The “explosion” that has taken place in Pakistani politics at the moment is in front of everyone. With the passage of time, the mores of intolerance in politics are reaching extreme levels. This growing trend of political intolerance is very regrettable. The history of bad tactics usage in Pakistani politics is very old. Nowadays, political differences have turned into personal differences. The politics of accusations, gossip by political leaders has never been the case before but now we see such incidents every day. In this regard, major political parties have played a key role. In his last speech, Prime Minister Imran Khan had also mentioned that MaulanaFazlurRehman, the leader of JamiatUlma-e-Islam (F), was given the title of “Diesel” by PML-N leader Khawaja Asif.
There have been many such examples in the past. Former President RafiqTarar (late) was “addressed” by Asif Ali Zardari as “Briefcase Maulvi”. The PML-N called former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto a “Yellow Taxi” and former First Lady Nusrat Bhutto an “indescribable” abuse. Khwaja Asif also “awarded” the title of ‘Tractor Trolley’ to PTI National Assembly Member ShirinMazari in the National Assembly session. When PML-N central leader RanaSanaullah was in the PPP, he called former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz” taxi” and he also used very foul language about her husband Captain ® Safdar Awan. It is on record that the PML-N leaders called former President Asif Ali Zardari” Mr. Ten Percent”. From day one of Imran Khan’s Prime Ministership, MaulanaFazlurRehman made serious allegations against him as a “Jewish agent” without any proven evidence. An even more ironic fact that occurred in the past is the pictures of Benazir Bhutto were printed by a formerPrime Minister and dropped off by helicopter in different cities. In this age of social media, intolerance and calling each other by bad names has intensified and in this regard, the “educated” workers of PTI have also played their awful role.
Political leaders are role models for the general public. The common man follows his leader and these leaders play the central role of “seminary” for the training of their voters and political activists. If these Leaders use abusive language about other politicians, then why would their followers stay behind them and follow them? A practical example of political intolerance was seen a few days ago in which a JUI-F activist threatened to assassinate Prime Minister Imran Khan. Why a political activist reaches this pathetic point? Because he is repeatedly provoked for the country’s elected Prime Minister is”selected” and “Jewish agent.” This intolerant attitude of political activists is very sad and dangerous. Behind this growing trend of intolerance is the attitude that politicians adopt when speaking out against their opponents at political rallies.
This hatred in political opposition and extremist behavior has fostered a culture of intolerance in Pakistani politics. Political leaders have a role to play in eradicating this negative trend. As leaders of the nation, politicians have a huge responsibility to train their workers ethically and make them aware about differences in political opinions is the beauty of democracy. It is a fundamental right of every party, but it does not mean that it is necessary to go beyond the bounds of politeness under the guise of differences. Political workers learn a lot from their leaders. Therefore, political leaders should not take a negative stance in political opposition while speaking during rallies or talking to the media. Instead of using abusive and immoral language in their speech, political opposition can also be made by choosing better words. There are many polite ways to express our feelings against any individual or against the policy of any party. No party should allow its leaders and workers to engage in immoral speech and indecent acts against other political opponents. If negative and immoral attitude in politics is not immediately condemned and eradicated then time will not far when it’ll be difficult to control and maintain healthy democratic opposition in the Pakistani Political arena.
