Malik has sent this exclusive contribution for the Pak Tea House.
There are lots of people who come forward to defend or sympathize with Taliban, and defend the SHARIAT Law agreement between Government and EXTREMIST religious fanatics. They, in favor of “peace” agreement put an argument that “Why are we killing our own Muslim brothers?” “Why we are fighting American War? “Why we are serving others’ agenda by killing our own Muslim brothers who are struggling for imposition of Islamic Law in this country?”
Just yesterday, I was unfortunate enough to listen to Imran Khan’s Press conference. Believe me I never expected this from Mr. Imran Khan, he is even worst than Mullahs, those molvis well, they don’t have enough education, BUT Imran Khan, he was supposed to THINK, he was supposed to use his EDUCATION to do something productive in Pakistan instead of just looking for issue after an issue to be in limelight, to befool this nation by using the name of Islam and using this nation’s emotionalism to make himself a “famous” leader. Mr. Imran Khan said that first we are fighting American war, and we are killing our INNOCENT Brothers who are doing nothing wrong, he said we should sit with those religious fanatics and talk with them, accept their demands if they are asking for Shariat imposition because according to Mr. Imran its not a big deal.
I just want to ask anyone who thinks its an American war we are fighting, anyone who supports Taliban or even the Shariat agreement or deal in Swat. Come forward and defend this video, in which fanatics are lashing a 17 years old girl PUBLICLY in the name of Shairiat and religion and people are witnessing this CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY like dead souls. Who wants to defend this? Mr Imran Khan? Any Mullah? This video is of an incident took place after IMPOSITION of an insane shariat in Swat, after so called PEACE agreement between Government and religious bigots.
This is what happens when Governments bow in front of demands of such extremists. Now these Talibans and Shariat champions want to enjoy the same success they enjoyed in Swat elsewhere. When you made Government bow in front of your demands, what would stop you from carrying out your HOLY mission in other areas of Pakistan? And why just Pakistan? Why not rest of the world?
Malik is currently completing his MBA in Lahore.
Pak Tea House 
So let me get this straight… the PPP and ANP appease the Mullahs and you -the MBA student- are upset about Imran Khan’s press conference and his recommendations?
Why don’t you accuse those who are responsible?
and the thought of this barbarianism spreading to the rest of the country brings bile into my mouth. Here goes my night’s sleep…..
Great, Just effing great!
Disgusting.
what was her crime?
Thanks for your comment.
I am really not sure about from where you got the idea that i am somehow trying to support Government or even not criticizing Government for the deal they made with Taliban in Swat. I specifically criticized that deal and i believe that bowing infront of such people is not the solution, instead it will complicate things further.
The reason why i showed my disappointment with Imran Khan was because Mr. Imran is not ready to even accept that there is problem, he is not ready to accept that we are fighting for our own survival, he believes this is American war we are fighting, and we are killing our INNOCENT people, who are otherwise harmless for Pakistan or for people of Pakistan. This approach of Mr Imran, may enable him to become a beloved leader of this emotional and anti America nation, but its not going to do any good to this country. What politicians like Imran Khan are suppose to do is to EDUCATE this nation, tell them what they need to do for their survival as a nation, teach them that sometimes there are hard choices we need to make to show the world that we are Mature as nation, and we do not support extremism or we are aware of the dangers we are facing in our country and we are ready to overcome these issues.
@ SV
apparently she was punished because she was in love with some local guy.
Raza, just a few comments here:
1) One of the best aspects of PTH is the quality of posts, and the use of proper language when writers express their ideas. I am disappointed at the quality of writing here; it may be appropriate for chats or social blogs, but is not deemed compatible for the posts that I have read so far. Here even in comments I have seen repliers correcting their mistakes, which is somehow refreshing compared to dozens of other blogs out on the web
2) I believe the objective of this write-up is to condemn the Swat accord and the inhumanity of the Sharia law as it will be applied to the convicts. However, do remember that this law has gained support in absence of proper law and order system. I do believe that despite crumbling rule of law in Pakistan, people are naive in thinking that Sharia is the replacement. Religion wreaks disaster when it mingles state, and here the replacement system is run by semi-literate practitioners steeped in radical and rigid ideology. Swat accord is signed by present rulers, the champions of leftist politics in Pakistan, and the one of the most liberal organizations of the bunch. Pakistan’s problems have risen out of incompetence and short sightedness of its rulers, and not all of them were right wing sympathizers. And if they think that we won’t see clamour for imposition of Sharia in Hazara and rest of pockets in Pakistan, it will probably a matter of time. Pakistan is opening Pandora’s Box here by signing these piecemeal deals.
