Pakistani society which was known for its tolerance and diversity as well as respect for life now stands hurt and disoriented; its spirit seems violated, while its resolve to stand calm and composed has been broken. Anarchy has become a serious threat. Even mosques and shrines no more offer solace to the people visiting them with broken hearts, given how they have been divided along sectarian lines.
There is no hurdle to peace but the people who have been vested with the responsibility to work for peace step outside their confines; the scholars and priests are more interested in making their way to the corridors of power rather than clearly defining as to what constitutes right and wrong. The Police have been tasked to act as a morality brigade rather than the custodian of law and order. The Parliamentarians are least interested in legislation often seen in pursuing selfish goals.
The judiciary must act according to its constitutional role, in the larger interest of the society – Parliamentarians be restricted to legislation, scholars to teaching and research and the legal fraternity to dispensation of justice. At the same time it must be ensured that the army stays in barracks and the provincial governments devolve power to the grassroots level.
RIAZ MISSEN,
Islamabad, November 22.