Ruling Alliance Gears Up for Sit-In, Protesting Judiciary's Treatment of Imran Khan

• Introduction:

The political landscape in Pakistan has been marred by tension and controversy in recent days. The ruling alliance, known as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has announced plans for a sit-in outside the Supreme Court building. The protest is in response to what they perceive as preferential treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by the judiciary. This article will delve into the details of the planned sit-in and the reasons behind it. 

• The Background:

The PDM's decision to stage a sit-in came after the Supreme Court intervened in the case of Imran Khan, who was arrested on May 9 following an order from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The ruling alliance believes that the judiciary has displayed bias towards Khan, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the PDM, expressed his concerns about the Supreme Court's behavior during a press conference. 

• The Planned Sit-In:

The sit-in is set to take place outside the Supreme Court building in Islamabad, with the PDM aiming to send a strong message about their dissatisfaction with the judiciary's actions. Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that the Supreme Court should be the "mother of law" and not the "mother-in-law," implying that it should treat all individuals equally under the law. The ruling alliance has called upon its supporters from across the country to gather in Islamabad for a peaceful demonstration. 

• Attempts to Change the Venue:

The ruling alliance's decision to hold the sit-in outside the Supreme Court faced opposition from the government. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had requested him to meet with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and persuade him to change the venue. However, their efforts to convince the PDM chief to relocate the sit-in were unsuccessful. It was decided that the final decision regarding the venue would be made on Monday morning. 

• The PDM's Determination: 

Despite pressure from the government, the PDM remained resolute in its choice of venue. Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed on social media that the sit-in would be staged peacefully outside the Supreme Court. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party, which is a key member of the ruling alliance, released a statement affirming their commitment to the chosen venue, stating that the sit-in would continue indefinitely. 

• Awaiting Permission: 

While the ruling parties expressed their willingness to hold the protest outside the apex court, the application seeking permission from the relevant authorities was still pending as midnight approached. The participation of prominent leaders, including Maryam Nawaz of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Foreign Minister, is expected during the sit-in. 

• Conclusion: 

The planned sit-in by the ruling alliance in Pakistan, protesting the perceived preferential treatment of Imran Khan by the judiciary, highlights the deep divisions and tensions within the political landscape. As the sit-in unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and judiciary will respond to the protesters' demands. The outcome of this protest could have far-reaching consequences for the country's political stability and the relationship between the ruling alliance and the judiciary.