By Farman Ullah
In recent years, the phenomenon of violent protests has become an increasingly contentious issue in Pakistan, exacerbated by political tensions, economic crises, and rising social inequalities. Protest, by its very nature, is a powerful tool for citizens to express dissent and demand change. However, when protests turn violent, the consequences extend beyond the immediate physical destruction to create long-lasting political, social, and economic repercussions.
The Origins of Violent Protests in Pakistan
Violent protests often emerge from a volatile combination of public frustration, poor governance, political polarization, and the inability of the state to address citizen grievances. Pakistan, with its history of political instability, economic distress, and deeply divided social fabric, is particularly vulnerable to such unrest. What may start as a peaceful demonstration seeking justice or rights can quickly escalate into violent clashes with law enforcement agencies, property damage, and even loss of lives.
One of the most significant recent examples of violent protests came in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ouster in April 2022, when his party, PTI, launched large-scale protests across Pakistan. These protests, initially peaceful, turned violent in several locations, leading to clashes with the police, widespread destruction, and significant loss of life. PTI’s political rise was fueled by its anti-establishment rhetoric, and after Khan’s removal, PTI supporters believed that the move was orchestrated by the establishment to curtail Khan’s influence.
PTI’s Protests: The 2022-2023 Saga
The PTI, once a leading political party, became embroiled in a series of protests following Khan’s removal from office. On May 9, 2023, a particularly intense day of protests erupted after Khan’s controversial arrest on corruption charges. PTI supporters took to the streets in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad, leading to violent confrontations with security forces. Protestors attacked government buildings, including the Jinnah House in Lahore, and attempted to storm key military installations. The violence was widespread, resulting in dozens of casualties and hundreds of arrests.
The intensity of these protests reflected deepening political divides in Pakistan. PTI leaders accused the military of engineering Khan’s removal, while the government and security forces viewed the protests as an unlawful challenge to Pakistan’s democratic institutions. The violent clashes on May 9 were among the worst in recent history, with protesters targeting military assets and state properties. The violence disrupted the fragile political balance and led to severe ramifications, both domestically and internationally.
The violence also created a new dimension of hostility between PTI and the military, which had long been seen as a powerful player in Pakistan’s politics. The targeting of military infrastructure signaled a shift like political protests, from being purely anti-government to anti-institutional. The repercussions of this level of violence are still unfolding.
Political Repercussions: Fragmentation and Polarization
The violent protests led by PTI and the political instability they generated have had far-reaching consequences. One of the most prominent repercussions is the further fragmentation of Pakistan’s already divided political landscape. The violent protests not only alienated PTI’s traditional support base but also created a backlash from the general public, who felt that such actions destabilized the country. A portion of the Pakistani electorate began to distance itself from PTI, with increasing calls for political dialogue and peaceful means of protest.
In the aftermath of violent protests, the political discourse in Pakistan became more polarized. The government, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has accused PTI of inciting violence, while PTI has vehemently denied these charges, asserting that the protests were a result of the unjust actions of the political establishment. The rising political tension further hampered the prospects of consensus-building, which is essential for addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges.
Moreover, the instability contributed to diminished confidence in democratic processes and institutions, with many citizens beginning to question whether Pakistan could ever achieve stable governance. The ongoing protests risked plunging the nation into even deeper turmoil, with little hope for immediate resolution.
Social Repercussions: Erosion of Trust in Law and Order
Violent protests also have devastating social consequences. In places where protests turned violent, local communities suffered due to damaged infrastructure, lost livelihoods, and the widespread fear of further unrest.
Economic Repercussions: A Worsening Crisis
The economic fallout from violent protests is often severe, especially in a developing country like Pakistan, which is grappling with multiple economic challenges. The destruction of public and private property during violent protests is a direct blow to economic productivity, while the uncertainty created by ongoing unrest discourages both local and foreign investments. Businesses are forced to shut down, transport routes are disrupted, and tourism is affected. Such disruptions lead to inflationary pressures, which further exacerbate the financial challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
In the case of PTI’s protests, the negative impact on Pakistan’s economy was evident. Industries were crippled, and the economic recovery that Pakistan was striving for post-COVID-19 pandemic became even more elusive. The PTI protests led to damage in key infrastructure projects, and several sectors were forced to absorb substantial financial losses, further pushing the country toward economic instability.