Protests Escalate in Pakistan as Political Tensions Rise
Islamabad:The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced a series of nationwide protests amidst escalating political tensions. On Saturday, a convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur attempted to enter Islamabad but turned back before reaching the capital. In a video message, Gandapur warned, “If we are attacked once, we will retaliate tenfold. If we are shot at, we will shoot back.”
The PTI has planned demonstrations in major cities including Mianwali and Multan. Analysts are weighing in on whether this aggressive stance will benefit the party in the long run.
Political analyst Sohail Wadaich stated that peaceful protests would be advantageous for PTI, while violence could backfire, referencing the significant backlash following the violent protests on May 9. He emphasized that if the government successfully implements constitutional amendments and secures IMF funding, PTI may lose its anticipated momentum.
Senior analyst Ansar Abbasi expressed concerns over the nature of PTI’s protests, suggesting that the call for a “war” could have dangerous implications for the country. He criticized Gandapur’s rhetoric, arguing that such threats could undermine PTI’s standing and lead to legal consequences.
Ershad Arif, another prominent analyst, urged Gandapur to act as a bridge between the opposition and the government instead of exacerbating tensions. He highlighted that using force to suppress protests is not a democratic approach and called for adherence to constitutional rights.
As protests unfold, the political landscape in Pakistan remains volatile, raising questions about the future of PTI and its leadership amid increasing scrutiny and public dissent.
