In a pursuit to ensure the victory of the establishment chosen candidate, others are being targeted by the authoritarian Pakistan regime by registering fake cases against them. In the latest development, Ali Wazir, the former member of National Assembly and PTM activist has taken it to twitter to raise the concern over the undemocratic and authoritarian actions of the establishment, working under the commands of Pakistan Army, regarding the upcoming general election.

He said that other than the specific candidates, the others are being targeted, their offices are being closed and banners are being taken down. Highlighting the case in Upper Waziristan, he said that his and Alamzaib’s office in Miranshah, Khaisor, and Chaghmalai have been targeted in a similar way and the FIR has been registered.  

It is no hidden fact that elections in Pakistan are not a democratic way to select a candidate but a process to establish a military chosen candidate in a democratic looking way. Ali Wazir has been a member of National Assembly and targeting him like this speaks volume about the democratic and transparent elections. The only reason that he and people of similar caliber are targeted is because they challenge the hegemonic and totalitarian control of the Pakistan Army and have a dissenting voice. As Pakistan Army thrives on the precarious conditions of its own people, it is impossible for any development-oriented, rights-oriented and eventually people-oriented representatives to be on the same page. And as they align with the cause of people, Pakistan Army feels the nerves with their candidature that could potentially alter the outcomes of their scripted election façade.

In the midst of ongoing protests against the extrajudicial killing of Baloch youth and a march condemning the Baloch genocide, the Baloch Solidarity Committee (BYC) recently convened a conference in Islamabad. Zubair Shah Agha, a central committee member of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), delivered a fiery speech condemning the Pakistani establishment’s stance on key figures and expressing concerns over the human toll of the so-called “war on terror.”

Addressing a rally session, Agha sarcastically remarked on the Pakistani establishment’s labelling of various figures as traitors, including Bacha Khan, Manzoor Pashteen, Ali Wazir, Mehmood Khan, Samad Khan Achakzai, Akhtar Mengal, Attaullah Mengal, Mahrang Baloch, and Sammi Deen Baloch. He humorously added, “I think Mama Qadeer Baloch has been a traitor for at least 15 years,” highlighting the establishment’s tendency to dismiss dissenting voices.

Agha criticized the Pakistani establishment, asserting that it operates with a mindset dominated by generals adorned with stars on their shoulders. He argued that any dissenting voice is swiftly labeled as anti-constitutional and traitorous, emphasizing the absence of a true constitutional framework in the country.

BYC Conference: Agha speaks with facts

Agha asserted that Pakistan’s economy intricately ties itself to the “war on terror,” relying notably on external aid. He accused both terrorists and the Pakistan Army of contributing to the massacre of Pashtuns. Agha challenged official figures, claiming that the actual number of Pashtuns who have lost their lives in the conflict surpasses the reported 80,000 and could exceed one lakh.

Moreover, Agha raised concerns over the disappearance of 20,000 youth, with PTM confirming 8,000 cases. He questioned the whereabouts of these missing individuals, citing instances where construction activities revealed the remains of young people beneath the ground. Agha expressed skepticism about the establishment’s commitment to resolving these issues, accusing them of prioritizing violence to maintain their financial interests.

In conclusion, Agha highlighted the economic underpinnings of the ongoing conflict, stating that if the “war on terror” were to end, those in power would struggle to maintain their luxurious lifestyles abroad due to a lack of financial support. The Baloch Solidarity Committee’s conference in Islamabad sought to shed light on these pressing issues and call for justice and accountability in the face of alleged human rights violations.

In a disconcerting development, the Darul Ifta at Jamia Uloom Islamia Banauri town has issued a fatwa against voting for Hindu candidate in the upcoming general elections, citing an inability to fulfill Islamic law requirements. The fatwa specifically addresses the candidacy of Hari Ram Kishori Lal in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, and advises Muslims not to vote for a Hindu candidate. Notably, Hari Ram Kishori Lal is a PPP candidate for the Provincial Assembly from PS-45 (Mirpurkhas-I). 

This raises profound concerns as it challenges the democratic rights of individuals in a country with a Muslim majority. Such religious edicts not only undermine the principles of democracy but also reveal the deep-seated bigotry within radical clerics in Pakistan. What is particularly striking is the selective application of these fatwas, as these so-called religious experts conveniently remain silent on the matter of accepting votes from non-Muslims.

It is ironic that while these clerics advocate for political participation by individuals from religious minorities, they deny reciprocity by discouraging Muslim voters from supporting minority candidates. This hypocritical stance exposes the underlying bias and raises questions about the true essence of inclusivity and democratic values within certain segments of Pakistan’s religious leadership.

This discriminatory mindset is not only a disservice to the principles of equality and freedom but also perpetuates a cycle of religious intolerance that hampers the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities.