Silencing critical voices — how Sharifs and Zardaris fooling the nation together on PECA amendments?

In a nation already grappling with shrinking democratic spaces, the recent passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill has exposed the political elite’s relentless efforts to silence dissent and consolidate power. At the heart of this controversy are two of Pakistan’s most influential political dynasties — the Sharifs and the Zardaris—whose actions have laid bare their shared agenda of muzzling critical voices while presenting themselves as champions of democracy.

The PECA Amendment Bill, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari earlier this week, has been widely condemned as a draconian tool to suppress freedom of expression. The amendments empower the government to criminalize online dissent, impose harsh penalties for “defamation,” and target journalists and activists under the vague pretext of combating “fake news.” While the bill has sparked nationwide protests, the role of the Sharifs’ Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Zardaris’ Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in its passage has raised serious questions about their commitment to democratic values.

The PML-N, led by the Sharif family, has a history of using legal and extra-legal means to silence critics. During its tenure, the party was accused of manipulating laws to target political opponents and suppress media freedom. Now, as part of the ruling coalition, the PML-N has thrown its weight behind the PECA amendments, signaling its willingness to continue this legacy.

Similarly, the PPP, led by the Zardari family, has played a dubious role in the passage of the bill. Despite its claims of being a progressive force, the party voted in favor of the amendments in the National Assembly, only to later join journalists in protesting against the very same legislation. This blatant hypocrisy has not gone unnoticed, with critics accusing the PPP of trying to appease both the government and its voter base.

What makes this collaboration between the Sharifs and Zardaris particularly insidious is their ability to manipulate public perception. Both families have long positioned themselves as defenders of democracy and human rights, yet their actions tell a different story. By supporting the PECA amendments, they have demonstrated a shared interest in protecting their political and economic interests at the expense of fundamental freedoms.

Journalists and activists have been quick to call out this charade. “The Sharifs and Zardaris are two sides of the same coin,” said a senior journalist who wished to remain anonymous. “They talk about democracy and freedom, but their actions show they are more interested in protecting their power and privilege.”

The timing of the PECA amendments is also telling. With general elections on the horizon, the bill provides the ruling elite with a powerful tool to curb dissent and control the narrative. By criminalizing criticism and empowering the state to target opponents, the Sharifs and Zardaris are ensuring that their grip on power remains unchallenged.

Meanwhile, the public is growing increasingly disillusioned with these political dynasties. Social media is rife with criticism, with many accusing the Sharifs and Zardaris of betraying the very principles they claim to uphold. “They fool us with their rhetoric, but their actions reveal their true intentions,” tweeted a prominent activist. “The PECA amendments are just the latest example of how they are working together to silence the people.”

As the debate over the PECA amendments continues, one thing is clear: the Sharifs and Zardaris are united in their efforts to suppress dissent and maintain their stranglehold on power. Their collaboration on this controversial legislation is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan’s democracy and the urgent need for genuine reform. Until then, the nation remains at the mercy of political elites who are more interested in protecting their interests than upholding the rights of the people.

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