Must we thank God that Punjab is still somewhat free from the clutches of the fiend of sectarian terrorism or must we lament upon the loss of countless lives in the name of sectarian violence from Quetta to Karachi; certainly something very difficult to decide. How unfortunate is the reality that the followers of Islam have become a symbol of cruelty, vindictiveness and brutality throughout the world only because they have given up acting upon the actual and original message of Islam.
Very few in Pakistan can realise the gravity of the situation Pakistan has been facing for more than a decade, for most the rapidly increasing sectarian violence is simply a political game of chess. Even in our print and electronic media, we find a lot of analysts blaming the political confrontation of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the ruling party PPP for this violence. They are of the opinion that some of the Nawaz League’s leaders are using their connections with extremist organizations for targeting the Shiah community in Balochistan, particularly the Hazara tribe of Quetta, with the purpose of discrediting PPP government and drawing a political mileage. These analysts are raising question why these incidents of sectarian violence are spilling over just in Quetta, Karachi and KPK and not in Punjab, where the Nawaz League is running the government.
Whatever the realities, the present situation is heartrending for the nation and it is the responsibility of the Muslim League (N) high ups to clarify the position of their party in the present scenario. The whole of Pakistani nation is against any type of terrorism and extremism and anyone blamed of assisting the terrorists would get a tough time from the nation in the upcoming general elections.
Though the mere thought that anyone can kill thousands just to play a political game astounds and amazes me, I am sure that if we call ourselves Muslims we would be unable to do such acts. But on the other hand seeing the ongoing inhumane society whirling around me, I may be forced to believe anything I am told. There is no accountability. No checks, no one who feels they are answerable to the nation. What kind of democracy is this? For once we should think like a nation and choose wisely in the upcoming elections.
DR ANEETA KHAKWANI,
Bahawalpur, February 27.