That's where you do not understand the meanings of politics i.e. "art of possible"...there are many ways to deal with a situation.. a dictator will do exactly what IK did but that's not how you deal with your own people. Remember, it is the same IK who have been calling for a dialogue with the hardcore terrorists of TTP who were really a minority and mostly of foreign origins and active killing both the army men and the civilians in the most gruesome manners. Why was he not tough on them? And now he is asking for using brute force against his own people... believe me ...if a snap elections happens today..PTI will lose the slim majority it has. You know multiple factors get coupled...poverty, religious activism and political opposition.. The wisdom lies in decoupling them...all of people are hurt over the anti-encroachment campaign (an excellent initiative and I'm all for that), inflation and bad economic situation, rising prices ...all have affected people badly and now this verdict comes and people are not educated enough to understand so they should be taught with love and respect instead of running on them with force...and you know what the bureaucracy is already in defiance mode thanks to the same judiciary who IK is defending.
I don't have a degree in politics, but I think I have a fair grasp of it.
PTI is confident it will see out 5 years. If PPP and PMLN saw out 5 years going from crisis to crisis, he will also see out 5 years. Who is going to call a snap election? Disqualified Sharif clan? Do you think Nawaz is going to let Shahbaz and Hamza take all the power? PPP who don't have a hope of winning anywhere?
PTI might lose seats but the opposition has nothing to gain - just 2 months ago they couldn't even agree on a single presidential candidate. In reality the opposition is politically weak, they are only able to play the underhand games right now. Their best bet is to keep up the circus for 5 years and hope PTI vote bank deteriorates.
As for his own people. TLP are not his own people, never will be. They are above all a political party. Those people who are on the streets today are the same idiots who think IK is a jew and believe Amreeka ordered the release of Asia Bibi. By sticking up to them he might lose the odd vote from PTI, but will gain from the pro army and liberal vote.
Also one of the big criticisms thrown at PTI was that they had never held government and were not experienced leaders. Cowering at this point would show that. By batting on the front foot, but engaging directly with the electorate PTI presents itself as an awami party and IK shows himself as a man in control.
At the time of the next election, nobody will remember it took 2 days or 2 weeks to take control of the streets, people will remember IK was the man who stood up for minorities against mullah gunda ghardi and won. It will enforce his credentials as a leader.
I dont think there is a mistake in this. He lead from the front and has given this narrative that all state institutions are working as one. Yes SC has given the decision but its Supreme court of Pakistan and not India from which the government of Pakistan can simply distance itself. Similarly if some molvi is saying that the army should throw its chief away, he is not talking about Indian army from which the government of Pakistan can distance itself. This is what was happening in the past when local as well as international players use to criticize our institutions specially the ISI and government of Pakistan who is also the spokesperson simply use to remain silent thus encouraging such people to continue their attacks and insults.
All these institutions are pillars of the state of Pakistan without which a state cannot function. So if somebody says Chief Justice is wajib-ul-Qatal or the army should throw its chief as he is a Kafir than its the job of the government to come forward and defend these institutions which is what IK did and we as Pakistanis should support him for taking a stand against this menace. Molvis have caused enough damage to Pakistan.
As for the opposition they have always been a gasti ka bacha and will continue to be. The good thing is that now the army is even more clearer who stands with Pakistan and its institutions and who is against them.
Very well said, a united front shows a strong state.
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