This is apropos to the MQM chief ltaf Hussain’s address to the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen conference on 1st September 2012. I totally agree with him that courageous steps have to be taken by the government and armed forces to rid the country of sectarian terrorism. There could be no two opinions about it and every patriotic citizen is not only worried but afraid of such incidents which are being exploited by our enemies. It’s very unfortunate that we are always very quick in condemning and grilling the security forces especially army, the reasons are also very obvious that due to their prolonged rule, all ills are safely called, the result of military rule. I am neither a fan of the dictators nor defending any institution but as a common citizen of Pakistan want to understand that who is responsible of the present deterioration of law and order, economic meltdown and brutal killings?
The government has to take the credit or discredit of what happens under its regime, but unfortunately instead of focusing on good governance, the blame game and hollow slogans are raised to mislead the innocent people. The MQM is part of the government and has to take its share also. The main responsibility of the government is to frame special laws to punish the terrorists and killers within days but unfortunately that is not happening. The criminals are either not arrested or set free by the courts due to loop holes in the laws. The police is the main force to enforce law and order but as per Supreme Court observed that it has been politicized, therefore it either don’t react or take no actions. In Balochistan, only five percent of the area is under the control of police and rest is on the mercy of levy which is poorly equipped and under the control of Nawabs and Sardars. In Khybar Pakhtunkhwa, where police have done the heroic actions against terrorists, there are incidents, like Bannu Jail etc. In Punjab, the government kept the eyes closed from the extremists elements in southern Punjab and resultantly, we see them now striking the people and security forces. The freedom of media is good but no country in the world gives live hours long coverage to the people who talk about breaking the country, but we do.
Let’s come out from the phobia of showing oneself 10 feet tall, let’s face the reality and make sincere efforts to bring the country back on the path of normalcy. It’s an uphill task but we can do it by joining hands together. Let’s admit that we all have committed mistakes, therefore, all parties, institutions and people have to pull the country out from these crises. We will only succeed, once we shall keep the interest of the country supreme than self interest.
BILAL SHAHID
Rawalpindi
