Tens of hundreds of the supporters of The Pakistan Democratic Movement ( PDM) have arrived in Islamabad in busses and vans while thousands of others are expected to reach anytime tonight following the call of a peaceful protest by their leaders.
Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have reported as many as 20000 to 35000 political workers were expected to arrive in Islamabad by May 16, 2023. Islamabad Capital Territory management was falling short of making security arrangements to keep the protesters at arm’s length from damaging infrastructure however, heads of all the political parties which are a part of PDM, have assured the Islamabad district management that protesters would not take the law into hands and that it’s going to be a peaceful protest.
Pakistan Army called to maintain law & order after five killed in clashes
The PDM leadership has made it loud and clear that thousands of the supporters of PDM are coming only to lodge a protest against Pakistan’s Supreme Court for giving relief to former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
“ It’s going to be a peaceful protest against the behavior of top judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Maulana Fazalur Rehman, chief of PDM said.
The political landscape of Pakistan has been marked by constant power struggles and conflicts between different branches of the government. In recent times, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has become a focal point of controversy and contention. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of opposition parties, has vehemently protested against the decisions and actions of the Supreme Court. This
The PDM was formed in September 2020, uniting various opposition parties to challenge the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. One of the key grievances of the PDM has been what they perceive as the judiciary’s alleged interference in political matters. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, as the highest judicial authority in the country, has been involved in several high-profile cases and judgments that have stirred controversy.
Reasons for PDM’s Protest
Alleged Judicial Overreach: The PDM accuses the Supreme Court of overstepping its constitutional boundaries by encroaching upon the domain of the executive and legislative branches. They argue that the court has assumed a role that infringes upon the principle of separation of powers, undermining the democratic process.
The politicization of the Judiciary: The PDM claims that the judiciary has become politically biased, favoring the ruling PTI government. They argue that certain decisions, such as the disqualification of opposition politicians or the release of government officials involved in corruption cases, have been influenced by political considerations rather than legal merits.
Selective Accountability: The opposition coalition alleges that the Supreme Court has shown leniency towards the ruling party while adopting a stricter stance towards opposition figures. This perceived bias undermines public trust in the judiciary and raises concerns about the impartiality of the judicial process.
Implications for Democracy
The PDM’s protests against the Supreme Court raise significant concerns about the health of democracy in Pakistan. A robust and independent judiciary is crucial for a well-functioning democracy, ensuring checks and balances, protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law. However, if the judiciary becomes entangled in political controversies, it risks losing public trust and credibility.
The protests highlight the need for comprehensive judicial reforms to address the grievances of the opposition and restore confidence in the judiciary. Transparency, accountability, and a clear demarcation of powers are essential to ensure the fair and impartial functioning of the judiciary. The PDM’s demands for reforms include the depoliticization of the judiciary, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and the creation of an independent commission for the appointment of judges.
Bloody Protests damage property worth 250 m PKR
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest sparked a series of violent protests, causing widespread damage to public and private property estimated at Rs250 million. The Rawalpindi police have arrested 76 suspects allegedly involved in the attack on the General Headquarters. During the three days of violence, armed individuals burned down the DPO Industrial Area office and targeted several police stations.
The protests resulted in the destruction of 12 vehicles and 34 motorcycles, while miscreants also seized weapons and riot gear from the police. A total of 564 suspects have been arrested so far, and 26 cases have been registered. The capital police are using CCTV footage and videos to identify the culprits and are urging the public to cooperate by providing any relevant information.
In Rawalpindi, 264 suspects have been apprehended, including 76 believed to be involved in the GHQ attack. The police have conducted raids and produced 26 suspects with covered faces during a press briefing. The arrested individuals are being investigated, and efforts are underway to trace the planners and instigators of the violence.
The police have vowed to take action against those responsible and are making arrests based on solid evidence. A special committee has been formed to investigate cases related to sensitive institutions. It is worth mentioning that only a small number of Imran Khan’s supporters participated in the protests despite his call for nationwide demonstrations.
Conclusion
The protests launched by the Pakistan Democratic Movement against the Supreme Court of Pakistan are rooted in concerns over alleged judicial overreach, politicization, and selective accountability. While the judiciary plays a vital role in upholding democracy, it must maintain its independence and avoid being drawn into political battles. Reforms aimed at strengthening the judiciary and addressing the opposition’s concerns are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring a healthy democratic system in Pakistan. Only through open dialogue and constructive engagement can the country move towards a more balanced and effective governance structure that respects the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law.