The toppling of the Hasina Wajid government in Bangladesh as a consequence of massive and violent protests helped me arrive at a clear-cut view regarding what has been happening in Pakistan.
Earlier, my inclination was the same as the presently held firm view: When to try to topple a government? My answer is: Never!
In political philosophy, the issue of civil disobedience is of paramount importance.
That is, when it is fine to try to stand against a government.
And what circumstances justify the launch of a civil disobedience movement against a government?
Now I unequivocally hold this view: in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, a government must never be pushed to the wall by any means or in any manner.
By countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, I mean the countries where constitutional rule is not deeply entrenched.
The military establishment in such countries always waits in the wings to grab the opportunity.
Tolerate a democratic government even if it transforms itself into an authoritarian regime. Yes, keep on tolerating it.
You want to be in government? You want someone sent out of the government?
Wait, wait, and wait. Keep on waiting.
If you don’t tolerate and wait, you will strengthen anti-democratic forces. Eventually, the same forces will work against you when you happen to come and be in government.
This has to stop at some point. Stop it now.
You are free to criticize and oppose a government. And you are free to try to send someone out of the government, but you must never resort to any unconstitutional, violent, or unethical struggle against a government.
All the constitutional, peaceful, and moral ways are open for your recourse.