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Rolling Back Democracy 19 Nov 22
Rolling Back Democracy 19 Nov 22
Rolling Back Democracy 19 Nov 22
In a move that benefited the PTI immensely, the Islamabad High Court struck
down the Peca amendment as well as the part of Section 20 of Peca that
criminalised the causing of damage to someone’s reputation, with jail time for
the offence. Had the ordinance still been in place, the FIA’s role would have
been abused to take action against PTI leaders and supporters for criticising
the military and the government on social media.
The cabinet’s nod to a controversial amendment to the FIA schedule sets an
appalling example of political leaders not learning from history.
In this context, the current move by the government once again shows an
attempt to make it easier for the state to act against criticism, especially on
social media, where information and hashtags proliferate swiftly and manage
to have an impact on politics.
What happened with PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati is a case in point. The FIA
allegedly took action against him within a few hours of his tweet criticising the
army chief. The FIA raided his house, humiliated him, picked him up, and
enabled his torture, as described by Senator Swati.
This took place despite the FIA not having the legal authority to take such
action, as the agency requires prior approval for legal action from the federal
cabinet (as long as Section 505 is not part of the FIA schedule). Senator Swati
was also recently blackmailed via a widely condemned recording of his private
moments with his spouse.
Section 505 of the PPC is a colonial leftover that empowers the police to take
action, subject to warrants from the courts. Adding it to the FIA schedule
empowers the agency to take action without warrants against those it deems to
have tried to incite a mutiny, including on social media.
All political parties need to agree on the red lines regarding their relationship
with the establishment rather than become tools in covering up its excesses of
power, as witnessed in Pakistan’s history.
We have learnt the hard way the extent of damage caused to fundamental
rights. Moreover, it is an affront to honest, hardworking, taxpaying and vote-
casting Pakistanis who go to the ballot with the hope of having the ability to
shape their future.
Let us respect the struggle of those who sacrificed so much so we can enjoy
dignified freedoms and rights, rather than roll back democracy.