3) While a lot of us have appreciated Imran’s resolve to implement justice in the society, there are serious reservations regarding Imran Khan’s understanding of the conflict, his simplistic understanding of the conflict, and his increasing radicalization as he disappointingly slips into the welcoming arms of religious right. In a previous thread, a lot of people have talked of his diametrically opposite quotes; therefore I am not sure where this guy exactly stands.
Regards,
Adnann
Regardless of what Imran said, or did not say or should have said or should be saying, I don’t really care. All I have is a simple question to ask.
What in your simplistic mind are the solutions to fight the social evils of the society that are address by the Sharia laws? What have you learned in your MBA (a relatively new science) that you feel was not addressed by the operating manual provided to you by your creator. Before posting such videos to entice hatred and anger and sympathy, I strongly suggest learn your religion as you studied MBA and before you know, you r mind would open and perhaps you will see the light. The reason a demented version of Islam is spreading is because educated people like you and me have devoted all our resources to worldly education and have left the most important education in the hands of people who are not really educated in worldly matters. Therefore a twisted demented version of Islam is spreading.
Before I write more just analyze the latest financial crisis of the world and see a living example of how Islamic financing is emerging and the entire world is rushing to embrace it. Something that was told to us many moon ago in the deserts of Arabia.
Why because educated people studied it and saw the benefits of it after the complete failure of the man made system. It is not long before people will realize the benefits of Sharia law. Don’t critize that, but the conduct of the people implementing it. Such as throwing acid on the faces of young innocent school girls.
@ Amazed
Thanks for asking this question, i ll try to provide my understanding of problem and its solution.
“Facts and not merely opinions are what we want. Emotionalism is not a substitute for the truth.” — Joseph Lewis —
Here in Pakistan, the biggest attribute of Pakistani nation is “emotionalism”. Here people are not interested in facts, in searching for truth, in thinking on their own, people here wants shortcuts. We ourselves are not sure about our capabilities, we are losers who are mentally dependent on people, books and theories, we just doesn’t have enough courage to raise question, if we got even a hint that the answers gonna unsettle our beliefs and emotions.
Now we are stuck, just go out and notice the increasing number of long beards and irrational attitudes, no i am not talking about Swat or FATA, i am talking about cities like Lahore and Karachi. I dont blame people, they are just trying to find peace of mind and for them its easy to find it in religion as according to them “One can trust religion without any doubt”. People here will join Long march for the restoration of some shady and controversial Judge, but No ONE will come out to protest against the stone age laws that are now Official laws in Swat, We are Hypocrites. Our mullahs openly declares that they are not interested in condemning suicide attacks, and we still give them respect, we try to justify their position, we are the one who are giving them power to think for ourselves
Majority of people living in so called modern cities of Pakistan are not ready to take a clear stand. I just dont wanna get into the reasons why this is happening, but its just not understandable why as a nation we have double standards? Why we come out and hit the streets in numbers to protest against American Drone attacks on our soil, when we never got enough courage to come out and protest against our internal problems like menace of Taliban? Like when Taliban and extremists blew up girls schools? when they impose their version of Islam by using force? why we remain silent when suicide attackers (who are our own Pakistanis and Muslims) are killing our countrymen in markets, hotels and roads? Why majority of Pakistan tends to have soft corner for their co called “Muslim Mujaheden” or “Taliban”? Why we term them as “People who are fighting for Islam”? Cant we use our minds? cant we see that its our own problem? …
Enough with blaming America, India or Israel for all our problems, lets for a change look inside our own ugly self and take a bathe to wash our own sins. First lets correct ourselves before pointing fingers towards others, who are more or less enjoying our misery. Lets first deal with our own hypocrite mullahs, and their supporters like Qazi and Imran Khan who are openly supporting Taliban and their insane demands, lets give ourselves some self respect to question ourselves, no matter if answers are going to unsettle our set of beliefs.
Anyhow i still believe this ll also give us an opportunity to sense and take notice of the real problem and do something about it. Its always hard times that makes you use your capabilities at fullest, When you will Ban education, the desire for getting education will become stronger in children, girls living in Swat are probably more interested in getting education than a girl living in Lahore (where there is no restriction on education). These talibaan and their supporters are giving us an opportunity to think independently without a Book or some divine order or some stone age laws or using someone else’s judgment or views.
