It is painful that the protest rallies against the most sacrilegious and bothersome act of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, which was meant to be peaceful, turned to be violent – 23 dead and over 200 reported to be injured. Thus the worthy cause of venting and conveying injured feelings against the producer and the country of the origin of the blasphemous film has been lost. The politicians of all hues, instead of forging unity and harmony in the nation to express solidarity with the noble purpose – “love or Prophet PBUH” – have divided further the already fragmented society into various ethnic, linguistic, racial, and sectarian groups.
The political leaders only aroused the innocent sentiments and emotions of ordinary masses to high pitch by their fiery speeches miserably failed to lead the protest processions themselves. The mobs broke the barricades and other obstructions in their way in order to reach their destination – the embassy and consulate offices. The law enforcement agencies frustrated their efforts and the rudderless protesters resorted to violence, arson, looting of banks, destroying of vehicles, and setting ablaze many buildings. The rallies transformed into unruly mobs and their acts appeared more blasphemous than expressing love for the Prophet PBUH. The politicians and religious leaders in order to score points started issuing statements from their bunkers condemning the violence and appealing for peace. While the act of blasphemy is not condonable the violence with all its manifestations is also condemnable.
One who had witnessed such political turmoil with deeper consequences in the past would wish the politicians to avoid the repetition, create environment of peace and love instead of breeding hate elements in politics. To commit same mistake again and again and expecting different result is to live in fool’s paradise. Complete unity is the best way to protect / defend Pakistan rather than naming political parties as Tahafuz-e-Pakistan or Difa-e-Pakistan.
RAJA SHAFAATULLAH
Islamabad