BLAME-GAME POLITICS: UNDERMINING DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN BY TARGETING STATE INSTITUTIONS
Publishing date: 06 June 2024
Former Brazilian President Lula da Silva faced multiple corruption charges but remained a central figure in Brazilian politics, often clashing with judicial institutions. Similarly, Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi, entangled in numerous legal battles over corruption and tax fraud, frequently criticized the judiciary, framing himself as a victim of judicial overreach. In Ukraine, former PM Yulia Tymoshenko, after her imprisonment on charges of abuse of power, consistently challenged the legitimacy of the judicial proceedings against her, accusing state institutions of political persecution.
These leaders have taken a more confrontational approach, aiming to delegitimize state institutions to garner public sympathy and political leverage. By deliberately confronting state institutions and politics of blame-game, certain political factions in Pakistan display behavior reminiscent of immaturity. They seek to reconnect with the masses and advance their political agendas, mimicking the strategies employed by leaders in Brazil, Italy, and Ukraine.
In recent years, Pakistan’s political landscape has seen an increasing trend of political parties directly confronting state institutions to further their agendas. This confrontational approach has raised significant concerns about the stability and integrity of the country’s democratic processes. The aggressive tactics employed by these political groups threaten to undermine the foundational structures of governance, potentially leading to prolonged instability and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
Instead of engaging in constructive political discourse, they directly target state institutions. This approach, while it may generate immediate attention and sympathy, risks undermining the very foundations of the country’s democratic institutions.
The deliberately orchestrated protests, persistent refusal to accept decisions, and disinformation campaigns will ultimately undermine their political agenda in the long term. However, such maneuvers deviate from the principles of democracy, which thrive on pluralistic participation and diverse representation.
It is a fact that the blame-game politics has become endemic in Pakistan. Due to their sensational nature, political rivals’ committed and uncommitted actions are frequently the subject of media attention. Engaging in blame-game politics is not a recent phenomenon; in fact, it has been present since the inception of statecraft. However, the level of popularity it has achieved in present-day Pakistan is quite surprising.
There seems to be a lack of respect for individuals’ constitutionally protected privacy and the fundamental principle that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is often observed that very few highly publicized corruption cases against political opponents have been or will be substantiated in a court of law. Furthermore, the detrimental consequences of targeting state institutions extend beyond individual cases, posing a grave threat to the stability and progress of Pakistan.
Blame-game politics, a recurring phenomenon within democratic systems, perpetuates a cycle where politically vested interests relentlessly accuse one another of the nation’s problems and failures. This not only nurtures a divisive environment but also poses a significant threat to the stability and integrity of democratic institutions, as state entities become targets of such accusations. While this practice sparks debate and scrutiny, it ultimately erodes public trust in the functioning of democratic governance, hindering progress and collective action on pressing issues.
It is indeed a matter of grave concern that certain circles repeatedly target institutions to advance their political agenda. Amalgamated accusations are directed at armed forces and state institutions. Since a nation is only as powerful as its institutions, any effort to tarnish the reputation of institutions or erode public confidence in them must be resisted. The expression of complaints by individuals, organizations, and political parties is a valid entitlement; however, such expression must be conducted in a manner that is both lawful and respectful of others. Additionally, it has been noted that occasionally, fraudulent allegations are raised and emphasized through formal and social media platforms, followed by a U-turn or attempts to reframe the situation.
Inflammatory remarks are also being broadcast and highlighted by some media outlets without regard for veracity or verification. Hence, these media segments and journalists must abstain from disseminating “political and inflammatory narratives that specifically target state institutions and officials.” They should also strictly adhere to the guidelines set by PEMRA, which explicitly prohibits the discussion of matters that are currently under judicial consideration. Strict adherence to these guidelines by all individuals must be followed, as they align with the legal and constitutional provisions regarding the defamation or undermining of the reputation of institutions.
The mass media should demonstrate self-control while broadcasting unconfirmed accusations and counter-accusations as ‘Breaking News’. Similarly, TV chat shows should adhere to the same principle. Additionally, the political leaders of Pakistan must make a concerted effort to usher in a new age of progress and prosperity for the people of the country.
To foster better development in Pakistan, it is imperative to cease the detrimental practice of blame-game politics. This shift necessitates relegating the credibility of social media to a status akin to heresy and implementing laws to combat disinformation on social media. By doing so, the nation can refocus its energies on constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, thus paving the way for genuine progress and advancement.
The pervasive culture of blame-game politics and the targeting of state institutions in Pakistan present significant challenges to the stability and integrity of its democratic processes. To overcome these challenges, leaders must prioritize constructive dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and combat disinformation on social media. By fostering transparency and mutual respect, Pakistan can move towards a more prosperous future.