55
Please be patient while you read this, I am still reeling. Still paralyzed by anger and numb by grief. Please be patient while I pick up the right words to protest the brutal killing of Saleem Shahzad, a father, a husband, a brother, a son — a journalist.
I am afraid that I might not find the right words. I doubt that no matter how many candles we burn, no matter how many protests we call, no matter how many times we shout and sloganeer it might never make a difference.
It’s like a ritual — frantic exchange of calls and texts, announcing the venue for a protest. It’s often the same people with similar placards, even the chants haven’t changed: “Zalimo jawab doh, khoon ka hisaab doh”.
Even the silence after is familiar. How do I defend the state we are in? What questions do I ask? In a state where the essence of honor, dignity and sovereignty have been distorted to justify the appearance of mutilated bodies dumped on roadsides; how do I even begin to mourn?
Saleem Shahzad was aware of the dangers of reporting facts; he knew his life was at stake. Yet he refused to cower in fear; he refused to mince his words. He did what he knew best; he reported facts.
1013 words are being blamed for his death. I am not clear which one of those words could trigger such blinding anguish that his murderers had no other choice than torturing him to death.
In his last piece, Shahzad wrote about the involvement of people from inside the navy, facilitating the attack on PNS Mehran. For this he was summoned for briefing, he left a note with the Human Rights Watch, expressing concern over the threatening calls he had been receiving from the intelligence agencies.
Right now senior analysts at various news channels are discussing the odds, “Are the intelligence agencies really involved in this murder?”, “There has been hearsay on their involvement in sending out threats and torture but they don’t just kill people!” “Was he really killed because of that piece he wrote? Could it be something else?”
It strikes me tremendously odd that the ISI’s involvement in torture and making threatening calls to journalists is spoken of with such casualty. It appears to be a norm — even if torture inevitably leads to death, aided by a hushed burial.
It’s a pity that these questions are being asked, knowingly that Shahzad’s torture that led to his death is not a unique case. Journalists like Wali Khan Babar, Zaman Ali and Hayat Ullah Khan have been killed in the line of duty.
Khan, who was an investigative journalist working in North Waziristan, abducted by ‘unknown assailants’ and found eight days later killed and dumped in a ditch near his house.
“Abducted four days after he had taken photos of the aftermath of what Pakistani officials had said was an accidental bomb-making explosion that killed Abu Hamza Rabia, an Egyptian believed to be a senior al Qaeda operative. Hayat Ullah’s photos, which showed clearly identifiable fragments of US Hellfire missiles in the rubble, directly contradicted the government’s story …here were five bullet holes in his head and his wrists were bound with government-issue handcuffs. The government promised investigations, two of which were delivered to Islamabad in late summer 2006. As of September 2006, neither report has been released.”
The statement issued by the ISI is reflective of the relationship between our intelligence agencies and the people. It begins with denying involvement, showing sympathy to the aggrieved family and ends with a much familiar tone; a defensive one.
“It is regrettable that some sections of the media have taken upon themselves to use the incident to target and malign the ISI.” If that is indeed a message for the aggrieved family, the three children who have lost their father, I am afraid it might not be understood fully. It might be slightly difficult to focus on sovereignty and honor while your father’s battered and exhumed corpse is brought back home.
When Salman Taseer’s body was riddled with bullets, we were told to be cautious, to practice self-censorship. When images of Shahbaz Bhatti’s blood splattered car popped up on our televisions screens, we were informed that we would be hunted down. Now that Saleem Shehzad’s tortured corpse has been discovered we are told to remain silent — I don’t know about you, but for me that’s not an option, never was.
“Koi aur toh nahin hai pas-e-khanjar aazmai,
Hum hi qatal ho rahay hain, Hum hi qatal kerrahay hain”
“There is no one else holding the dagger,
We are the ones dying. We are the ones killing.”
Sana Saleem is Co-founder, Director Gawaahi.com and blogs at Global Voices, Asian Correspondent, The Guardian and her personal blog Mystified Justice. She recently won the Best Activist Blogger award by CIO & Google at the Pakistan Blogger Awards. She can be found on Facebook and tweets at twitter.com/sanasaleem.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn
“There is no one else holding the dagger,
We are the ones dying. We are the ones killing.”
-
Sums up everything. How does one expect 'justice' when those who are supposed to provide security are the ones killing us.
An intolerance that just keeps on growing, like an evil satanic child
A sad day when people are scared of their own government agencies
I don't think that article got him killed.
There's nothing great or new or revealing in that article (or maybe I feel so because I'm an Indian). There must be some other reason. He might have known a little too much about certain people or organization.
well done Sana. There are few voices left in pakistan that speak out their heart. As an Indian I find it chilling to read and hear about unchecked fanaticism and terrorism in our neighbourhood. The concern is serious as the public faith in the Army / ISI to resolve this issue is low. With this the background – Who bells the cat now? The Americans or the Chinese?
The Indian military think tank must also be a worried lout with so much happening so close to their borders. I think the few brave Pakistanis left in this fight must take up cudgels and show the way forward to ordinary people.
There seems to be little time left as the pace at which whistle blowers are being consumed or being decimated, there will not be much leadership remaining to inspire the people.
