Banning Political Rallies In Pakistan Makes No Sense

Following an old script that should be in some colonial dust bin, the Punjab Government has decided to ban the reception, rally on Asif Zardari’s arrival at the Lahore Airport. That this is an undemocratic act is obvious but it is also pretty foolish.

It leaves a trial of perceptions that burnishes PPP’s populist credentials and makes the government look autocratic and scared. It is difficult to understand what purpose such bans serve over than improving the image of those who are planning the rallies.

It is one thing to feel scared if the opposition is using streets power to launch an agitation but why worry if a politician wants to make a splash by getting a crowd to receive him? Particularly a military backed government has little to worry.

 

 

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