Organizations like the Tehrik-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have a history of hijacking public sentiment and transforming peaceful protests into violent demonstrations. Their methods often involve intimidation, property damage, and even physical violence. When activists and celebrities call for boycotts without fully considering this context, they inadvertently create a fertile ground for these groups to operate.

The recent attacks on KFC outlets in Pakistan on allegations the food chain has ties to Israel serve as a stark example of this dynamic. One KFC worker lost his life in a mob attack in the outskirts of Lahore last month and at least 11 incidents of arson targeting KFC outlets were reported in various cities. While the initial calls for boycott may have been intended to be non-violent, the subsequent actions demonstrate how quickly such movements can be co-opted by those with a more radical agenda. Such incidents are a chilling reminder that in Pakistan’s volatile landscape, even seemingly innocuous calls to action can be twisted into justification for violence and unrest.

Therefore, it is crucial for those advocating for boycotts to exercise extreme caution. While their intentions may be noble, they must acknowledge the very real risk that their words can be weaponized by extremist elements. Instead of broad, potentially inflammatory calls that can be easily manipulated, perhaps focusing on more targeted and strategically sound approaches would be more effective and less likely to endanger public safety.

For instance, Pakistan has the option to utilize international platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to seek justice for the Palestinian people.

The pursuit of justice abroad should not come at the cost of peace and security at home.

News Desk

dissenttoday.net

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The history of Pakistan is a series of crises. The country has been at odds with itself – in search of an identity – and with her neighbors, partly due to insecurities rooted in history. Pakistan is facing its worst crisis since 1971. Even after 75 years of its birth, it is politically unstable, economically poor, socially conservative, and internationally a perennial trouble spot.

Is there a way forward? This question has proved to be both controversial and elusive throughout history. And in 2023, this question has assumed existential importance. There is no dearth of solutions if one scans popular media or even according to some of its top economists. Pakistan’s media is very much an institutional participant of a corrupt and decadent status quo. Many individual journalists do an outstanding job and have helped create vibrant media that has played an important role in creating political awareness.

At the same time, myriad superficial and senseless TV talk shows – the staple of Pakistani primetime entertainment – continue to be the main platform for national political debates.

The electronic media is a microcosm of the power politics of the country’s venal ruling elites and is obsessed with political leaders and army generals in a rat race for revenues, which has left little room for serious or meaningful debate on national issues that are of relevance to the people.

Pakistan’s academic institutions of higher learning are not known for innovative research, academic freedom, or critical thinking. There are individuals who have distinguished themselves internationally but either research on national issues is not a priority for the universities or is of generally poor quality.

Given this context, we thought it would be helpful if some people who think, write, and care about Pakistan’s issues could pen down their thoughts and the collection of their articles could be published to generate and encourage debate on the issues that Pakistan faces.

Hence, we are publishing views of young activists, feminists, teachers, journalists, economists, doctors, lawyers, diplomats, and parliamentarians about Pakistan’s crisis. The main question they addressed was: Is there a way forward for Pakistan?

We believe that ideas matter and in the long run, intellectual capital if properly mobilized can make a difference.

Yousuf Nazar

The writer is former Citigroup Head of Emerging Market Investments, author and columnist. He worked with Benazir Bhutto during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy during 1977-81 as a student union leader.

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