Lockdowns and Protests: A Governance Crisis in Pakistan

The repeated use of lockdowns in Pakistan to manage crises reflects a troubling governance pattern. Whether employed to control smog, suppress political dissent, or shut down the internet, these measures underscore a reliance on short-term fixes rather than sustainable solutions. Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country’s most popular political party, frequently employs protests and rallies as a core tactic to assert its political agenda. The rigid approaches by both sides have deepened the governance crisis in Pakistan, putting citizens in a deadlock, while both sides claim to represent the people better. This ongoing clash hampers governance and exacerbates the daily hardships faced by ordinary people caught in the crossfire. The ongoing government response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests reveals not only the limitations of this approach but also its profound social, economic, and political consequences.

PTI’s Never-Ending Protests and Pakistan’s Governance Crisis

PTI, under the leadership of Imran Khan, has undoubtedly become one of the most popular political parties in Pakistan, with a large and dedicated base of supporters. PTI’s leadership is skilled in leveraging this support to create significant political pressure, often framing itself as the true representative of the people’s will, especially in the context of challenging the political status quo and demanding accountability.

Protests have been central to PTI’s strategy since its formation in 1996. Notable protests include the 2014 Azadi March against Nawaz Sharif, the 2022 Azadi Marches, and the May 9, 2023 protests triggered by Khan’s detention. These events have compounded the governance crisis in Pakistan, undermining political stability.

In March 2024, PTI staged protests over alleged rigging in the February elections, accusing the government of tampering with election results. In September 2024, the party organized rallies demanding Khan’s release, despite clashes with police. Its protests often cause widespread damage to state property, including attacks on military installations, public buildings, and transport networks.

Despite PTI’s claim to be the representative of the common people, its tactics, especially during protests, have often undermined the interests of the very people it purports to serve. PTI’s protests, while mobilizing massive crowds, sometimes result in disruptions that harm public infrastructure and create significant inconvenience for ordinary citizens.

On October 4-5, PTI attempted a protest at D-Chowk for judicial independence, amid heightened security for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. On October 18, protests were held against the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.

The party has also tried to upset Pakistan’s relations with two of its important allies of Pakistan: Saudi Arabia and the USA. The recent controversy surrounding remarks by Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, about alleged Saudi involvement in his political downfall, and Khan’s accusations regarding American influence in his ouster, are its important manifestations.

Also See: A Grim Ten Days: Terrorism’s Resurgence in Pakistan

The Current PTI Protests: Demanding Justice Amid Political Deadlock

This time again, thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters are converging in Islamabad from different parts of the country for a major protest demanding the release of their leader and party founder, Imran Khan. PTI members and supporters are vowing to lay siege to Islamabad until their demands are met. These demands, put forward by Khan as “final call” on November 14, urged supporters to take to the streets on November 24 to protest against the “stolen mandate” of this year’s elections, “unjust arrests” of PTI leaders and activists and against the passing of a recent controversial constitutional amendment, which gave government oversight powers on appointment of judges in superior courts. Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and key aide Ali Amin Gandapur, who is the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, are leading a rally that has arrived just outside Islamabad on Sunday night, 24 November.

Government’s Response: Lockdowns and the Erosion of Governance

In response to the PTI’s call for a protest in Islamabad, authorities have deployed shipping containers to seal off the city since Saturday, 23 November. Major roads and highways linking Islamabad with PTI strongholds in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have been shut down to prevent Khan’s supporters from reaching the capital.

Moreover, thousands of supporters of Imran Khan have been detained by police. Shahid Nawaz, a security officer in eastern Punjab province, said on Monday, 25 November, that police have already detained more than 4,000 Khan supporters, including five parliamentarians.

These actions exemplify the challenges of governance in Pakistan, as reactive measures exacerbate the crisis rather than resolving it.

In recent months, the government has continued to impose measures like shutting down the city’s entry and exit points and enforcing internet blackouts. However, despite facing obstacles and amid clashes with police, the protesters have reached close to the boundary of Islamabad.

