Irrespective of any analysis on how Khadim Rizvi held the country hostage during his recent maneuver, it should be quite clear to the government that as it withdraws, and gives space, this space will be filled by the Allama.
It is his credibility that will keep rising, and that of the government which shall decline by equal measure.
The next time Rizvi decides to take to the streets again, the government will regain control at a price much higher than it has paid this time.
Khadim Rizvi understands and knows this.
Only better governance and the strict assertion of the rule of law can push the Rizvi genii back into the bottle.
And this assertion should begin with trying the senior leadership of TLP for rebellion against the state, and for inciting violence against it.
The evidence is all there. And it is plentiful.
These people need to be tried by anti-terrorist courts and given stiff sentences.
They should then be sent to far flung jails to complete their jail terms–jails like Sibi, Mach, Sukkur, D.G Khan etc. They must not be allowed access to any means of communication when jailed. The Jail Superintendents should be held personally responsible for any violation of this.
De-capping the leadership will give the desired results, especially at this comparatively early stage of the formation of this party which draws most of its strength from bringing about anarchy. With its leaders secured, it will not be easy for the leaderless followers to take to the streets without a central leadership to give them direction.
There are only very few whom a long jail term will not wear down. This is what will separate the men from the boys. And this in turn will create divisions among the leadership of this party of chaos.
If this is not done now, it will have to be done very soon into the future. But it will be accomplished then, at the cost of a lot of bloodshed.
Of this, no one should be in any doubt.
But this will win only a tactical battle for the government. The strategic battle will be won only by better governance and dispensation of equity and justice which draws credibility and merited applause.