Violence against State Sovereignty cannot be tolerated

The recent march on Islamabad, by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) might have been touted as a political movement, but it was indubitably an organised and deliberate assault on the sovereignty and stability of Pakistan.

The unrest in Islamabad and beyond, sparked by Imran Khan’s “final call,” was a methodical incitement against the state, facilitated by external entities to deliberately disrupt the state. Political actors escalated dissent into full-fledged violence by encouraging attacks on national institutions and resorting to live ammunition against the law enforcement personnel. What started as political opposition was systematically morphed into outright insurrection. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in a media talk directly from the D Chowk that Afghan nationals were forced to participate in the protest rally as well. The capital city police also shared that during – what was labelled as a ‘political protest’ – critical infrastructure was targeted, lives of innocent citizens and law enforcement personnel were endangered, and a vile attempt was made to erode public trust in the government.

This attack was not merely on the physical assets of the country, but it was a premeditated attempt to undermine the state’s authority and an attack on its sovereignty. Pakistan responded to the situation in a manner similar to how democracies around the world typically handle such circumstances. Research into the international politics, one sees that the strategies implemented by the Pakistan government mirrored those of the leading economies.

PAKISTAN’S RESPONSE ALIGNS WITH GLOBAL PRACTICES

The federal government and the law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the rising insurgency, adhering to global standards, rooted in law and fairness. The authorities ensured that order was restored and the public safety was guaranteed. The manner in which the law enforcement authorities approached the situation has been used by the world’s leading democracies including the United Kingdom, the United States, and France, among others,

In the United Kingdom, for instance, when the 2024 Riots posed a similar challenge to their sovereignty and stability, their government decided to mobilise a “standing army” of Specialist Forces to effectively address the unset. Rioters were arrested and were subjected to immediate judicial consequences, with average custodial sentences of two years. The UK government also imposed lockdowns and curfews to prevent further escalation. In another parallel to Pakistan, the rioters in the UK had also used social media to incite violence, which is also how they were tracked down and prosecuted.

Likewise, the 2021 Capitol Riots in the United States present a similar example. After protestors stormed the Capitol Hill, the US authorities arrested over 1,100 people and quickly charged them with the relevant offenses. The National Guard was also deployed to ensure order and to protect critical infrastructure. After the event, the authorities used digital data and surveillance to identify the perpetrators and prosecute them for their offenses.

In 2018, France faces a similar situation with Yellow Vest Protests that resulted in a long unrest for the country. The French government deployed thousands of police and security personnel to contain the violent elements. Over 5,500 protestors were arrested and made to face judicial consequences. Water cannons, tear gas and curfews were used by the government to restore eroding order.

PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS DO NOT ALLOW ANARCHY

Fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and peaceful protest – are guaranteed under democratic principles, but they do not include the right to riot or destabilise the state. Violent challenges to state authority undermine the democracy itself.

It is then imperative upon a democratic state, like Pakistan, to ensure accountability for instigators of violence. In line with the global practices, those found involved in inciting violence have been arrested and are being prosecuted in accordance with the law. With the effort of the federal government and the authorities, the public order was restored, citizens were kept safe, and critical infrastructure including The National Assembly of Pakistan and The Supreme Court of Pakistan were protected.

Pakistan is doing what is necessary to safeguard its future. Stability is the cornerstone of democracy, and it must be preserved at all costs.

Hum News