I want to live in a Liberal and Secular Republic of Pakistan, where Muslims (and their endless sects) and all other religions live in a way they want to without any restriction. Where religion is something that is personal choice for one, not something that you need to practice to live peacefully otherwise someone will cut off your neck.
“Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims-Hindus, Christians and Parsis – but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.”
[Feb. 1948, Jinnah’s broadcast address to the people of the United States of America]
when we never got enough courage to come out and protest against our internal problems like menace of Taliban?
>>>>>>>>>>>
Probably because no one wants to be in a big crowded target for a bomber. Critisising people who have a history of such acts is not an easy option.
I think this is a good post and the writer has done well in his replies as well. Although the writing is a bit wobbly it communicates the message perfectly well.
PPP and ANP should certainly be held responsible, but this begs the question, are they really in control when it comes to fighting these terrorists? What options are available to you when the military refuses to fight, when there are chances of collateral demage and refugee crisis.
And why can’t we criticize people who refuse to acknowledge this as a problem at all? Which by the way poses an extreme existential threat to Pakistan. One of the repeated claims of Imran Khan is that the govenment is sending Pak-Fouj to kill its own people in the tribal areas. Only a person as naive as Imran Khan would think that when Zardari says we will fight the terrorists and root them out, Pakistan military goes ‘hazir janab’. The Army is still the most powerful actor in Pakistan, it would have kicked Zardari out long ago if it wasn’t for Americans, weakening economy and legacy of Musharraf.
Dear readers:
First of all, let me apologise for the editorial oversight as pointed out by Adnann as well. Somehow the edited version was not posted and the original post got published. The edited version is now there.
Having said that the reason to post this little piece and video was to provide a platform to a young student who is obviously perturbed by the events taking place in Swat and the rest of the country. His disappointment with political leaders is also evident.
PTH’s larger policy has been to allow for a space – something that the conventional media and even physical-real arenas no longer provide. People are scared, indifferent or just not confident.
Also about the language: English is not Pakistanis’ first language unlike many other countries and in any case ‘correct’ English is an instrument of power and elitism in Pakistan.
So, who cares if there are issues if the message gets across and a young man looking for a better future gives a categorical message that his confused or compromised leaders cannot!
Bravo, Malik. Please write more!!!
Mlik Sahib only one point “WE ARE NOT AT ALL ENJOYING YOUR MISERY.” You are my brother and your misery is my misery.I have many friends in Pakistan and believe me I as a North Indian find Lahore more comfortable than say Chennai.
excellent article
I write as a former PPP supporter and voter… Isn’t it ironic that most of the directly discriminatory legislation as well as retrogressive law-making has happened under a PPP government … PPP’s record legislatively on the issue of Islam and human rights will give even General Zia – the worst Islamist to rule this country- a run for his money.
It was the PPP which introduced a state religion and the council of Islamic ideology to the constitution. It was the PPP that made it a responsibility for the state to “Islamize”. (The greatest freak that this country produced was Abdul Hafeez Peerzada, Bhutto’s minister of Law- EDITED)… It was the PPP that created the Muslim bar for the office of the PM (though that was later reversed ironically under Junejo)… It was the PPP which sponsored and passed the Ahmadi amendment… it was the PPP that banned alcohol It was the PPP that changed weekly holiday from Sunday to Friday O(which it remained till the even more Islamic-minded Nawaz Sharif reversed it in 1997)… it was the PPP which banned horse racing… it was the PPP which closed down casinos, bars and dance clubs… it was the PPP that replaced statues and relics in Lahore with replicas of the Holy book… it was the PPP which placed the Kalima on the face of the National Assembly…
To Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s credit… she was largely secular and tried to reverse some of these superfluous excesses of the PPP and her father…. but she was only as successful in doing so as General Musharraf was successful in undoing Zia’s excesses.
Thanks Vijay Goel, I’m from Chennai.
SV I love to converse in Hindi and dont feel comfortable in communicating in English thats why i am more comfortable when can speak in Hindi/Urdu.
Dear Mr. Writer,
What a brilliant insult to Shiria law? I applaud you. There is no difference between any western critic of Islam and you, may be you call yourself a Muslim. There is nothing wrong with Sharia law, but the problem is how it is implemented.
