The majority of articles and editorial comments published since the tragic assassination of Salmaan Taseer bear reference to the deafening silence of Pakistans political, social and liberal elite. Fear generated by the senseless act and an alleged inability of the law enforcement agencies has certainly created confusion, but it is of absolute essence that these forces must be galvanised into resistance if Pakistan is to defy extremist mobs intent on conquering an essentially moderate society.
Within days, Justice Javed Iqbal of the Supreme Court lost his parents in another senseless killing. Days earlier, he had said during a hearing that 2011 will be the year of the missing persons. A police investigation has been ordered. Will there be a result or finding? So many of these enquiries, even into the killings of the countrys chief executives, have hardly delivered even a tiny insight.
In the recent past, we have heard statements bordering on criminal incitement to murder and witnessed heinous crimes that have gone unpunished. In fact, enforcement has been and continues to be Pakistans greatest weakness. The corrupt police and convoluted legal system have thwarted quick dispensation of justice. Murderers, plunderers, looters have dragged cases into oblivion providing encouragement to would-be followers.
While the quality and training of law enforcement personnel can be questioned, there needs to be a realisation that improvement is not rocket science and can be implemented provided the will to do so exists. The visible apathy of those supervising selection and training, and, as we have now witnessed, deployment is in itself deserving of serious condemnation.
It is inconceivable that a man with Qadris known views should even have been retained in service leave alone wrangle an assignment to protect one of the key political figures of the country. Will anyone pay the price for this incredibly huge blunder? A myriad of questions come to mind, one of them very significant. What were the other guards in the detail doing? It is unbelievable that not one shot was fired at the assailant even as a reflex action. Im amazed that all the semi-literate guards had the presence of mind to wait and take the gunman alive to get those behind the conspiracy. Marksmen can fire a single shot to blow the gun from an assailants hand or to his knee bringing him down even if they do not want to shoot him dead. It is ingrained in them to react instantly and ferociously. Why didnt that happen?
Saying that extremists are the creation of the Zia era is all very well but being aware of this and yet not taking remedial steps to suppress this horrendous legacy is equally unforgivable. In fact, we as a people sat back and laughed the growing trend off as a fringe factor while all the time it was sneaking into our body politic.
While the liberal right celebrated growing affluence and a high life style with utter disregard to the development of the poor, the conservative right took to the fanatically religious view. The disconnect and disparity between the two rights has continued to grow and the haves and have-nots situation while not taking the expected path has developed into religious intolerance. How many of us would now dare to tell our drivers or domestic help that Qadri is a criminal?
The tragedy is that there is no doubt that he is one. But look at the hordes turning out to support him. It leaves one cold to believe that the lynch mentality has surfaced so blatantly and the might of all forces does not appear interested in putting a stop to this insanity.
Governments role in providing essential education facilities is now critical. The role of madrassahs is highly questionable. Their source of funding is no secret, neither is their misuse. But, at this time, they provide free education whereas government schools are almost non-existent and private ones far too expensive.
Let us also not ignore the unashamed indiscipline we, the alleged educated elite, exhibit in our daily lives. Ignoring rules even violating them is an every day norm. Whether it is parking vehicles, breaking red lights, incorrect number plates, rude, rough and abusive behavior with officials and our own staff. This needs to stop. Many have paid with their lives. Many more will, if this trend doesnt give way.
In urging liberal Pakistan to follow Jinnahs vision, let us quickly agree it is far too early to sound the death knell for Pakistan. Liberal voices however must not die or be silent. The time is here and now to unite and gather the wherewithal to begin the intellectual battle to bring society back to an acceptable norm. To follow the Siratul Mustaqeem. Otherwise, we shall be quickly overrun and the next party we attend maybe in the graveyard.
The writer can be contacted at [email protected]
