The silence surrounding Sharif's resurgence, despite the ominous signs of media suppression, political imprisonments, and manipulated allegiances, paints a picture of a global political stage fraught with contradictions

By Barrister Raj Abdul Qadeer 

In the grand theater of politics set for the upcoming General Election scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024, the unexpected return of Sharif reads like a chapter from a geopolitical suspense novel, filled with idiosyncrasies and shadowy maneuvers. As the plot thickens, a murky narrative unfolds, revealing a scenario where the restoration of Sharif to power is accompanied by a symphony of silenced media, incarcerated leaders, and political allegiances in flux.

On the political stage, it seems to be a tale of 'out of the frying pan and into the fire,' with the purported suppression of dissent becoming a leitmotif of his return. The once-vibrant media landscape now resembles a silenced orchestra, where independent journalists find themselves abruptly off-air, their pens replaced by an eerie silence dictated by the powers that be, and the legal process associated with this comeback lacks transparency and adherence to established procedures, casting doubt on the commitment to upholding the rule of law—a foundational element of any fair and just society.

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and a political stalwart, now languishes in jail, ensnared in a web of what seems to be nothing short of a political vendetta. The use of Al-Qadir, Cypher, Tosha Khana, and other fake cases as a tool of suppression mirrors a global trend where leaders find themselves entangled in a legal labyrinth designed not for justice but for political expediency.

The plight of thousands of political workers, including women, behind bars, adds a distressing chapter to this narrative. The iron grip on dissent extends beyond political figures, encompassing grassroots activists who dared challenge the status quo. The political landscape, rather than being a forum for discourse and debate, becomes a battleground where the casualties are those who dared to dream of a different political reality.

As the general election approaches, the political chessboard becomes a stage for abductions and changing loyalties by hook or by crook. Opposing political leaders find themselves not just in ideological battles but literal ones, with abductions and disappearances becoming tactics in the lead-up to the elections. The shifting allegiances, reminiscent of a high-stakes poker game, add a layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous political climate.

This scenario draws parallels with global instances where power plays overshadow democratic ideals. The international community, often vocal in its condemnation of human rights abuses, seems to wear a diplomatic blindfold in this case. The echoes of concern are hushed, reminiscent of a geopolitical 'see no evil, hear no evil' approach that raises questions about the consistency of international principles.

In the intricate dance of global politics, where nations often juggle strategic interests with ethical considerations, the silence surrounding Sharif's return speaks volumes. It echoes the sentiments of realpolitik, where the pragmatic pursuit of self-interest takes precedence over the lofty ideals that nations profess on the world stage.

The silence surrounding Sharif's resurgence, despite the ominous signs of media suppression, political imprisonments, and manipulated allegiances, paints a picture of a global political stage fraught with contradictions. As the world watches this drama unfold, it remains to be seen whether the final act will be one of justice and accountability or a chilling precedent for the erosion of democratic values on an international scale. The script is still being written, and the world holds its breath, awaiting the resolution of this complex geopolitical thriller.

Amidst this geopolitical turmoil, the detrimental impact on the country's stability, economy, and the well-being of its people cannot be overstated. The suppression of dissent and the erosion of democratic norms are not merely political maneuvers; they have far-reaching consequences that permeate every aspect of the nation's fabric.

The harm inflicted upon the economy, with instability becoming the new normal, casts a dark shadow on the prospects of prosperity and growth. The impact on the people, from political workers languishing behind bars to ordinary citizens living in an atmosphere of fear, is a stark reminder that the repercussions of these actions extend far beyond the political arena.

In this political labyrinth, where shadows of autocracy threaten to extinguish the flame of democracy, one can only hope that the resilience of the people and the spirit of democracy will prevail. As the nation navigates this treacherous terrain, the stakes are not just political; they are deeply intertwined with the very foundations of a thriving, stable, and democratic society.

The road ahead may be uncertain, but history reminds us that the power of the people to shape their destiny is an indomitable force. As the saying goes, "The darkest hour has only sixty minutes," and it is within these minutes that the true strength of a nation emerges.

*Raj Abdul Qadeer is a Barrister based in Islamabad. He can be reached through twitter @rajaqadeer

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times