People in this video learnt sharia by reading Quran in Arabic, the language they don’t understand, and respect of women they have learnt from Mullahs who never left their village or always surrounded themselves with like minded people. Those Mullahs have mixed Islam with centuries old traditions and think women shouldn’t be allowed out side her house.
First rule of Sharia law, it can only be applied when entire population of that place fully understands it. that’s why full extent of Sharia law was never implemented during the life of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). it was full implemented during reign of Umar ibn Khatab (a.k.a Umar Farooq) second caliph of Islam. By then everyone understood the implications and reasons of every law.
Let me explain you in your language. You must have studied capitalism in some shape or form. For argument sake, if we take capitalism as a religion of business world. Now lets take Bernard Madoff who is a big sinner in business world by committing fraud of $65 billion. Through his actions, he has ruined lives of hundreds of people. Whom would you blame for his action, the man himself or capitalism?
I hope you would do well in your MBA, and good luck for that. But I think you should take some time out to read Quran in Urdu or English. May ALLAH show you right path.
“To Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s credit… she was largely secular ”
It was during BB’s tenure that Taliban rose to prominence in Afghanistan. If she was “largely secular”, her recognition, financial, logistical and even militarly support has probably dwarfed those credentials.
Malik has written a fine post. His answers have been logical and articulate. Bravo.
That said, I would like to add my few rupees to the discussion, especially relating to this last post. I am in complete agreement with the commentator that the educated have left the interpretation and learning of Shariah in the hands of those most ill-equipped to handle it. Those, who do use religion today, use it for flagrantly political, power-grabbing purposes. The distortion of Islam and Shariah Law has a lot to do with the kind of unthinking, uneducated, unfeeling individuals who are supposed to speaking on the religion’s behalf.
What must be understood and accepted is that these unfeeling, uneducated and unthinking individuals are a consequence of our own failed policies in the past. Radicalism did not just appear overnight. It came about as a result of asinine policies, corrupt leaders and our need to have proxy safeguards on our eastern and western borders.
That said, there is nothing wrong with Shariah law. Its compatibility with Pakistan concerns me though. Born as a secular nation, the argument that 95% of the country is Muslim does not give justification to the enforcement of Shariah. Especially when the vanguard of Shariah at this moment in time includes radicals, fundamentalists and former bus-walas who were good at killing and looting other people.
Zia-ul-Haq is winning. His stringent view is taking over. And unless the educated of this country take up Islamic learning, give it credence as a religion of peace and modernity, we will keep sliding into an abyss.
@ Ali
Thanks for your comment …
Some points i want to clear, First of all, i am not sure what type of “Shariat” you are talking about, If you think that criticizing Taliban’s version of “Shariat” is wrong and i am committing a mistake by criticizing a crime against humanity, then i would love to commit this mistake every time i will see a crime against humanity on the name of some interpetation of Shariat, religion or any other force.
Dont confuse yourself, learn to take a clear stand, either come forward and accept that Taliban’s version of Shariat is True Islamic Shariat and you support what and how they are doing and implementing that version of shariat in Swat. And if you think that they are just using the name of Islam and in fact they themselves are not aware of true Islamic values and teachings, then dont be afraid of condemning their version of Shariat.
I am not attacking religion here, i am attacking Taliban’s interpretation of religion and the way they are imposing it on people of Pakistan.
TV Channels woke up against this act….after the issue has been highlighted on “The Guardian”
I am condemning Taliban’s version of Islam. They do not represent true Islam. I am not afraid to hide behind any thing. Problem is the title of your article that bothered me. I don’t care what Imran Khan says or any other Pakistani leader says.
All I am bothered about that people like Taliban and yourself do not fully understand Islam and tarnish its values. I am claiming to be Islamic scholar but I know enough to point out what Taliban is saying or doing is wrong and I cannot condemn it enough.
Alaas….
HRCP local representative
Raja Liaqat Ali was leading the protests against Military Operations…..Hw also promised the local TALIBAN heads that he will soon grow a Beard as Rahimullah Yusafzai had when Mullah Omer asked him to keep…..
And Now after the Agreement on An old Video they are reacting in a press Conference….
Political Motives lead these people for such Hypocracy…..
This is what happened when religion is allowed to pollute the state. I don’t care what interpretation of what religion is employed in such a mix; it’s still a recipe for disaster.
