Policing dissent and democracy |
Freedom of expression stands as the key that opens a society to intellectual growth, transparency, inclusive prosperity, tolerance and harmony. This is one of the reasons why the sociopolitical setting with inherent space for freedom of speech — i.e. democracy — has been the most sought-after in modern times.
However, a democratic political model does not necessarily guarantee freedom of speech. That protection exists only in societies where democracy is practised transparently, the rule of law stands above both individuals and institutions, and neither is allowed to override the other. If it's the other way around, the potential public check in the name of freedom of expression and dissent gets policed and criminalised — a phenomenon that causes democratic recession throughout the world, with Pakistan being no exception.
Pakistan today stands at unprecedented and alarming lows in terms of democratic rights and freedom of expression. The curbs on........