If you stumble into the Twitter’s liberal stratosphere, you might predict with certainty that Pakistan would be the next Amsterdam. Unfortunately, the reality is that the far Left has failed to appeal to the mainstream due to the inherent contradictions in the positions of some of its leading voices.
A few examples from recent history, would hopefully lead to an introspection, allowing for a conversation that goes beyond accusations and help reduce the growing divide.
Let’s start with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). Liberal stalwarts like Tahira Jalib and Saleema Hashmi took part in a PTM rally in Lahore, to show solidarity and voice their protest against the heavy-handedness of the state. Similar support and sympathy was lacking for the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) after the incident in Model Town in which 100 people were injured by the Punjab Police.
Next, the case of liberal activist Jibran Nasir, who is known for filing cases against extrajudicial killings and missing persons. Unfortunately, when it comes to drone attacks that have killed thousands, no liberal activist has gone to court. In fact, it was Shahzad Akbar who won a verdict from the Peshawar High Court aimed at protecting the civilians of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) victimised by the horror of drone strikes.
Then came the bewildering stance of some on the Left, regarding the Panama Papers and Nawaz Sharif. In 2015, the New York Times published an article against the corrupt practices of AXACT that prompted a raid against the TV channel BOL. Many on the Left, like Babar Sattar, rightly called for stringent investigation and prosecution. But just a year later in 2016, when the Panama Papers were published by international news organisations, Sattar wrote articles defending the indefensible, stating the story put forward by the Sharif family was believable.
Lastly, no piece about the Left would be complete, without a mention of the courageous Asma Jehangir. Just before her passing, Jehangir went to court asking for a ban against the prominent TV anchor Dr Shahid Masood for fallacious reporting. Astonishingly, just a few years earlier, she had gone to court against the media ban on Altaf Hussain. A leader who spewed lies and spread hate. His speeches promoted violence and the attempt to get him back on the air, baffled the masses across Pakistan.
All of this does not point to a progressive movement in Pakistan. There have been many liberal voices, consistent in their stance on divisive political issues. Mosharraf Zaidi of Alif Ailaan was equally critical of the handling of political rallies, with respect to both PAT and PTM. Analyst Zahid Hussain did not spare BOL or the Sharif family on the issue of corruption. Hassan Nisar vehemently supported the ban against both Altaf Hussain and the anchors. Kashif Abbasi of ARY used his platform in defence of the victims of extrajudicial killings, be it through foreign drones or at the hands of the state.
In light of the above, the small but influential liberal community in Pakistan can continue to live in its echo chamber with a few English language newspapers and a couple of social media platforms, growing louder and not wiser. The Left in Pakistan does not understand criticism from their opponents, which could both broaden its appeal in the masses and increase harmony in society without sacrificing plurality.