By: Saqib Hussain
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana
Santayana’s warning serves as an apt reflection on recent event in Pakistan, where the country appears to be retracing the steps of its troubled past. From 1979 to 1988, General Zia-ul-Haq ruled Pakistan with an iron fist, ushering in one of the most repressive periods in the nation’s history. Zia’s tenure was characterized by his efforts to reshape Pakistani society through an aggressive program of Islamization. His policies systematically targeted intellectuals, journalists, and activists, who were seen as threats to the regime’s conservative vision. Many intellectuals and writers found themselves imprisoned or forced into silence, while some fled the country to escape persecution. Women’s rights, too, suffered a significant rollback under Zia’s rule. The Hudood Ordinances, introduced during his regime, restricted women’s rights and curtailed their role in public life, effectively limiting their freedom and reinforcing patriarchal norms. This dark chapter of history may seem distant, yet recent events demonstrate that the legacy of repression continues to influence Pakistan’s socio-political environment.
The recent police assault on the Rawadari March outside the Karachi Press Club reveals an alarming parallel to Zia’s authoritarian tactics. This peaceful protest, which brought together intellectuals, artists, writers, and various civil society groups, was organized to highlight the growing threat of religious extremism in Sindh and to demand justice for Dr. Shahnawaz Kumber, who was allegedly killed illegally encounter under accusations of blasphemy by the Sindh Police. The Rawadari March aimed to draw attention to these pressing issues and called for an end to the persecution of individuals under dubious charges of blasphemy. However, instead of allowing the protest to proceed peacefully, the Sindh police responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting participants, including prominent writers and activists, and infringing on their basic rights. This response starkly underscores the precarious state of democracy and freedom of expression in Pakistan, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to upholding civil liberties. Rather than engaging in a democratic dialogue with its citizens, the government’s reaction echoes Zia’s era, when dissent was forcibly silenced rather than acknowledged.
The crackdown in Sindh becomes even more troubling when considering the political context. The province is governed by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which has historically prided itself on being a champion of democracy and civil rights. The PPP has deep roots in the struggle against military rule, and its leaders, particularly Benazir Bhutto, emerged as symbols of resistance during Zia’s dictatorship. The PPP’s legacy includes a rich history of standing up for democracy, often at great personal cost, with leaders and activists enduring imprisonment, exile, and even assassination. Yet, the attack on the Rawadari March raises difficult questions about the party’s current stance. While the PPP may have stood against dictatorship in the past, its governance in Sindh now faces accusations of employing tactics disturbingly similar to those it once opposed. This incident illustrates a painful irony: a party that built its identity on resisting authoritarianism is now overseeing actions that suppress freedom of expression and assembly.
The historical parallel becomes even more apparent when considering the broader issue of religious extremism. During Zia’s rule, Pakistan experienced a wave of Islamization that altered the country’s legal and social landscapes. Zia introduced laws that gave religious institutions greater influence over public life, fostering an environment that encouraged religious intolerance. This framework has persisted, often exploited by various groups to target religious minorities and dissidents. The recent crackdown on the Rawadari March reflects how these deeply entrenched attitudes towards religious extremism continue to impact Pakistani society. The participants of the march, which included intellectuals and civil rights activists, were advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant society, free from the specter of religious extremism. The violent response to their protest suggests that, despite the passage of time, the mindset that equates religious conservatism with national identity remains disturbingly prevalent. The reaction from the authorities in this instance echoes the way Zia’s regime often framed opposition as a threat to religious and national unity, thereby justifying its repressive measures.
The attack has also reignited concerns about Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with blasphemy laws, which have often been used to target minority communities and settle personal scores. Dr. Shahnawaz Kumber’s case highlights the urgent need for reform in how such accusations are handled. The allegations of a staged police encounter under blasphemy charges reveal a troubling pattern where the accusation of blasphemy can lead to extrajudicial actions. This situation is eerily reminiscent of Zia’s era, when the state could justify almost any action under the guise of protecting religious sanctity. The use of blasphemy as a tool for suppression has not only endangered individual lives but has also stifled open debate and discussion, which are essential components of a healthy democracy. The Rawadari March sought to address these issues by advocating for justice and highlighting the misuse of blasphemy laws. The violent suppression of this peaceful demonstration sends a chilling message about the state’s willingness to use force to silence calls for reform.
To move beyond this legacy of repression and truly uphold its democratic values, Pakistan must take concrete steps to ensure that history does not continue to repeat itself. Firstly, there should be an immediate, transparent investigation into the actions of the Sindh police during the Rawadari March. Holding those responsible for the violence accountable is critical for rebuilding public trust and showing a commitment to democratic principles. Legal reforms are also urgently needed to protect the rights of peaceful protestors, with specific legislation that outlines and limits police authority during demonstrations. Furthermore, the PPP must confront its role in this incident and recommit to the democratic ideals it once championed. Engaging with activists and intellectuals in open dialogue, rather than through suppression, is essential for fostering a political culture that values diversity of thought.
Additionally, Pakistan needs to address the issue of religious extremism head-on. Educational initiatives that promote interfaith harmony and tolerance should be implemented across the country, particularly in regions like Sindh, where tensions are high. Public awareness campaigns that counteract religious intolerance and emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion can play a vital role in reshaping societal attitudes. Reforming blasphemy laws to prevent their misuse is also necessary to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that accusations do not lead to extrajudicial actions.
Only by confronting these issues directly and committing to a future that values democratic freedoms can Pakistan hope to break free from the cycle of repression that has marked its past. If the country fails to learn from its history, it risks remaining trapped in a perpetual struggle against the very authoritarianism it once sought to overcome. In this context, it is crucial for both the government and civil society to work together to promote a more just and democratic society, where the rights to free expression and assembly are not just protected but celebrated.
The writer is a freelance columnist
