It’s quite disturbing to read that Pakistan’ most respected philanthropist – Abdul Sattar Edhi is under threat from the TTP. The famous humanitarian and social worker is a known icon, someone who projects a positive image of Pakistan across the world. As per news reports, Karachi police has intercepted a hit-list which marks Edhi as a potential target, to be kidnapped for the purpose of getting detained militants released in exchange. He has been given round-the-clock police protection. Edhi’ son, Faisal, told that the Taliban had recently visited his father’s office and assured him that he won’t be targeted. Such a visit shows the freedom TTP enjoys in Karachi to move around and select its targets. The recent upsurge in bank robberies in Karachi is apparently part of funds collection move to support their activities in other parts of the country.
The Sindh govt should take the threat very seriously and ensure Edhi’ safety. Edhi, 85, is used to attending to humanitarian work in person whether it’s for floods or earthquake victims, or for people killed and injured in bomb and suicide blasts. However, he needs to be more cautious and avoid solo visits. At this point, we should not forget Dr Ajmal Khan, VC of the Islamia College University Peshawar. He was kidnapped by the TTP in 2010; since then he is in the Taliban’ custody who have demanded release of prisoners and huge ransom in exchange for Dr Khan. Earlier, Dr Lutfullah Kakakhel, the VC of Kohat University was kidnapped in 2009, only to be freed following release of several Taliban prisoners and payment of ransom, reportedly amounting to Rs 50 million. We presume the Sindh govt will act swiftly and decisively to neutralise the possible threat to Edhi.
MASOOD KHAN
Saudi Arabia