As Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam boarded the plane to return home, hundreds of PMLN workers had been arrested in Lahore, Rawalpindi and elsewhere. Not content with having imposed Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the Punjab, the authorities resorted to such tactics which, simply put, are excessive. Moreover, this move ends up bolstering the PMLN narrative that provides that the latter is being targeted and outmanoeuvred in the electoral process. Sadly, those behind such moves have done away with the charade of pretending otherwise. This has prompted PMLN president Shehbaz Sharif to speak of “naked pre-poll rigging”. Similarly, his lashing out against the entire interim set-up — from the caretaker Chief minister to the Interior minister — as well as police officials is not unjustified.

This is a gross misstep by the law enforcement authorities. As is the sealing off the main arteries leading into and out of Lahore as well as important inter-city routes. After all, this violates the freedom of movement of the citizenry within national borders. And all because PMLN members wish to receive party supremo Nawaz Sharif when he lands in the country today. The former CM has given his word that the procession will be a peaceful one. Yet to no avail. The detentions were deemed necessary to avert a law and order situation.

All of which offers an unfortunate glimpse into the state of today’s democratic Pakistan. What is there to fear from the supporters of a thrice-elected Prime Minister who is returning voluntarily to face the music over his corruption conviction? After all, the Sharifs are — prima facie — abiding by the rule of law.

As things currently stand, the playing field is rapidly becoming uneven. If this situation prevails there is the real risk that the political forces will view the elections as unfair. If escalation continues, there is the added concern that the polls may not go ahead as scheduled. If this were to happen, it would be disastrous for the country; particularly given the economic crisis and need for a peaceful and legitimate transfer of power to a new administration come August.

The entire interim set up must act and order the release of all detained PMLN workers; and do so immediately. It is the job of those at the caretaker helm to ensure that the vote is conducted in as free and fair a manner as possible. And if it cannot deliver its own mandate it should hang up its gloves because those of us who believe in the true spirit of democracy are not interested in boxing-clever.

There is still time to reset this wrong. If that is, the transfer of civilian power is to mean anything at all. *

Published in Daily Times, July 13th 2018.