[thread/rant on #PDM] #APC2020

There is no disagreement with the shortcomings of PPP/PML-N leadership, the country has suffered under their facade of democracy as well. But let there be no confusion that civilian supremacy in any shape or form is better than a military regime.

Being anti-establishment is more democratic in nature than being pro-establishment. We are living in repressive times, there is a state within (and above) the state which continues to shape national and foreign policies, which continues to wage war in the name on terrorism,...

...which continues to silence dissent and censor media, which continues to reward itself for torturing, abducting, killing and disappearing citizens of this country. Under these circumstances, it is extremely dangerous for Pakistan to continue towards full-blown fascism.

Yes, there can be several things that can be pointed out in the charter of #PDM e.g. there is not a single point that’s specific to the question of women. There is no mention of sectarian divides or right-wing extremism. One can point out a thousand flaws but one also needs...

...to take into account the political reality before jumping the guns to slam one movement or the other.

Keeping the above in view, any initiative that can even create the smallest of space for political freedom & is against the military/hybrid regime is a positive development.

Even a flawed opposition can come together to push for a progressive or even a semi-progressive space. I'm only welcoming this in hopes that as it "might" create a space for political freedom & democracy. It *might* push back the army a little into their barracks. It “might”...

...lift media censorship. It “might” be the step towards putting a leash on enforced disappearances. Even a little freedom will be better than this fascist state. It's a long struggle for all of us. For women, for Pashtuns, for Balochs, for Sindhis, for Shias, for Ahmedis,...

...for all ethnic and religious groups, for the working classes. For all of us. Even a small step in this long and tedious struggle can be considered as a ray of hope, that's all I'm saying. I won’t be too optimistic but I will consider it a positive development.

As far as engagement with pro-puppets goes, I dont think there is ever any space to have a conversation with youthiyas because of the holier than thou attitude so I’ll just end my rant by reiterating that, blind support isn't patriotism. Dissent is. I rest my case.
#PDM #APC2020