THE ghastly attack targeting a JUI-F rally in Bajaur on Sunday illustrates the dangers political parties face during public events, particularly in regions affected by terrorism, such as KP and Balochistan. As parties plan their election campaigns, they will have to factor in safety precautions in order to help protect the lives of supporters. Ideally, all parties must have a level playing field and be allowed to campaign freely by organising rallies and other election-related events. However, the reality of the situation dictates that precautions be taken in order to keep people out of harm’s way. In the recent Bajaur tragedy, over 60 people were confirmed dead, 20 minors among them.

Considering the volatile security situation, especially in the militancy-hit parts of the country, it is imperative to keep children away from large political events. This is particularly true for the JUI-F and other religious parties. These parties can and often do mobilise young students studying at madressahs affiliated with their organisations to attend political and religious events. However, as the Bajaur bombing has shown, this practice should be suspended to protect minors from potentially dangerous situations. The forces behind such grotesque violence — IS-K, the TTP and others of their ilk — have no qualms about slaughtering children, women and non-combatants, hence rally organisers should not bus in children from madressahs and elsewhere to swell their ranks. Political activity is bound to heat up as elections draw close, and freedom of assembly is an essential ingredient of the democratic process. Therefore, the administration must work with political parties to ensure the latter can organise and hold events in order to communicate their respective messages to the voter. The ultimate solution is to uproot terrorist outfits that have been spilling innocent blood for decades. Until that end is achieved, both political players and the state must cooperate in order to save lives.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2023