The D-Chowk dharna has unfurled the ugly face of Pakistan politics. The PTI’s much hyped dharna created a lot of noise but ended in tragedy. Its supporters raced through the length of Islamabad and stayed at D-Chowk for two days before the law enforcing agencies cracked down on them, forcing them to abandon their protest and flee for safety. Government spokesmen declared victory of sorts after the dispersal of PTI workers, while the party has accused the government of using firepower against peaceful protesters.

The days since the crackdown have witnessed claims and counterclaims about the actual number of casualties at D-Chowk. While PTI leaders say that more than a dozen and according to some other versions over twenty workers were killed in the firing in the blacked out vicinity, while PML-N ministers deny that there were any casualties as a result of the crackdown. A slanging match is on between the two sides but the matter can only be settled through the findings of a judicial commission which is yet to be formed.

In the meanwhile, a state of tension and uncertainty has gripped the country with the KP chief minister vowing revenge and holding out threats of another dharna anytime soon. On its part, the government sits smug as in its reckoning the PTI has been taught a well deserved lesson. This is what is called politics of the absurd. Politics is the art of the possible and both those in the opposition and those holding the reins of power are trying to play it wrong. Violence in politics by any party never pays nor the use of overwhelming state power to crush peaceful protest. No wonder, although the mainstream national media has tried to play down what happened on the fateful night of November 26, the international media has reported widely on the mayhem that took place. In any case, the event has not gone to burnish the image of Pakistan abroad.

While the controversy about the number of deaths on the night of November 26 goes on, the leadership of PTI is divided on how to deal with the aftermath of dharna. The party seems to be split between hawks and doves. There are also clear signs of a leadership struggle between Imran Khan’a wife Bushra Bibi and his sisters. The role of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also come under criticism from within the party. With Imran Khan in jail, the party is in a state of disarray and not in a position to mount another challenge to the ruling party in the foreseeable future.

But the government side too is not acting with the kind of wisdom and maturity expected of it at a critical juncture in national politics. Voices are being heard from inside the ruling party demanding a ban on the PTI. If past history is any guide, this will be a monumental blunder by the government. In the past all such bans proved abortive because a party which is popular among the people cannot be eliminated through administrative action or legal orders. We know what happened in the case of the NAP and the PPP in the past. These parties not only survived under a new banner but also returned to power. There has also been lately some loose talk by some ruling party leaders about imposing governor’s rule in KP. This will be akin to adding fuel to fire. Already the people of KP are aggrieved because of the harsh tactics used by the centre against the PTI and its leader. Governor’s rule in KP will push the situation beyond redemption.

This is all the more so in the case of the PTI. For ill or for good, the PTI enjoys the support of a large majority of people as evidenced by the FEB 8 election. Although the iconic symbol of the bat was taken away from the party, voters all across Pakistan came out in large numbers to vote for Imran Khan. The disappointing performance of the ruling coalition is a big factor in the growing popularity of Imran Khan who has emerged as a symbol of opposition against the current status quo under which the general public is suffering badly from inflation, unemployment and rising poverty whereas a small elite class has captured all levers of power and pelf and pursuing a callous agenda of self aggrandisement.

After the D-Chowk debacle, the PTI high command should sit down and introspect what went wrong and how they can recoup their political capital to mount a serious challenge to the ruling coalition which has not endeared itself to the people by its various acts of omission and commission The first thing the PTI leadership needs to do is to eschew the politics of dharna and confrontation and engage in a peaceful political process to come to power. Without doubt, it enjoys overwhelming support from the people in the country and if it plays its card with patience and restraint, it is sure to achieve its goal sooner than later.