Sorry, typo: ‘happened’ = ‘happens’
@Malik
A person needs to have a CERTAIN LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE to understand religion.
A CERTAIN LEVEL OF INTELLECT is a prerequisite.
Sadly , majority of the world population are NOT that intelligent.
Hence, all the mis-understanding of religion.
>>In case of ISLAM, majority of muslims DONT APPLY logic and reasoning to Islam. Hence they become easy prey for those illiterate mullahs.
@SV,
Brother i ABSOLUTELY LOVED Chennai when i went there.
I have some amazing friends there.
By the way, i am from WEST BENGAL.
>>>>sorry, its off-topic.
@Incredible: intellect and reason are antithetical to religion.
I believe it was Jefferson who said that in every village, there’s a torch – the teacher, and an extinguisher – the clergyman.
A person needs to have a CERTAIN LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE to understand religion.
>>>>>>>>
I wouldn’t agree. You don’t need to be clever to have faith, indeed it doesn’t nessecerily help. And some unintelegent individuals have an instinctive understanding of how to manipulate it as well.
@ Incredible:
I agree with your views about Muslims DONT APPLY logic and reasoning to Islam. Hence they become easy prey for those illiterate mullahs. Though i think every religion got its fair share of making their followers less dependent on logic and rationality.
What i am unable to understand is that why is it important to speak in favor or against something by always looking at it through religious glasses? Is it important to say that Islam or any other religion doesn’t teach extremism thats why we are not extremist? Cant we say that we are not extremist because its not a rational approach to live a life, its just not good for other human beings living in this world with us.
Its not about what religion teaches, its about considering “religion” the ONLY authority to guide us, the ONLY power that can “WITHOUT ANY DOUBT” provides flawless solution of any problem … thats the real problem. Whats wrong in condemning killing or torture SIMPLY because its wrong, because its effects on humanity are disastrous … Why u need to consult religion for each and every thing? Why we have a brain attached with our bodies? To waste?
Question is can we stop such incidents and can we stop Taliban from spreading in other areas of Pakistan? … I think We can … By stop respecting them (by stop calling them our Muslim/Pakistani brothers) … By hitting the streets in a large number to protest against such acts to show practically that we are not interested in such stupid acts (just like we turn emotional after USA’s drone strikes) … By educating their next generations … By sending all afghan migrants back to Afghanistan … By stop giving too much respect and authority to local Molvis … By taking control of all madrassa from mullahs and give them under authority of Ministry of education and Development … By using our own minds to question anything before accepting it … By giving employment opportunity in troubled areas … By rejecting forceful imposition of any religious ideology (including Sharia) … By spreading tolerance … By accepting and listening to each other view without pointing fingers at each other … By considering every other person “A Human” just like we are … No Hindu, No Muslim, No Jew, No atheist … Just Human Beings.
Just think of the tragedy of teaching children not to doubt! — Clarence Darrow
“I write as a former PPP supporter and voter… ”
I don’t understand what’s this post has got to do anything with the topic in hand and I’m not writing as a PPP supporter. Let me try to get this right, If you knew all this – PPP’s record legislatively on the issue of Islam and human rights – why did you supported PPP in the first place? Surely Zardari’s sins are not any greater or worse than those that you have mentioned in your post. Or is it that you want us not to criticize Imran Khan on his views regarding Sharia, with whom you disagree ‘on almost 70% of things’ against Bhutto who gave us the Constitution and a federal party in your own words?
@Mr.Danial Burki
I have been reading ur comments in PTH and also in TEETH MAESTRO.
Keep writing, you are doing a GREAT SERVICE to ur nation(i guess Pakistan) by posting logical points. Start writing articles in Blogs like PTH.
@Chris Hayes
Having faith in God and mindlessly following religious rituals/practices are completely different things.
Also “Changing with time” is an absolute must.
These morons have made RELIGION -a set of rituals only.
@Malik
Agreed 100%
Looking at people like you gives me hope for a peaceful future.
Speak up and speak out LOUD.
The difference between PPP and PTI (yes that small urban party) is not that the former is secular or liberal … because the former is not but that the latter has fewer corrupt people and that the latter does not lay a claim to all the things that former does.
As to why I voted for the PPP…well I had faith in BB shaheed’s ideas. But she is gone now…and PPP is a joke.
We need a new party …a modern secular party which does not pander to the religious right and feudals while laying a claim to liberalism and socialism. I am willing to bet that PTI has a much better chance evolving to that party than PPP.
