Spokesman Report
islamabad:Political power struggles often drive protests in Pakistan, where leaders may exploit public discontent to undermine rivals or distract from their own failures. For example, protests initially focused on issues like inflation or governance can quickly become platforms for political rivalry. This manipulation tends to shift the narrative, diverting attention from genuine grievances to political maneuvering. In the lead-up to elections, protests may be strategically organized or supported by political parties to rally support. Politicians might exploit social issues to mobilize specific voter bases, framing protests as efforts to champion the rights of marginalized groups. However, once the electoral goal is achieved, their commitment to these issues may diminish, leading to disillusionment among the constituents who initially rallied for change.
More recently, the violent protests and repeated calls for demonstrations by the Awami Action Committee in AJK also appear aimed at fostering negativity and hate. The Awami Action Committee has transformed into a pressure group focused more on political interests than on representing public concerns. Its agenda appears self-centered, emphasizing personal gain and self-promotion. Reports indicate that one leader of the Awami Action Committee, arrested on charges of robbery, was attempted to be forcibly released by its leadership without going through the proper legal channels. This incident illustrates how the Awami Action Committee seems intent on masking its misdeeds behind a facade of activism. Similarly, the leadership of PTI in Pakistan also seems disconnected from the country’s real issues and the needs of its citizens. They are desperate to gain power by any means, showing little concern for the harm they may cause to the country in pursuit of their selfish goals. PTI’s first sit-in in 2014 aimed to disrupt the visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan, while more recently, they planned to attack Islamabad during the SCO Summit, diverting attention from the significance of this event for Pakistan. The SCO is a crucial forum for international cooperation and a platform to raise awareness about the Kashmir issue globally. By choosing to protest during such an important time, they appear to align themselves with the agendas of those opposed to Pakistan, potentially undermining the Kashmir liberation movement.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001, focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation in the Eurasian region. Pakistan became a full member in 2017, making the SCO a vital platform for Islamabad, offering numerous opportunities. Membership strengthens Pakistan’s ties with key regional players like China, Russia, and Central Asian nations, which is crucial for countering Western influence.
By engaging with the SCO, Pakistan can align more closely with countries that share its strategic interests, enhancing its diplomatic leverage. The SCO promotes regional connectivity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which improve infrastructure and trade routes, facilitating economic integration and establishing Pakistan as a regional hub for trade and investment.
Engagement with the SCO allows Pakistan to balance its relationships with major powers like China and Russia while maintaining strategic autonomy. This multilateral approach can help Islamabad navigate complex geopolitical challenges. The SCO’s emphasis on economic cooperation can enhance trade relations among member states, providing Pakistan with access to new markets and investment opportunities, especially in agriculture, energy, and technology. By fostering economic ties within the SCO framework, Pakistan can diversify its trade partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional markets, engaging in initiatives that promote collaboration across various sectors. Increased cooperation in areas like energy resources, transportation, and infrastructure development can foster greater economic stability and growth for Pakistan and its neighboring countries. The SCO can act as a platform for Pakistan to engage in development projects with other member states. Collaborative initiatives in fields such as water management, agriculture, and technology transfer can bolster Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development and enhance the living standards of its citizens.
A key objective of the SCO is to promote regional security and combat terrorism. For Pakistan, which has faced significant challenges related to extremism and terrorism, participation in the SCO offers an opportunity to collaborate with member states on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, and the adoption of best practices in security governance. The SCO has shown a strong interest in the situation in Afghanistan, especially following the Taliban’s return to power. Pakistan’s participation in the SCO can enhance its role as a mediator in Afghan affairs, promoting stability in the region. A stable Afghanistan is crucial for Pakistan’s own security and economic interests, making SCO membership particularly significant. The SCO focuses on cooperative security mechanisms and peacekeeping initiatives, allowing Pakistan to contribute to and benefit from collective efforts to maintain regional peace and stability while addressing shared threats.
This SCO summit was especially important for Pakistan—not only because it was hosted by the country, but also due to the current challenges Pakistan faces. The financial crises and terrorism issues are critical concerns that require international cooperation. Those who impose restrictions on securing such international support for Pakistan cannot genuinely be considered its well-wishers.
A major problem in Pakistan is that some leaders exploit the populace as “human shields.” In the political arena, the ethical responsibilities of leaders are paramount. Unfortunately, some politicians resort to manipulative tactics, using their constituents as shields to deflect attention from their own wrongdoing. The term “human shield” traditionally refers to using civilians to protect military targets from attack. In a political context, it describes the tactic of placing vulnerable communities in precarious situations to deter criticism or scrutiny.
The people of Pakistan and AJK are increasingly discerning between good and bad leaders and are no longer easily deceived. There is a pressing need for strict action against those elements and groups that spread hate and chaos for their own interests and the agendas of our adversaries.
