9 May Takeaways Pakistan - a podcast by Cui-Bono

In our latest podcast, we dissect the events of May 9, 2023, in Pakistan and the infamous Capitol Hill incident in the U.S. Tune in as we explore the dangerous parallels between these seemingly disparate events, sparked by populism, that threaten to undermine democracy in both nations.

In Pakistan, we witnessed the alarming rage of the populist political party, PTI, as workers vandalized government and military installations, reminiscent of the aggressive scenes at the U.S Capitol Hill earlier. We discuss how the bitter results of the U.S election spurred Trump's supporters to breach Capitol Hill, highlighting the power of misinformation and the perilous potential of a polarized public.

The podcast delves into the dangerous mindset being nurtured, one that transcends borders and can have catastrophic consequences. We discuss Pakistan's military establishment's history of political engineering, from General Saul Haq to President Musharraf, and its current experiment with the charismatic cricket-star-turned-politician. We liken this to the rise of a celebrity leader in the U.S, leading us to question the potential risks of such populist experiments.

Drawing parallels with historical events, we refer to Samiri's exploitation of the people in Prophet Moses's absence, as mentioned in the Quran. This serves as a warning that history can repeat itself if the public remains gullible to political manipulation.

The episode sheds light on the perils of populism, examining how it can potentially foster a dangerous form of modern fascism. We highlight how social media can amplify these risks by blowing minor issues out of proportion, thereby contributing to the problem.

Our conversation extends to the broader context of the ongoing tussle between old and new establishments in Pakistan and the international forces intent on destabilizing the region.

However, we also recognize the diverse stakeholders in Pakistan, from Shia Muslims and Urdu speakers to the Baloch and Pashtun tribal belts, who, despite their grievances, have resisted resorting to violent protests.

Join us as we navigate this complex political landscape, advocating for rational protest and dialogue over destruction. Let's learn from our past to build a more resilient future.

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