), on the other hand, cautions the government not to meet “such demands under the threat of street agitation” as it “undermines democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations.” Suggesting that the political leadership “prioritise pragmatic governance over short-term gains”, the editorial believes that “the manner in which [the Bill] is resolved, will not just test the government’s mettle but also reflect its commitment to lasting reform over fleeting compromises.”
A ray of hope for PML(N) and PTI
In the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Imran Khan-led PTI seems to have indicated some willingness to engage with the ruling party in case of an “implementable” or “serious” offer. According to News International (December 11), this “may reflect a pragmatic acknowledgement of its dwindling political capital and internal divisions.” Meanwhile, Dawn (December 13) focuses on a potential “third force” as stated by PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan.
News International (December 11) speaks to what the PTI must and must not do, detailing the many opportunities for political reconciliation with the PPP and the PML(N) that it seems to have “squandered” in the past: “The PTI’s path forward must be one of dialogue, not discord. If it truly seeks to reclaim its relevance, it must trade its confrontational approach for a collaborative one.”
Dawn (December 13) hopes that both sides “realised that the path they have been on is very likely to end in disaster”. Encouraging this softening of stance from the two parties, the editorial says, “The country will gain immensely and immediately from a breakthrough that allows the cooling of political temperatures and the restoration of some sanity.”
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First Hindu police officer
Rajender Meghwar, from Badin in the Sindh province, has made history by becoming the first Hindu officer in the Police Service of Pakistan. His first posting will be as an assistant superintendent of police in Faisalabad. This achievement is even more remarkable for a country with a two per cent Hindu population and where it has taken 77 years for a Hindu to qualify through the Civil Services Examination. Explaining his motivation to join the police, Meghwar said, “By being in the police department, we can resolve issues on the ground, which is not possible in other fields.”
Express Tribune (December 9) commends his ambition: “His understanding that police work is not merely about law enforcement but also about community service reflects a nuanced grasp of the challenges faced by marginalised populations.” In terms of minority outreach, “Meghwar’s presence… offers a unique opportunity to bridge gaps between law enforcement and minority communities, because when people see themselves reflected in positions of authority, it enhances their belief in the system.”
Acknowledging the historical lack of opportunities and discrimination against minorities, the editorial says, “We hope that Meghwar will hopefully be the first of too many to come, because true inclusivity will only be achieved if appointments of minority communities to junior or senior positions make headlines because of individual competence, rather than gender or ethno-religious background.”
adya.goyal@expressindia.com
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