And some one mentioned the great Clarence Darrow…I think Aitzaz Ahsan fills that role …but between a William Jennings Bryan (ie Imran Khan) and the present PPP leadership, I’d choose Bryan…
Ofcourse I hope our local Darrow wins out in the end.
@ Incredible – thanks, much appreciated. One of the more livable cities in india (sorry off topic)
What shocks me the most about this clip is the silent spectators. What kind of a society benumbs you to such stupid, medievalist violence that you just stand there paralyzed, watching?
The problem isn’t just religion or how its abused. There’s a malignant tumour in our culture: there is this “acceptance” of extreme violence as a means of punishment. From the frequent beatings of students in public schools and even colleges… to domestic violnce and child abuse… to the way street kids are mishandled… or the general thuggery you see aroudn you…. there is a constant exposure to violence – internalized by most Pakistanis, leaving them just numb to it. Need to snap out of it.
Malik,
My criticism of your attack on the great Khan notwithstanding, I completely agree with your views vis a vis the role of religion and the need for secularism.
Keep up the good work. But also expose those opportunist politicians in the PPP etc who signed this horrendous treaty.
@Qandeel says
“”What kind of a society benumbs you to such stupid, medievalist violence that you just stand there paralyzed, watching? “”
The Dawn Reports on the incident says
“”It’s a SMALL thing. We should talk about drone attacks, not MINOR things,”” said Munawar Hassan,
That kind of society which calls it a SMALL THING!
“http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/Video-showing-Swat-girl-flogging-circulated–qs”
I am printing an article from Time below. Reading the article, I think an outsider’s view would be that Taliban’s rise in Pakistan is all about the military’s perception of its “strategic depth strategy” in Afghanistan.
Public lashing of a girl barely makes an impression when considered with Pakistan’s existential conflict with India. All the debate on secularism, religion, pales into insignificance if it does not fit into the threat perception of the military.
===============================
The key element in President Barack Obama’s Afghanistan strategy is getting Pakistan to fight the Taliban on its side of the border. But despite the Administration’s demanding a more concerted effort against militants on Pakistani soil as a condition for further aid to Pakistan’s military — and warnings by Centcom commander General David Petraeus and others that the Taliban threatens to destroy Pakistan as a state — many in Washington and beyond are skeptical that Pakistan will cooperate.
U.S. military officials have recently made clear that more than seven years after America went to war against the Taliban, Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency continues to provide active support to Taliban forces fighting in Afghanistan. “Fundamentally, the strategic approach with the ISI must change,” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen told CNN last Friday, “and [its] support … for militants [on both its Afghanistan and India borders] has to fundamentally shift.” But the problem is not confined to the ISI or elements within it. In a recent truce between the Pakistani army and local Taliban groups in the Pakistani region of Bajaur, militants recanted their hostility to Pakistani security forces but vowed to concentrate on fighting NATO forces in Afghanistan. And Pakistan has been far more tolerant of Taliban forces on its soil who conduct operations in Afghanistan than of those who fight the Pakistani government. (Read “Can Pakistan Be Untangled from the Taliban?”)
The U.S. obviously sees little merit in that distinction, and neither do some members of the younger generation of Pakistani Taliban leaders, such as Baitullah Mehsud, a target of U.S. drone strikes who claimed responsibility for Monday’s deadly attack on a Lahore police academy, saying it was an act of revenge for Pakistan’s complicity in the U.S. campaign. But even the uptick of Taliban violence inside Pakistan won’t necessarily spur the country’s military establishment to act against Taliban forces that are using Pakistani territory as a base from which to fight NATO in Afghanistan.
The strategic logic of Pakistan’s support for the Taliban is grounded in seeing Afghanistan as inextricably linked to Pakistan’s existential conflict with India. Many in Pakistan’s security establishment see the government of President Hamid Karzai as first and foremost a close ally of India’s, and therefore a rival to Pakistan’s strategic interests. The Obama Administration’s exit strategy is unlikely to change that outlook. As long as Pakistan remains in conflict with India, the country’s military establishment will be reluctant to “put all its eggs in the American basket,” as a Pakistani analyst put it. (Read “Avoiding a Quagmire in Afghanistan.”)
