Srinagar:Pakistan's democracy is in tatters with political leaders being arrested on"frivolous charges", but the only silver lining is that its independent judiciary and a fierce media were holding the establishment accountable, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday. The remarks of the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister came after Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested on Tuesday.
Khan, 70, was arrested by the paramilitary Rangers in a corruption case from the Islamabad High Court and bundled into a prison van sparking massive protests across the country by supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. "In Pakistan, democracy lies in tatters. Perhaps the only silver lining is an independent judiciary and a fierce media holding the establishment accountable unlike the world's largest democracies," Mehbooba tweeted.
She said while political representatives are being arrested on "frivolous grounds" in the neighbouring, the other institutions necessary for check and balance have not been "subverted yet".
Meanwhile, Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said a destabilised Pakistan is dangerous for all countries, including India. The remarks of the former Union minister came a day after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan was arrested in a corruption case.
"A destabilised Pakistan is dangerous for all countries including our own country. We want a stronger and a democratic Pakistan where democracy flourishes, which will also improve its relations with India," Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC) told reporters. Abdullah said the internal situation in Pakistan was "very dangerous" and its economic condition was also very bad.
"Heavy floods hit the region last year, and many areas are still impacted by that. The people there are still suffering. In such circumstances, the situation turning like this is more dangerous," he said. The three-time chief minister of J-K said while the situation in the neighbouring country was dangerous, it had a history of such events.
"If you look at Pakistan's history, since independence, the first PM was assassinated, then (Zulfiqar Ali) Bhutto was hanged, then his daughter Benazir Bhutto fell to bullets. Now, Imran Khan is the fourth former PM, who has been now jailed. I hope to God that his life is saved," he added. (PTI)
