Battle for Democracy: A Civilian Uprising Against Judicial Control and Erosion of Fundamental Rights in Pakistan

The current protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad represent a critical juncture in Pakistan's political landscape. These protests arise in response to proposed constitutional amendments that many fear will undermine the independence of the Supreme Court. Central to these protests is the widespread sentiment that the amendments are being rushed through by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa before his term ends, potentially eroding the judiciary's autonomy and consolidating government control over the courts. PTI supporters, including law-abiding citizens, view these amendments as a direct attack on the country's democratic foundations.

The protests have paralyzed much of the state's functioning, as the city has been blocked with hundreds of containers and checkpoints while PTI workers attempt to rally at D-Chowk. This movement aims to mobilize citizens to prevent these constitutional changes, which many believe will pave the way for further autocratic measures. The government's response has been heavy-handed, with restrictions on PTI's assembly rights, raising concerns about the violation of constitutional guarantees like freedom of speech and assembly.

In a broader context, these protests reflect deep-rooted frustrations with the state's current trajectory. From economic decline to increasing authoritarianism, citizens fear that the crisis may worsen without meaningful change. Amidst these challenges, there is also fear that the ethno-nationalist and religious extremist forces could gain traction, further destabilizing the country. This protest, therefore, is more than just about PTI or Imran Khan, it represents a struggle for the soul of Pakistan and its democratic integrity.

From Akora Khattak to Iowa: My Journey from Global UGRAD Participant to Environmental Advocate

 From Akora Khattak to Iowa: My Journey from Global UGRAD Participant to Environmental Advocate

"My journey from a small town in Pakistan to becoming a global citizen started with the Global UGRAD Pakistan program. Growing up in Akora Khattak, I had dreams but never imagined the doors that would open when I was selected for this life-changing exchange program. The experience was more than just a trip to the United States—it was a journey that would transform me as a person, as a student, and as a leader.

The moment I stepped into Iowa, everything felt different—the vast fields, the open skies, and the cultural diversity on campus. Coming from a town like Akora Khattak, this new world seemed daunting at first. I asked myself: How would I adapt? How could I represent my community, my country, and the values I grew up with in a place so far from home? But soon, I found that despite our differences, the core of human connection remained the same. People were kind, welcoming, and just as curious about my story as I was about theirs.

My time in the U.S. made me realize that the Global UGRAD program was not just about attending classes and fulfilling academic requirements. It was about personal growth, cultural exchange, and stepping out of my comfort zone. The program encouraged me to see the world from new perspectives and to think critically about the global challenges we all face. And while the academic learning was valuable, it was the real-world exposure that made the most impact on me.

I vividly remember the day I gave a presentation about Pakistan to my classmates. It wasn’t just a routine task; it was an opportunity to share my culture, my heritage, and the beauty of my homeland. Standing there, in the heart of Iowa, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride—representing not only Pakistan but also Akora Khattak, my roots, and the stories that shaped me. That moment encapsulated everything the Global UGRAD program was about—cross-cultural understanding, respect, and the exchange of ideas.

It was during this time that I started to notice a new passion emerging within me. My interest in environmental issues grew, sparked by various sustainability workshops and discussions on campus. Living in a community like Akora Khattak, where agriculture is deeply intertwined with daily life, I had seen how climate change affected livelihoods. But it was only through my UGRAD experience that I started to understand the global scope of these issues. Climate change wasn’t just about melting ice caps and rising temperatures—it was about people, communities, and the future of our planet.

Returning to Pakistan, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. Global UGRAD had taught me not just about leadership and advocacy but about the importance of taking action. The environmental issues I had learned about in the U.S. were impacting my own community. I could no longer stand by as a bystander. Inspired by what I had learned, I founded a youth-led climate advocacy organization aimed at addressing these pressing challenges at home. We started small, organizing local initiatives, but soon, our efforts grew. We held the province’s first-ever youth green festival and a successful youth camp in Swat Valley. These were not just events—they were platforms for young people to engage, learn, and take ownership of their future.

This transition from being a Global UGRAD participant to an environmental advocate wasn’t without its challenges. Leading a grassroots movement required patience, resilience, and the ability to bring people together. But the skills I had gained during my exchange—communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity—were instrumental in navigating these hurdles. I learned how to engage with communities, listen to their concerns, and build trust, much like I had learned to do while adapting to life in the U.S.

Looking back, I realize how pivotal Global UGRAD was in shaping my path. It didn’t just give me an education; it gave me a mission. It opened my eyes to the power of youth-driven initiatives and the potential for global cooperation in solving local problems. The program gave me the confidence to take my ideas beyond the classroom and into the real world, whether through environmental advocacy or leadership in community projects.

For those of you considering the Global UGRAD Pakistan program, I want to share this: it’s more than just a scholarship. It’s a platform for self-discovery, a chance to represent your country, and a journey that will challenge you to grow in ways you never thought possible. You might start this program as a student, but you’ll emerge as a leader, an advocate, and a change-maker. Global UGRAD shaped me into an environmental advocate, but your journey could lead you to any number of paths that make a difference.

