As the sea of protesters advanced towards D Chowk in Islamabad, the “Lion of Punjab” had already labeled them as akin to the ancient hordes of Central Asian invaders ravaging Punjab – a veiled reference to Ahmed Shah Abdali, the most vilified historical figure in India termed as plunderer , as if Mughal Emperor Akbar’s own legacy had been forgotten, whose dead body was exhumed at Fateh Pur Sikri by Hindu zealots and his bones trampled under their feet.
Joining the Lion’s chorus , the Interior Minister openly blamed some of the protesters being hired Afghan nationals, in an attempt to create national security threat , in order to manipulate a stern response from the armed forces, while he could watch the country burn to ashes and also keep his own hands clean from any blood stains . A true politician showing true colour of a chameleon that changes as the situation change.
However, I witnessed unarmed teenage protesters in one of the videos circulating on social media, who were allowed without any resistance put up by the army to break through their cordon. This one wise move of tactical withdrawal by the Army under the orders of their wise commanders averted a serious law and order situation while also won the hearts of the protesters, who chanted slogans in the armed forces favour heard in public after a long time . This people-friendly gesture by sensible field commanders has given the country and its sovereignty a new lease on life, especially as the divide between the nation and the armed forces widened due to growing mistrust.
I hope and pray the same public – friendly spirit is displayed by the beloved armed forces in Lahore, much to the dismay of the vindictive CM Punjab. The CM seems hell-bent that the rest of the country is subdued through the barrel of the gun to enable her rule with an iron fist and reap the benefits of the IMF loan, for which the family have put everything at stake.
This wise act by the armed forces commanders will go a long way in reshaping perceptions, particularly in conflict-hit areas of Pakistan, where people feel they are being treated as commodities to be exploited by Western interests, fueling conflict that they view as state-sponsored rather than indigenous.
It’s high time to stop using brute force against our citizens to appease the ruling class, especially since the 11th October grand assembly of the Pukhtuns is unlikely to endorse the state’s oppressive methodology, which they see as madness.
This display of public-friendly gestures by the armed forces towards peaceful protesters will likely earn them more respect and glory, which they had previously sacrificed to gain favor with those who prioritize their own vested interests above Pakistan’s.Long Live Pakistan.