LAHORE: PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar has raised the issue of societal polarisation, pointing out how the establishment`s influence on political parties has intensified divisions.

He criticised the use of `state terrorism` to maintain control and stressed the need for resistance to uphold the rights of the common people. Citing his political leader Imran Khan`s vision, Zafar called for legal and political action to achieve unity and ensure justice for the citizens of Pakistan.

He was speaking in a session, Politics in Polarised Times, at the Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest on Saturday. Journalist Mehmal Sarfaraz moderated the session, according to a press release.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar of the PPP highlighted the core contradiction in Pakistan`s political landscape,askingwhether the real stakeholders were the establishment or the politicians. He emphasized that even in today`s modern era, safety remained a concern in several areas of Pakistan, with people unable to step outside after 5pm.

Mehmal Sarfaraz then turned the discussion to media censorship, asking Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik AhmadKhan about its impact and the unspoken political-military partnerships behind the scenes. Malik responded by referencing Francis Fukuyama`s book, Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment, arguing that those who undermined the state dignity should not hold political influence. He called for mutual dialogue with respect and underscored that polarization was often created by political parties seeking personal gain.

The session concluded with a discussion on accepting the past mistakes by the establishment and political leaders.

Mr Khokhar addressed issues in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attributing them to the establishment`s interference. He urged adherence to the `Charter of Democracy` signed nearly two decades ago.

Barrister Ali Zafar agreed with him, advocating for fighting darkness with light and maintaining integrity in the pursuit of political and legal rights.

Malik Ahmad Khan stressed the need for political parties to address persecution faced by marginalized communities, calling out the existing censorship within political groups themselves.