Pakistan’s record begs for more
The Taliban have long been out of control, with no hint of humanity left in them. Only two weeks ago, a church in Peshawar was the target, killing more than 80 and injuring over 150 people. They have twice denied responsibility for it, though the attack bore the Taliban signature to a tee – suicide bombers and all. Now the statement: they did not carry out the attack, but it was still in accordance with Sharia. Meaning: they fully endorse the attack. What Sharia, may one ask? It surely is not in the Quran, while the Caliphates throughout guaranteed non-Muslims the right to life and property – among other protections.
As barbaric as that attack on the church was, a group of religious scholars called the attack not in compliance with the teachings of Islam and called for a government-backed action against the Taliban, who they say are maligning the image of Islam as a religion of peace. While it is worth appreciating what a bunch of ulema is saying, it is also worth wondering why it was needed in the first place, and why a vast majority of ulema is still silent on the issue. Why they have a soft spot for the barbarians for whom humanity means nothing is beyond comprehension. Perhaps what keeps them in hiding is the government’s appeasing attitude towards terrorists. This puts country’s minorities at a severe risk, for there will always be some ultra conservative group who would consider the mere presence of the people who follow religions other than their own easy prey. It is the government’s job to make sure that minorities are afforded as much protection and freedom as assured by the constitution.
Knowing full well how he wanted the state of Pakistan to be, the Quaid-e-Azam was an outspoken supporter of the rights of minorities. His vision for a secular, tolerant state that offers equal protection to people from all religions must be realised. The statement by a group of ulema must be adhered to. The government should take steps to ensure that the followers of all religions are treated the same and their every right is protected. A human chain outside St Anthony’s church the other day in “defiance to the extremist forces and solidarity with the minorities” should be appreciated, but it would have been much better if the government took the initiative in this regard.