The Economic Toll of Protests for Pakistan

The PTI protests, with thousands of supporters converging on Islamabad, have plunged the capital into disarray. Roads are barricaded, businesses have ground to a halt, and the government has imposed widespread internet shutdowns. These protests highlight the governance crisis in Pakistan, where political instability directly hampers economic progress. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s estimate of 190 billion rupees in daily economic losses highlights the devastating impact on an already fragile economy. The disruption has rippled through trade and services, particularly harming small businesses. Businesses, including Islamabad’s bustling Aabpara Market, reported drastic declines in activity. Shopkeepers expressed frustration, urging both the government and PTI to resolve their conflict to end recurring disruptions. The government’s decision to block entry points from the night of 22 November caused widespread disruption to daily commutes and led to significant business slowdowns across Islamabad. The digital economy, a growing lifeline for many, has also suffered. Freelancers, IT professionals, and e-commerce businesses have faced significant setbacks due to internet blackouts. These actions not only stifle economic growth but also alienate a workforce dependent on stable connectivity.

For a nation grappling with economic hardship, such losses exacerbate the challenges of recovery, erode investor confidence, and tarnish Pakistan’s international image. For example, on 26 November, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to ensure respect for Pakistan’s laws and constitution as they work to maintain law and order.” He made these remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday. Additionally, Washington urged protesters to “demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence.“

Loss of Lives: The Human Toll of Pakistan’s Political Conflict

Both sides have been turning rigid as PTI workers have breached roadblocks and defied preventive measures, resulting in clashes with police and the latter has used tear gas to disperse protesters. Two police officers, including Constable Muhammad Mubashir Bilal, were martyred in the violence, allegedly attacked by protesters. Moreover, four Rangers personnel were also martyred after being run over on Srinagar Highway.

This tragic loss of life underscores the severe consequences of the governance crisis of Pakistan, where political conflicts directly affect public safety.

Despite warnings from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Bushra Bibi, leading one protest convoy, insisted on proceeding to D-Chowk. In response, the federal government deployed Army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution.

Constitutional Crisis: Legal and Political Consequences for Governance

Last week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that PTI’s planned protest was unlawful and instructed the federal government to take necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad, especially during the Belarusian president’s three-day official visit. The court referenced the recently enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, which mandates that anyone wishing to hold an assembly in Islamabad must submit a written application to the district magistrate at least seven days before the event. The court noted that no such application had been submitted by PTI, highlighting the party’s failure to follow the legal procedures for holding the protest.

Governance Under Siege: Political Instability in Pakistan

While the PTI has failed to adopt a constitutional course of action for expressing dissent, the government has also exhibited a “siege mentality” in response, a term used by Maleeha Lodhi to explain the current government’s mindset. Instead of addressing opposition demands through dialogue, the state has resorted to coercive measures—blocking roads, detaining thousands, and imposing constitutional amendments that erode judicial independence. Such heavy-handed tactics have weakened public trust in institutions, reduced parliamentary effectiveness, and intensified polarization. A government that views dissent as an existential threat cannot effectively govern. The current coalition, preoccupied with containing protests, has sidelined crucial policymaking and governance responsibilities. This distraction only deepens Pakistan’s political instability.

The Path Forward: Dialogue and Reform for Pakistan’s Governance Crisis

Lockdowns and repression cannot substitute for effective governance. Pakistan’s ruling coalition must abandon its reliance on such measures and instead engage with the opposition through meaningful dialogue. Political prisoners, including women, should be released as a confidence-building measure. The trials can proceed, but prolonged incarceration and excessive use of state power will only deepen public discontent.

The government must recognize that crises cannot be managed by silencing dissent. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering political dialogue are essential steps toward stability.

The PTI, for its part, must also respect the rule of law and channel its grievances through lawful means, refraining from actions that disrupt public life and economic stability.

The government and opposition must prioritize the nation’s stability and prosperity over their political battles. Only through compromise and dialogue can Pakistan move toward a more stable and democratic future.

SAT Editorial Desk

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South Asia Times

Lockdowns and Protests: A Governance Crisis in Pakistan