The political polarization in Pakistan is increasing rapidly, especially after the removal of Imran Khan’s government through a no-confidence motion. The ongoing battle of “Us vs Them” and “bad vs good politicians “have produced drastic changes in Pakistani society. Such irreversible changes due to such a bizarre phenomenon had damaged the very tolerant feature of Pakistani society.
There is fragmentation across the board due to such polarized politics, even the younger generation has been compelled to take sides of political parties on social media forums. However, this changing nature of politics will certainly shake the edifice of national unity and cross-provincial integration as it brings with it multiple negative elements which become toxic for societal development.
The major causes of political polarization or divisive politics are multifarious; however, one of the most prominent ones is the lack of political consensus. Even President Dr Arif Alvi, in his recent speech in the joint session of the Parliament urged the political parties for dialogue as the end of political polarization is the need of the hour.
There have always been acute differences between treasury benches and opposition on concerns of national importance. The intransigence of the country’s political leadership and the opposition’s unnecessary caustic remarks are the major factors responsible for such a lack of consensus. Hence, the prominent role of lack of political consensus in the genesis of political polarization cannot be rubbed under the carpet easily.
Similarly, the advent of abusive culture had also laid the foundation for polarized politics in our country. It has become a routine matter to watch vitriolic speeches made by politicians against their rivals and use indecent remarks which are always below the belt in nature. The sacrosanct institution like Parliament is also not free from such culture.
The political leaders of the country need to come forward to end this political polarization so can the country can move forward,
