Patience, Justice, and Human Dignity — When the State Turns Its Guns on Its Own People

 Patience, Justice, and Human Dignity — When the State Turns Its Guns on Its Own People

By Shahid Ul Haq

In every democratic society, the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest is considered a cornerstone of citizenship. It is the foundation upon which democracy stands. Yet, in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, this right continues to be violated with alarming regularity. The recent crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers once again exposed how state power is misused against unarmed citizens — the same tragic pattern seen earlier in the Model Town massacre (2014) and the November 26, 2022 police violence against the workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

A Repetition of Injustice

In Model Town, at least 14 innocent people — including women and elderly citizens — were shot dead in broad daylight. To this day, justice remains elusive. Then, on November 26, PTI supporters faced brutal police action, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests during a constitutionally protected protest. Now, history repeats itself as TLP workers are met with live bullets and state aggression.

The question is not about political ideology anymore — it is about human rights and the sanctity of life. Why does every government in Pakistan resort to bullets instead of dialogue? Why are peaceful voices silenced instead of being heard?

Had the perpetrators of Model Town been punished, the tragedies of November 26 and the recent TLP incident would never have happened. But the powerful remain untouchable, while the powerless continue to bleed.

Imran Khan’s Principle of Solidarity

In a commendable gesture, PTI Chairman Imran Khan expressed solidarity with the TLP workers despite political differences, saying:

> “Our political differences remain, but oppression against anyone is oppression against us all. Every Pakistani must stand against injustice.”

This statement reflects the essence of moral leadership — when a leader stands with the oppressed, not because of political gain, but because of principle. Such gestures remind us that compassion and justice are above politics.

Islam’s Command Against Oppression

The Holy Qur’an commands:

> “And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire.”

(Surah Hud, Ayah 113)

And the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

> “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.”

When asked how to help an oppressor, he replied:

“By preventing him from oppression.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Islam leaves no ambiguity — oppression is forbidden, and standing silent before injustice is complicity.

The Government’s Moral and Constitutional Duty

In an Islamic democracy, the government bears a sacred responsibility to protect its citizens’ lives, honor, and freedom of expression. When the state itself becomes the aggressor, the very foundations of justice crumble.

The government must now take urgent corrective measures:

1. Judicial Commissions: Establish independent judicial inquiries into the Model Town, November 26, and TLP incidents. Hold all those — regardless of rank — accountable for the blood of citizens.

2. Accountability of Force: Bring to justice any officials who ordered or executed the use of lethal force against peaceful protestors.

3. Reform of Protest Laws: Redefine protocols for peaceful assemblies to ensure protection rather than suppression of citizens’ rights.

4. Political Dialogue: Encourage open, respectful dialogue among religious, political, and civil leaders to resolve disputes without violence.

Conclusion

A nation cannot be governed by fear, bullets, and tear gas — it can only survive through justice, compassion, and dialogue.

When a state turns its weapons inward, it erodes the very soul of its people.

The government must prove that it believes in both the Constitution of Pakistan and the teachings of Islam, by ensuring that every official responsible for these tragedies faces justice.

If it fails to do so, history will ask them — just as it asks the perpetrators of Model Town:

> “Why did you fire on your own people?”