Dear Readers,
The political climate in Pakistan reached a critical point on November 26, as protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters spilled into chaos in Islamabad’s Red Zone. The use of state resources, including cranes and heavy machinery from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to remove barriers and enter the city, was a glaring misuse of power. This disruption coincided with the state visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, an occasion meant to enhance bilateral ties and promote Pakistan’s image on the global stage. Instead, the streets of Islamabad became a theatre of political unrest, undermining the country’s efforts at diplomacy.
Compounding the embarrassment, wrappers of Brazilian tear gas discovered at the scene suggest that professional agitators came prepared to provoke and challenge law enforcement. PTI’s allegations that law enforcement opened fire on protesters lack credible evidence. The city’s lockdown in anticipation of this unrest inflicted severe economic damage, amplifying the public’s frustrations with ongoing political instability.
Amid these troubling developments, the need for dialogue is more urgent than ever. Encouragingly, there are signs of flexibility from both the government and PTI, with back-channel contacts and calls for negotiations emerging. However, meaningful dialogue requires maturity and restraint from all parties. PTI must abandon preconditions that risk stalling negotiations. Political differences should not be settled through disruptive street protests or calls for foreign intervention, as these undermine national sovereignty and public trust.
The events of November 26 are a stark reminder of the costs of political intransigence. The PTI’s grievances must be addressed through structured and peaceful dialogue, not through spectacles that harm the nation’s economy and international reputation.
As the nation grapples with economic challenges and political uncertainty, there is no greater need than for sanity to prevail. Dialogue, not discord, is the only path forward. Both sides must seize this opportunity to demonstrate leadership and put the country’s well-being above partisan interests. The citizens of Pakistan deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Editor-in-chief
Saira Bano
The writer is a SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) UN Global Champion and a dairy value chain professional.
