Religious parties stoke tensions in Pakistan

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A protest demonstration by religious parties near Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad has taken an ugly turn, disrupting daily life.

The protesters belonging to right-wing religious parties including Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) and the Tehreek-i-Khatm-i-Nabuwwat and the Sunni Tehreek Pakistan (ST) are demanding the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid.

They are also calling for an action against those behind the amendment to the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat oath, relating to a candidate's belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad, in the Elections Act 2017.

Fearing a backlash, the parliament swiftly reversed the amendment, announcing that the amendment was a "clerical error" and has already been rectified.

Into a third week now, the protesters have rejected the call of Islamabad high court to end the sit-in, which has virtually paralyzed the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, bringing all sorts of activities and life to a standstill.

Educational institutions, businesses and government offices are being affected.

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To prevent their entry into Islamabad's high-security zone, known as the Red-Zone, the government has placed shipping containers on entry and exit points to the federal capital, adding to the misery of the residents.

It all began several days ago, sparked ostensibly by the controversy surrounding the amendment to the Elections Act 2017.

The call for the sacking of the law minister was made following the amendment.

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The government, already weakened by the corruption charges against its leaders is avoiding locking horns with the religious groups.

But pressurized by millions of residents of the twin cities, the government gave several deadlines to the protesters.

Their leaders were threatened with consequences, and the government did not rule out an operation.

Thousands of police and paramilitary troops have cordoned off the area.

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Several small-scale clashes between police and the protesters have been reported, but the administration is avoiding a big showdown.

Protest demonstrations have also been reported in other cities across Pakistan, and it is feared that a full-fledged operation may result in repercussions.

Speculation is rife that the whole drama was orchestrated to divert the country’s attention from the corruption cases against the disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members.

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Experts believe that the government's show of restraint is a right option, but there must be a more concerted and skillful effort to engage with the protesters so that the tension could be reduced.

Another meeting between representatives of the TLY and the government ministers has failed to provide a meaningful breakthrough, as the protesters continue to demand the law minister’s resignation.