Unrealistic hopes associated with the arrest of Imran Khan

 

The police operation to arrest Imran Khan has revived the history of turning the situation violent. The DIG of Federal Police reached Zaman Park to execute the orders of the Islamabad Sessions Court. The Islamabad Police was assisted by the Punjab Police and its elite force. Later, the Rangers were also called in. The police used shelling and water cannon to disperse the workers gathered around the residence of Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan. Internet service was suspended in Lahore and its surroundings during the operation. The position of the police was that they have to implement the court orders in any case, while Tehreek-e-Insaf had expressed concerns about Imran Khan's security and requested him to appear online.

PTI is the largest political party in the country. In recent days, a survey report by Gallup showed the popularity of various politicians. Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto, who are seeking power, are equally popular with 36 percent of the public. The popularity of Maryam Nawaz, Shahbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Asif Ali Zardari was seen at very low levels. There have been reports of threats to the life of the popular leader. Life attempt on Imran Khan last year during the Long March at Wazirabad. He got four wounds in his leg. Meanwhile, one worker was shot dead by the attackers. The evidence is showing that Imran Khan's fears are not unfounded. Around 78 FIRs have been registered against the Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf. These cases may be legally valid, but the impression is spreading fast that the cases against the Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaaf are being registered with the intention of political revenge.

Earlier, Imran Khan has named some government figures in the matter of threats to his life. If the impression of conspiracy starts to spread by taking action against the popular political leadership, ill-feeling starts to grow among the people. Repeated raids by the police on Zaman Park and the protest by the activists show that a gulf has developed between the public and the law enforcement agencies. The common man understands that politicians first use their venomous language to attack each other with indecent verbal attacks, and when that doesn't stop, official authority and power are misused. Imran Khan's style of politics and thinking can be disagreed with but he has played an important role in exposing the exploited classes. On the other hand, a political party always believes in resolving mutual differences through dialogue and negotiation. Imran Khan had several occasions when he could have discussed the agenda based on national interests with his opposition parties but he preferred to play a political role by keeping himself aloof. Its advantage was that it overwhelmed all other political forces, but its disadvantage was that dialogue in politics died. The tone became harsh and unbearable.

The proof of how hasty the police are in establishing cases against Imran Khan is the FIR of the murder of activist Ali Bilal alias Zalli Shah, who died in Lahore a few days ago. The police declared Imran Khan responsible without investigation. Later, in a joint press conference of caretaker Chief Minister Punjab and IG Punjab Police, this mistake was admitted. Such cases have damaged the reputation of institutions and their actions are being considered as a result of political pressure. Tehreek-e-Insaaf Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in a press conference during the police action that his party does not support any kind of violence. He said that PTI may be willing to talk to the police and arrest Imran Khan. Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the press conference once again accused the PDM government of wanting to drop dead bodies to postpone the elections.

 Investment has stalled. Remittances have decreased. Foreign exchange reserves are shrinking. Exports are decreasing. Concern is being expressed on the human rights situation in Pakistan by the IMF, America. All political forces are well-wishers of the country. All have a reasonable amount of popular support. In a democratic system, elections are the natural way to resolve political differences. The reason for disagreement arises from not recognizing each other's popularity and mandate. After the elections, all the parties get an idea of their mandate. The government should show wisdom and not try to treat political differences like personal enmity. Imran Khan should be given an opportunity to present his position before the court. Their concerns regarding security should be removed and efforts should be made to ensure that elections are resolved in a transparent environment.