It is not the time to slow down
While the army is fighting the TTP related terrorists with commitment, the PML-N government seems to lack the will to implement its much publicised National Action Plan. Political parties had accepted some of the provisions in the document despite their principled opposition to them because the government seemed to be serious in putting an end to terrorism and extremism. In case it is seen to be wavering or neglecting some of the agreed measures, the national consensus may not sustain long.
The NAP specifically denounces “sectarianism, extremism and intolerance” and promises immediate steps against the spread of terrorism on the social media. It advocates leaving no space for terrorism in Punjab. It claims that decisive action is being taken against elements that spread sectarianism. Despite all the rhetoric on the part of the PM extremists continue to indulge in acts that violate the NAP.
A case was registered against the controversial Lal Masjid cleric for threatening civil society members of suicide bombers when they called for his arrest. Subsequently warrants for his arrest were issued by a court. The defiant cleric has however refused to seek bail or offer arrest which amounts to challenging the writ of the state. How will the government cleanse the 10 per cent of seminaries, which number thousands, when it is reluctant to force a single cleric to abide by law?
The media continues to be used to spread hatred leading to terrorist acts. Last Monday in a programme telecast by a private TV channel, Ahmadis were declared to be the enemies of Pakistan. It seems PEMRA has decided to continue to close its eyes to acts of the sort as before. Three days later an Ahmadi leader was killed in Gujranwala. During last year Punjab registered the highest number of killings of the Ahmadis as the extremist preachers were given a free hand in the province. If the government continues to ignore the incidents, the NAP would soon be dead as a dodo.