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, then President Pervez Musharraf had little choice but to support the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan — despite his misgivings over Washington’s strategy there. Indeed, Pakistan had helped install the Taliban in Kabul in 1996, to ensure that the nation’s western flank was controlled by a friendly regime. Even a month after the U.S. air campaign in Afghanistan began in October 2001, President Musharraf declared publicly that his government had no intention of breaking diplomatic ties with the Taliban, saying the ties provided a “useful diplomatic window” and claiming that the relationship was “fruitful and accepted by the coalition.” Viewed through the prism of Pakistan’s conflict with India, then, the current regime in Afghanistan represents encirclement by India and its allies. And that’s a situation that Pakistan’s strategic establishment would prefer to change.
What shocks me the most about this clip is the silent spectators. What kind of a society benumbs you to such stupid, medievalist violence that you just stand there paralyzed, watching?
>>>>>>>
Would you mess with a bunch of guys who drove the army out? Who would back you up? You would have to flee afterwards or die.
What would you do if a bunch of guys with AK’s started thrashing a girl in front of you and whats more might consider you a dissenter/apostate/spy if you walked away?
The treaty was just for the Aam Junta not to be a Sandwitched between Army and Fanatics….
As only they were victimized from both sides.
The Main problem is the Unwillingness and deep dislike in society for that War against these Criminals and Monsters….
Even Gen. Musharraf before 9/11 was preaching the world about the difference in Jihad and Terrorism. In his Memoir Musharraf conceded that he was not at all willing US ally in this War. But he was compelled to join hands with Washington after the 9/11, when threatened by a highest ranked US official.
Today when almost all the news channels have telecasted the video in which the Taliban fanatics are lashing a 17 years old girl PUBLICLY in the name of Shairiat and religion. Questions are raised on the silence of Aam Junta…
Why Almost two years of Army Operation has not loosen these fanatics grip on the area. Why the political forces have bowed in front of demands of such extremists…Go and ask most of the residents of Swat who have strong reservations over the Army Operations….Peoples are sandwiched between the fanatics bombings and Army Mortaring….All the top leadership is alive and not a single fugitive is targeted….Is their any unwillingness from the forces fighting the monsters to keep them alive.
And when the Army has started third and the most crucial phase of their operation then instantly a human right activist have come to the scene and protests were launched against the operations. It is the unwillingness of civil society.
Almost all the political forces have not openly supported Army for their deadly war against the fanatics. It is unwillingness from the politicians. No one wants to loose their popularity.
During the operations, Media was calling the terrorists ASKARIAT PASAND..An abroo mandana term for them…as they are using for those fighting in Kashmir.Security personal were termed as HALAAK not SHAHEED or JAAN BAHAQ….This shows their dislikes…..What do U people want???
Yehi Naaaa K
“Fauj aur Taliban Chupan Chupai khailtey Rahein Aur Inn K Iss kheil mey Aam Log aur Siasi Worker Marte Rahein”
Taliban is sick and some of us in India seem to have got the inspiration from the Barbarians. Not too long ago members of Sri Ram Sene ‘a fringe outfit’ stormed into a Manglore Pub and beat the girls who were present. These assholes had the balls to justify their act in front of the media.
If Pakistan is under attack from Taliban then India too has its own Talibans both green and saffron. Unless we act sternly against them we might also be subject to some draconian laws in the name of religion.
These outfits are like a cancer and a very special treatment is reserved for women. My appeal to Indians who visit this site is to vote for the candidates who are truly secular. We have to defeat fascism in this election. That will be a proper lesson for BJP. I thought they were getting on right track by not using the religion in the last few years but come elections and they are back to their dirty old tricks.
First of all, there have been cases where tribesmen have stood up against the Taliban.
Secondly, that’s not the point. Its not got to do with the Taliban. I know of school teachers in Pakistan who would publically humiliate and beat a student for misbehaving. Policemen are exceptionally crude and nefarious creatures in this regard, and I dont even want to know half of what goes in Pakistani thaanas. The point was, at least insofar as the tribal areas are concernd… that when you’re brought up in a culture where women are regular victims of wife battering or where women are gang raped for “crimes” committed by her brother, or where a father sells his 8 year old daughter to settle a poker debt, or the whole “vani” custom … and all this is “normalized”, then you dont really react to a woman being flogged. You’ve been inoculated.
Brave article and a good discussions.
To be religious one need not be very intelligent. Then the problem is from the power hungry religious minds. They encash these innocent.
