Last 24 hours have seen Pakistan's name flashing on all the international channels, and once again for the wrong reasons!
The serving Governor of the largest province got murdered in broad daylight by his own official guard.
The issue was religious, and the situation has now become too bloody to be talked about.
There have been many people who did't appreciate Mr. Taseer's views at things that matter, however, his murder (which remains the most condemnable act) has triggered an altogether different debate.
It is now an issue of basic tolerance as a human being that is now being asked.
What alarms me now is the fact that through this episode, once again the ever present biases are contributing to create a situation that is going to enhance the disparity between logic and decisions. It is going to broaden the gulf between the two poles of the society: liberals and conservatives. It is a vicious cycle and, much as I hate to think, there is no looking back.
I hear analysts talking on tv airing views that question the sanity of the officials who had appointed a "bearded" person as the Governor's guard. And I think WTH....!
Where are we heading to?
I wonder and shudder.
I dont observe 'pardah' in the typical sense of the word. My son goes to the most liberal school in town. Yet I, very proudly, consider myself an adherent.
I shudder to think of the society my son is going to inherit. The extremity of polarization wont allow him to offer his five prayers and later go out to jog with his wife. Either he would be asked to renounce his prayers, or he would have to keep his wife locked indoors.
These are the two extremes.
And they are not allowing any middle grounds.
I am afraid for the future.
I am afraid some one unwittingly, is pushing us to an extreme I dont want to embrace.
6 comments:
The shrinkage of middle ground corresponds with the depletion of middle class within our society.
Even if there isn't a direct and strong co-relation between the two, this certainly provides some basis.
To seek that middle ground and develop that middle class, that is imperative to bridge the widening gulf between the precarious extremes, the key lies in basic economic measures.
Provide education, feed them and bring basic health facilities and you have laid the corner stones of that tolerant society with more objectivity, sense of direction and alignment of goals.
You point in the right direction.
But this implies that there is a LONG LONG road yet to be traveled. And with the kind of disparity of extremes devouring the line of sanity, it seems rather unlikely that we would ever make to that tolerant society! :(
Agreed to both Leenah and Delirium, to the extent of analysis. Just would like to add, who is responsible for shrinkage of Middle Class and narrowing of this gap ??? The Middle Class itself could not do so, the class living beneath level of poverty has neither that power nor will ! Then It must be the force(s) whose interest is so promoted, I guess the International Super Powers through Corrupt Ruling Elite. Continuous Corruption and bad-governance in Pakistan has resulted in increased inflation and poor Economic situation, which responsible for shrinkage of middle class. Please decide yourself who is responsible ?? and remember the prompt admonishing by Queen Helary Clinton on Pakistan's purely internal decision of taking back increase in fuel prices ???
Can u explain what is the religious issue behind the current unrest ?
Arshad,
Welcome on board. The thoughts you voiced echo what majority aligns itself to.
No two opinions that there must be vested interest of the international power-politics players that have shaped the ground realities as they are in this land of ours. However, the fact remains that no one can interfere in someone's domestic issues until and unless one proves oneself spineless enough to allow such liberties.
The ruling elite is corrupt, AGREED! But how many times have the people come on roads in a way to make them know their place?
You mentioned the fuel price hike, I am sure you must be aware of the recent student fees hike in the UK and the peoples' reaction to it.
Its the people, awam, who dont question, dont condemn, dont object, dont resist.
It all boils down to, NO one listens to the one who doesn't raise a voice.
Manish ji, good to have your presence at this blog. Welcome.
The religious issue behind this current unrest is of the alleged amendments in the Blasphemy Law of the constitution. According to the law, there is capital punishment for the one found guilty of blaspheming the holy Prophet (mpbuh),like there is death penalty for the holocaust denier in certain countries of the West.
The public sentiments are so strongly entwined with the sacredness this law is associated with, that when governor Taseer held a press conference in the jail with a blasphemy convict, declared guilty by the court, and called this law a Black Law that needed to be abolished, hell broke loose.
Suggesting some changes in the laws on the floor of the assembly is one thing, and discussing such issue of public sensitivity in public press conferences in an emotionally volatile society is another. Likewise, to condemn a man-made law is one thing and to blaspheme the Prophet (mpbuh) is another.
The guard of his official security troop, shot Mr. Taseer down with 26 bullets on the account of blaspheming the holy Prophet(mpbuh).
It is one sorry state, now turned sordid.
Post a Comment