While the whole world stands behind Charlie Hebdo, affirming the right to freedom of speech, Pakistan’s National Assembly has the dubious distinction of “strongly condemning” the actions of the French magazine. That much was to be expected; Pakistan is and will remain an Islamic country – as we are so often reminded. Yet, the manner in which this episode of terrorism has been addressed by the nation’s top law-makers, including the Prime Minister, leaves one wondering whose side are they really on.
Questions pertaining to the use and abuse of the right of freedom of speech are pertinent questions, and at this stage of time, perhaps necessary too. Yet they need to be framed in terms of incitement, racism, and slander. They require the same sort of nuanced analysis that goes into putting limits on other human rights and civil liberties, such as rights to assembly and free enterprise. Yet, the NA has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer; saying that “such moves by Charlie Hebdo are against the freedom of expression”, and “ridiculous religious material is condemnable”. What is more disconcerting is the dichotomy with which the terrorists and victims are treated. The NA unanimously, and in one sitting, condemned Charlie Hedbo in strong, decisive language, while condemnation of the terrorists was handled by a lowly Foreign Office spokesperson. If the NA had maintained a semblance of moderation, it lost it all when the lawmakers left the building. Khawaja Saad Rafique, whose own department is in shambles and battling corruption charges, led a rally of lawmakers chanting “in the service of the Prophet, we are willing to die”.
This politicised display puts a huge dent in a nascent narrative against the draconian blasphemy law. If the premier lawmaking body condemns murdered artists and slaps the wrist of their murderers, why should the people behave otherwise? Just as civil society was building up a head of steam, the NA brushed it aside in a moment of zealotry. And for what? This resolution will not change French policies, nor will it stem the rise of Islamophobia – in fact it might even affirm their stereotypes. This unanimous resolution is nothing more than an act of cowardice, a way to placate local religious vote banks and not seem like a blasphemer. Not one lawmaker dared step out of his cocoon of power and petty perks to take a stand. If this zealotry was real, they would have condemned China for banning the Burqa and fasting during the month of Ramadan in the Xinjiang province. Saad Rafique can’t stop waxing lyrical about our “Iron Brother”. The light at the end of the tunnel seems dim.