Religion has to be separated from Polity. Keeping religion out of polity is tough everywhere in the world. This is much more tough job in Pakistan as it took birth with religious sentiments. If people like Malik brave, come out and take lead, it may not be that tough. Keep writing.
Here is a verse straight from the Quran:
(from http://www.jannah.org/qurantrans/quran24.html)
024.002 The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye believe in God and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.
The lashes being meted out, no compassion in the hearts and faces of people, and the momineen standing around watching: looks like a scene straight from the Quran!
Now, the woman wasn’t accused of rape, so these verses don’t exactly apply to her, but we know how easy it is to twist and turn such verses and use them for your own version of justice. EVEN IF she had committed adultery, how many of you would be OKAY with such a punishment? I know for the life of me that I wouldn’t. I am repulsed to my very core with this barbarism.
I know most muslims are decent people, but please realize that Islam (like Christianity and Judaism, and perhaps other religions too) isn’t a decent religion. It contains great and humanistic teachings sprinkled with such utter barbarism. Lets not cherry pick verses from our religion and stop pretending that such barbarism is totally unwarranted according to Islamic teachings.
Most of you will find my comments rather unpleasant, but I sincerely believe that its time for us to grow out of our religious infatuation and accept the facts.
What a disgusting show of religious extremism! the thing every1 forgets is that she is only a 17 year old girl,a minor.What is even more depressing that tv anchors like mushtaq minhas last night defended this act by labelling it as a conspiracy by the jews and the indians.these people’s repeated defence of these barbaric activities is what keeps the public support of the taliban up.instead of condemning the mentality of the fanatics,he deflected the atrocity by mentioning drones and the jewish agents and said this issue was not worth mentioning and there was no need to discuss it!these fans of the taliban’s brutality are what keeps letting these atrocities go unpunished as they deflect any criticism by launching into their own propaganda.The taliban’s spokesperson already accepted responsibility and said that the right thing was done.the media defenders of the taliban must be brought to account for making the atrocities of the taliban acceptable in the minds of the public.
@Qandeel
You have seen only one side of the stroy through the Video…..
They are Barbaric beyond the limits….
There was a Chowk where in every morning people were hanged and dead beheadedbodies were kept… labelled with a warning not to pick these bodies before 11 a.m…
Most of them were those peoples who have raised a voice against this Barbarism….
People were threatened from the both sides….As these fanatics and Security personnels were in agreement to torture just the common Man….Now this agreement is a slap over the face of the state who was unable to protect People from such persons….
There are a lot of examples of the common man victimization….But our hypersensitive media and intellect have raised their eyebrows and ears when it was publicized by a foriegn Newspaper on his Site….
And when political forces are trying their best to help people come out of that misfortune then everyone is objecting…
Plz go and browse on the youtube and search with the tag Swat Operation and compare
Typo mistake
“beheaded dead bodies”
It is not tough nice bhartiya. You don’t understand the creation of Pakistan so I suggest you refrain from making comments that have no bearing on reality.
People like Malik and others are a visible expression of Jinnah’s Pakistan which is saying enough! We won’t allow the taliban to make a mockery of our country.
And last night- the Chief Justice of Pakistan took Suo motu notice of this incident which essentially means the top judge of Pakistan has told the nizam-e-adl to go take a hike.
It is going to be interesting to watch how Pakistan’s Supreme Court proceeds on the Swat deal, well at least the judicial part of it. I’d bet at some point this year it’s going to be declared unconstitutional, wonder what our govt will do then ?
I am heartsick at what is happening to beautiful Swat; this is not shariah, this is bestiality at its worst.
May God protect the girls and women of Pakistan!
People from Swat have a bitter experience of CJ Suo….As he has previously released in a case4 Taliban Commander Ibn E Ameen…..and who was famous for his brutality and slaughtered even his brother in Law for suspicion of informing Security forces
@ Shahzad
I’d bet at some point this year it’s going to be declared unconstitutional, wonder what our govt will do then ?
Man!!!
Go Ask the Security forces what will they Do to their own created Monsters…..
i would like to say that the video released is a proper strategy to break the deal between the government and taliban.because any muslim who has a little knowledge of islam cannot do so.and its a point to think upon that how a girl can get up and walk after such an act of brutality.i challenge anyone who thinks he will remain conciuos after just having ten of those wahile the girl got 35.
muslims canot do this muslims cannot do that….
how about someone replying to what desi sceptic has said