The literally en mass convictions (related to the May 9, 2023 protests) on account of terrorism and the resultant disqualifications of several PTI stalwarts including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Muhammad Ahmad Chattha and Punjab Assembly opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) exemplify a new brand of exceptionalism.

Exceptionalism is a term often associated with the policies of the United States and its European allies in defending their interests, regardless of logic or morality. However, Pakistan has also been experiencing exceptionalism of a different kind in recent years.

The ongoing terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the state's narrative against violence and the disqualification of PTI MPs suggest exceptional approaches. Are these routine occurrences or consequences of Pakistan's exceptionalism in recent years?

Ayub, Faraz, Chaudhry, Chattha and Bhachar were sentenced to 10 years in prison each under anti-terrorism charges related to the May 9 protests and riots. Their convictions were not surprising.

Similarly, an opposition MP in the Punjab Assembly, Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, recently questioned the institution of multiple cases against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act. While holding the Holy Quran, he asked other MPs if he looked like a terrorist.

This context fits the term exceptionalism, which........

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