Philosophy of Gate No. 4

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, the head of the Awami League, an ally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, is a politician with unparalleled experience. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has a unique reputation for his loud claims, unfulfilled predictions, and statements full of political spice.

Bright examples of Sheikh Rasheed’s presence in the federal cabinet can be given from the recent past as well as the distant past, and his statements seem to be filled with new terms and predictions with each passing day.

Recently, Sheikh Rasheed stated, “I always supported Gate No. 4, but I got a devil’s eye. During the “Chela”, cases were filed against me in cities I have never been to, and the effects of the “Chela” are still not over.

Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that no one can understand the direction of the country’s politics; the people will decide, and the people are wiser than the politicians. He expressed his anticipation for Nawaz Sharif to face challenges.

In the field of politics, Sheikh Rasheed is not the first to mention Gate No. 4. The reference to Gate No. 4 of GHQ is frequently heard from many political leaders, signifying the perceived role of the establishment in politics.

Addressing a public meeting in Malakand in March 2022, Chairman PPP and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that he would not go to court wearing a black coat and would not knock on Gate number 4.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized, “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto has taught us that the source of power is the people, so with the power of the people, we will drive away the puppet.” However, in April 2022, Imran Khan was removed by a no-confidence motion. Whether it happened with the support of Gate No. 4 or not, the public’s support was not considered.

Nevertheless, it can be asserted that the people’s representatives formally united and removed a Prime Minister for the first time in the history of the country under the constitutional procedure, creating a new and unique historical moment.

The focus here is not on whether Imran Khan was a good or bad prime minister. Instead, it is on Gate No. 4, which is frequently mentioned by current politicians and political analysts.

Gate No. 4 is also referenced in an article by Imran Yaqoob Khan published on a local daily’s website, where he stated, “The establishment has taken a principled decision to close Gate No. 4.” If Imran Khan desires electoral reforms, he will have to set aside ego and engage in negotiations.

The philosophy of Gate No. 4 implies that if one seeks the path of negotiations and assistance from the establishment, they can go through Gate No. 4. However, the establishment has blocked that path.

Considering PTI’s allegations and ISPR’s responses after Imran Khan left power, it seems that Gate No. 4 has indeed been closed. Nevertheless, its far-reaching and long-term impact on domestic politics cannot be denied.