Shahbaz Sharif (File Photo)
Pakistan Political Crisis: Another fire is about to start in the unstable politics of Pakistan. Several fundamentalist religious organizations, including Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), have formed a powerful alliance called 'Ahl-e-Sunnah Pakistan.' The coalition, which was furious after the Muridke massacre, has demanded releases and justice from the government, warning of 'serious consequences' otherwise. Experts assess that this could prove to be the biggest threat of internal instability at a time when the country is on the brink of a border war with Afghanistan and is struggling with economic collapse.
On 13 October, violent clashes broke out between police and TLP activists during a pro-Gaza march in Muridke, near Lahore. According to official figures, 5 protesters were killed, but TLP claims that 400 to 600 activists were killed. This 'genocide' united the religious groups. The alliance includes other Sunni hardline organizations besides the TLP, which is known for its notorious aggression against the Ahmadi community. The major demands are as follows:
If the demands are not met, protests have been threatened across the country after the meeting to be held on October 22. Rallies and processions are planned in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Punjab government has banned all types of gatherings by imposing Section 144, but security forces have been kept on high alert.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a fatwa to the members of his party, PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), to support TLP and join the protests. Describing Muridke as a 'state-sponsored massacre,' Khan said, "The culprits should be punished; otherwise, the public will take to the streets." Protests have started at the district level of PTI, which is giving political strength to the alliance.
This support is making the alliance more dangerous, as TLP already has the backing of many political parties, religious leaders, and even the Afghan Taliban. Analysts believe that this can completely upset the military-political balance.
Pakistan is fighting a multi-front war, where the economic crisis is proving to be the most lethal weapon. Inflation is skyrocketing, unemployment is pushing youth onto the streets, and worries about repaying foreign debts are haunting. Other than this:
The Government of Pakistan has sent a recommendation for a complete ban on TLP to the Center. Punjab IG clearly said, "No group will take the law into their hands." But public support for the alliance is growing rapidly—sympathy for the TLP has multiplied in the past weeks. The Afghan Taliban has also offered support, further complicating the situation. Pakistan's 'defeat on five fronts' situation is a threat to regional peace. Indian officials are also expressing apprehension that this protest may take a violent form. The eyes of the world are on the meeting on October 22—will this alliance succeed in toppling the government?
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