Boycotts, Bullets, and Black Vigos: A Story of Resistance

The Competing Narratives in Pakistan

As I sit back, pondering the current state of affairs in Pakistan, it feels like we are riding an emotional roller coaster. Right now, there are at least three major narratives competing for control in the country, and each one affects us differently. One is the narrative coming from the government, another is from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and somewhere in between is the army, trying to figure out its own position amidst this chaos.

The Boycott of Military Products

One key thing stands out: the growing frustration over the boycott of military products. It all started when shots were fired at D-Chowk, a protest site in Islamabad, and Imran Khan questioned, "Why was the bullet fired?" This incident spurred public resentment towards the military, triggering a movement to boycott army-affiliated businesses. People see it as a form of protest, a statement that they're tired of being manipulated by various powerful forces.

While the government seems to enjoy this growing resentment toward the military, I can't help but feel that our army is being put in an impossible position. They’re carrying the government's burden, and it makes me wonder—why should they? The ruling party, especially PML-N, has been playing a game that pits the army against PTI supporters, using every opportunity to escalate the tension.

The Political Blame Game

The result? Everyone’s cards are being laid bare. The government tries to make itself look better while also ensuring that people blame the army for the mess. PML-N aims to eliminate PTI's influence and get the military out of the political scene. However, in doing so, they’ve exposed their own vulnerabilities.

Forced Disappearances and Public Fear

The common man's frustration doesn’t end there. The notorious black Vigo vehicles—synonymous with forced disappearances—still haunt the streets. No one feels safe. It’s a common belief that these disappearances have the army's hand behind them, but leaked details are pointing more toward PML-N's involvement. I mean, how much longer can the army prop up a government that’s dragging it down?

Faisal Vawda's Meeting with Bilawal

Recent rumors of Faisal Vawda meeting Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari caught my attention. This is significant because Vawda was, until recently, one of Bilawal’s harshest critics. It makes me wonder, is he looking to switch sides? And more importantly, whose voice does he really represent? It all points towards an emerging alliance—a shift where PPP could become the bridge that connects the estranged factions and perhaps even replace PML-N as a political player of choice.

The Metaphorical Divorces Needed

Then comes the term “divorce,” thrown around in political discussions lately. This isn’t about Imran Khan’s personal life but rather a metaphor for the separation needed to save Pakistan. The belief is that Pakistan needs two divorces: one from Imran Khan, in the sense of getting him out of this political mess, and the other from PML-N, to rid ourselves of their exploitative grip. If that happens, PPP could emerge as the sole player left standing.

The Political Chess Game

It’s like a political chess game, with each party trying to outsmart the other. The PML-N seems confident that PTI and the army will continue their public spat, allowing them to slip away unnoticed. They even parade narratives of economic growth, boasting about the stock market soaring. But let’s face it—what about the common man? Inflation hasn’t gone down, and people are struggling to make ends meet. The stock market may be flying high, but ordinary folks aren’t reaping any benefits. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

Maryam Nawaz's Remarks and Hypocrisy

Maryam Nawaz’s comments about cleaning up the “political garbage” struck a nerve. By "garbage," she meant PTI, but it’s insulting to the millions who support them. Those supporters are the real victims here, having their voices silenced and their votes rendered meaningless. The establishment seems to have had enough of PML-N’s antics and is now focusing on sidelining them before turning its attention back to PTI.

What amazes me is the hypocrisy. On one hand, government officials claim that the establishment and PML-N are on the same page, while on the other, they do everything to malign the military behind closed doors. The establishment knows it, too, and is looking for ways to solidify PPP’s role while cutting PML-N loose. PPP, under Bilawal, has played its cards smartly—pushing for amendments and staying relevant without getting its hands dirty.

The Plight of PTI Supporters

The most disheartening aspect of all this has been the treatment of PTI supporters. The D-Chowk incident, the lies, the false accusations of protesters carrying nail-studded sticks—none of it sits right with me. Even Islamabad police had to tweet out clarifications, trying to distance themselves from the wrongful arrests of Pashtuns, labeling them troublemakers without cause. It's almost as if the deeper you dig, the clearer it becomes that the truth was manipulated.

Awakening and Resistance

The silver lining? People are waking up. Islamabad police officers reportedly refused to serve on the protest day—some even facing repercussions for their refusal. That’s how fed up people are with this sham. They don’t want to be part of the deceit any longer. The government can laugh it off, make fun of PTI's claims, and spread their propaganda, but a change can be sensed. People are tired. The common man is tired. No amount of lofty stock market numbers will convince someone struggling to put food on the table that things are getting better.

Changing Winds

The current political scenario reminds me of the famous phrase, ' You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time.' The establishment is realizing this, too, and that’s why we see them reconsidering their alliances. The winds are changing, and only time will tell what these shifting dynamics will mean for Pakistan.

A Hope for the People

Until then, I’ll keep watching, hoping that somehow, amidst all this turmoil, the true essence of Pakistan—the people—emerges victorious. May Allah guide us all.