Untimely protest

As the guns in Gaza finally fall silent, the world witnesses a long-awaited breakthrough. Through the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, a ceasefire has taken hold – one that carries the promise of lasting peace. Remarkably, the Muslim bloc and other major powers have not raised objections to the terms of this agreement. In such a climate, when the focus should be on consolidating peace, the recent protests by the TLP appear not only untimely but also counterproductive.

The TLP’s attempt to march towards Islamabad and hold a demo outside the US embassy under the banner of “Solidarity with Palestine” has caused avoidable disruption and raised serious diplomatic concerns. While the right to protest is a cornerstone of any democracy, the context and conduct of such demonstrations must be guided by prudence. When the world is cautiously welcoming a negotiated peace, resorting to agitation does little to advance the Palestinian cause. Instead, it risks projecting Pakistan as unstable and insensitive to the delicate diplomacy underway.

More troubling, however, is the government’s slow and reactive handling of the situation. The TLP’s mobilisation was planned. Yet, authorities once again appeared flat-footed. Rather than initiating early dialogue or proposing alternate protest venues, the government allowed the march to advance until it reached Lahore’s Shahdara bridge, turning the demonstrations into a looming flashpoint.

Pakistan’s position in global affairs demands maturity and restraint at home. Protests outside foreign embassies not only risk violating international diplomatic norms but also invite unnecessary scrutiny at a time when the country should be reinforcing its image as a responsible voice in the Muslim world. The government’s failure to steer the situation with foresight has once again led to embarrassment and potential diplomatic discomfort. A cause as just as Palestine deserves solidarity expressed through wisdom, not misplaced theatrics on the streets.