Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, listen to him delivering a speech, during an election campaign rally, in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, May 9, 2013. Pakistan is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on May 11, the first transition between democratically elected governments in a country that has experienced three military coups and constant political instability since its creation in 1947. The parliament's ability to complete its five-year term has been hailed as a significant achievement. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

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From Model Town to Gujranwala to Jehlum to Multan, PMLN has cleverly relied upon tactical violence to brow beat its opponents; so far it has worked for them because they end up frightening the general public thus reducing the sizes of rallies and marches; it was fear of violence by govt that reduced the sizes of rallies in Islamabad since common people and families which are against the PMLN govt still try to stay away from zones of violence. This pattern seems to be repeated again in Faislabad today and needs to be understood.

Violence is being repeatedly used as a tool to terrorize the public which otherwise will turn out in very large numbers to protest and score its point. Govt is afraid of the TV cameras & helicams capturing large crowds so cleverly uses tactical violence. (Remember beatings of media, ban on helicams, huge advertisements as sweetners etc)Use of privateers becoming important because Punjab Police is increasingly less willing to do violence for govt.

Now you will see the spin from govt spokespersons to shift the blame for violence on PTI. Goal is to frighten the opposition and to create a legitimate excuse for broad police action to clear the streets. This strategy needs to be understood.