Take the leap. Apply for Global UGRAD. Trust me, the experiences, the lessons, and the opportunities you gain will last a lifetime. You never know where this journey might lead, but I promise, it will be worth it."

Unwavering Resolve: The Case for the soul of the Nation

 

Dawn, Pakistan's leading newspaper, features a poignant yet imaginative portrayal of the 2024 election, with Imran Khan dominating the political scene while subtly positioned in the background.

Over time, I've been contemplating whom to vote for in the next general elections. Despite occasional disappointments with the previous government led by Imran Khan, I've been delving into the intricacies of governance and the will to reform. I've weighed the pros and cons of established legacy parties. As time has passed, I've come to realize the immense impact of COVID-19 on the globe, especially in South Asia. Understanding the challenges of a cash-strapped country like ours, I've started to appreciate how well we've coped with such a calamity, showing resilience amid difficulties.

There have been anguishes, but overall, there was a sense of optimism, especially inspired by the leadership at the top, which exuded confidence and a clear sense of direction. Admittedly, Khan's government had been weak and dependent on allies. While in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) the situation hasn't been as dire, Khan must have learned that dealing with blackmailing politicians requires a firm stance rather than appeasement. Reflecting on figures like Pervaiz Khattak, their betrayal might have been deeply hurting.

Then came the no-confidence moment, a notorious event in our history. It seemed like all forces had aligned to remove one man from the scene. Despite valiant resistance, led by the party often dubbed as the "burger party," Khan faced vehement opposition. Constitutional supremacists rose against him, reducing his narrative to conspiracy theories when he claimed the regime change was externally orchestrated by internal players—a claim vindicated over time.

As Khan rallied the masses, becoming a potent threat, the gloves came off gradually. Pressure mounted on him to relent, yet he persisted, fighting within the bounds of the constitution. However, his right to protest was curtailed, and state machinery was mercilessly employed against his supporters. Journalists reporting on regime brutalities faced persecution, with some forced into exile.

Despite facing over 200 bogus cases, Khan remained resolute, demanding fair trials. The turning point came on May 9th, when he was unlawfully dragged from court premises, sparking a chain of events that led to tragic fatalities among peaceful protestors. Blame was shifted onto Khan, providing an easy route for those seeking to counter his mass support with naked force.

Many protestors were coerced into apologies, while others faced relentless persecution. This crackdown, enabled by bought commentators and activists once vocal for the rule of law, became a grotesque spectacle, with words losing their meaning. Even those who despised Khan begrudgingly saved face with token tweets, as press conferences unfolded in dramatic fashion.

The crackdown on dissent became absurd, with erstwhile champions of justice and constitution remaining conspicuously silent, enabling the brutality unfolding in broad daylight.

During these crackdowns, over 10,000 political workers were unjustly jailed without trial for months. They were relentlessly pursued, and their families faced harassment. Many party members endured unimaginable horrors during this time. Women were forcibly removed from their homes, and even children were not spared. Journalists disappeared without a trace. Political leaders began to change their stances intermittently, following the infamous "software updates," a term that has been strangely glamorized despite its sinister implications. It's not a matter to be taken lightly—people vanish, enduring unspeakable torture in harsh cells, only to reappear with altered political loyalties. This should have been vehemently resisted, but those who claim to champion civilian rights remained silent. Human rights organizations joined the fray very late, much like our law enforcement agencies often do after crimes are committed.

Throughout these events, international capitals wielding global power turned a blind eye. Khan was anathema to them due to his pursuit of an independent foreign policy that prioritized Pakistan's interests above all else. Then came a time when media outlets began to silence the name of Imran Khan under the influence of extremely powerful forces. They became monotonous and steadily lost legitimacy, much like the so-called civilian supremacists. It became clear to those who had already transitioned to social media why electronic media was declining.

Meanwhile, the man in the cell, popularly known as Prisoner 804, remained undeterred. He was presented with difficult choices—leave the country or hand over the reins of the party to a more favorable figure—but he refused. He opted to resist and face the sham trials. One by one, convictions were handed down in kangaroo courts. The masks came off the faces of so-called favorite judges, once touted as mavericks. Their televised proceedings only revealed the mockery of justice, as the whole nation witnessed the election symbol being snatched from Khan's PTI, a fundamental right of the people according to Article 17 of the constitution, with widespread consensus.

The Election Commission displayed bias and a stunted approach in dealing with this particular party. Their internal affairs were scrutinized microscopically, revealing a judiciary acting as both judge and executioner, with orders originating from elsewhere. This drama persisted in the trial courts, where a secretive and biased trial aimed at convicting the country's most popular leader unfolded. He was convicted and once again became a prisoner, not of any crime, but of conscience. His character was tarnished through a farcical case, and he was convicted of a crime he never committed. His family, including his wife, was also dragged into this sordid affair. However, the masses never bought into this scheme; his approval ratings only increased as the elections approached. With the highest penetration of cellular phones, Pakistanis were well aware of the events through independent journalism.

Amidst the circus, Election Day has arrived, and here I am. I am voting for the constitutional supremacy of civilians and the rule of law in our country. Defeating Khan would mean betraying the dream envisioned by the founder of our nation. This is a betrayal I am not willing to concede, hence my vote for Khan.