I find myself wordless and in quiet desperation! It is beyond human understanding how a jounalist, especially one like Syed Saleem Shahzad could be killed in such brutal inhumanity! It angers me and so I have to say that madness has gripped Pakistan, it's leadership! I join the many in expressing my sadness and offering my condolences to Mr. Shahzad's family. May his soul rest in peace!
My sincere condolonces to his family, wife and children. As Sana pointed out, the biggest loss is his children's and his immediate family.
We pay our taxes so that the state protects our well being.. weather in India or Pakistan or for that matter any state. That fundamental deliverable is found wanting… some in India…. more so in Pakistan. I condemn and shame this attack and pass this message to his killers.. YOU WILL NEVER WIN
WAKE UP PEOPLE, This is all a elabroate ploy to tarnish the reputation of our military and state services. Don't give into the Psyops taking place in our beloved motherland. Hold your heads up high and trust in the righteousness of national pride. Without our military, we are nothing.
Fight the good fight Pakistan…. For the Motherland.
The end of this mourning would be nothing more then leaving posts on this thread. As always happens People should forget this by the time – and no one would do anything to reveal the truth.
No Justice – No law!! = Pakistan!!
I have read lot of articles by Salim Shahzad in Asia Times online. He is such a wonderful honest investigative journalist. This should not have happened to him he was not honest to his profession and pleased the culprits. All pakistani media & journalists should rise to give him justice. My prayers to his departed soul.
Tragic shame
I am an American of Indian origin. I have nothing to say except there were a couple of tears in my eyes when I read about this man. Rest in peace, my Brother. May God take care of your young family. Wish I could help.
Hi
I'm a Pkaistani Scientist who lives in U.S.A for a decade or so, i read news about Pakistan everyday. I read Pakistani defence forum news with great enthusiasm like many over seas Pakistanis. Recently when PNS Mehran attack happened i criticized the incompetence of our agencies and military and said that "How incompetent our military and agencies are that it took them over 16 hours to defeat 6 armed militants". That's all i said, now take a deep breath.
I was threatened, harrased at the forum by many so called Pakistanis.
I was called an infidel, an Indian agent.
People wrote that i can not be a scientist since my grammer is so bad.
I don't have to prove who am i and what i do.
But this episode showed me that how intolerant our countrymen are. Our intelligenec agencies have killed people worldwide.
Well said, you are one of the Pakistanis who value human lives and understand what's going on in our country. Also, I am with you as far as how INTOLERANT our countrymen are.
innalillahey wa innallahey rajaioon,May allah bless the departed soul in eternal peace ,.Amin
and give sabre azeem to bereived family,
this is shameful tragedy,happening in a country whose so called democratic rulers ,have no moral,ethical,religious value,donot expect any miracle ,hope and pray for achange,younus
As I read the comments it is De Ja Vu again
We all know who did this. So, where are the protests–silent or otherwise?
Still the media wants to cover the ISI for its deeds and leading the country to this state.
It's time ISI and military established is brought under civilian control. There is no other way to solve crises in Pakistan.
I am suprised that articulate people of pakistan and other strata of society can't come together on this issue.
If you can have numbers behind you political parties will follow.
Good Luck and my commiseration.
As an expat, i read with horror the slaying of Saleem. I hung my head un shame for the lack of protests on the streets; i was stunned by the media's focus on who killed him, rather than on uniting to bear his torch and urgently spread far and wide the terrible truths he has uncovered- the criminalization of Islam for end gains by our own people. What will the tipping point be, for moderates to spring to action and take back control of our country?
Intelligence agencies are same all over the world. Argentina had lost thousands like Shahzad in 1960s and no one has ever been punished.
Nice work! I'm so heartbroken. If other journalists dare to write such kinds of article, we can stop this heinous practice of killing journalists. These days, I see a lot of journalists, the so-called Pakistani journalists who mince their words while they are interviewed about the killing of Saleem Shezad. So sad!
Mohammad
Washington state
US
I always say, Speaking the truth is more powerful them all the prayers and worship in this world. Saleem Shahzah deared to speak the TRUTH…
for how long people of pak will bear the truth.the nation has lost a petriot . he had done his duty but the people did not .
I am getting more and more disillusioned by this state of ours called Pakistan. The Government, the people and the army. Everything.
journalists and social reformers play a brave but futile role in pakistan as it is today.
odds are against them 10 to 1.
so question must be , why they dont play a low level role ,for the sake of their family.
they should come first.
It proves that our army can neither fight a sword, nor a pen.
Hope his death does not go in vain. Society must rise to counter evils. Truth will prevail in the end. Those who killed him are the real cowards. Salute to a brave soul. Countrymen should not let terror agents run the nation.
An Indian.
It is a wake up call for every pakistani to realise the extent of bloody game which is played by its agencies.
I have been reading Asia Times Online, mainly to read Syed Saleem Shahzad's article. I used to wonder how fearless, forthright one can get in pursuit of truth and used to mentally visualize an image of a mature man in his sixties. I also used to wonder how in a country run by dictators most of the years such people can report from Pakistan and I assumed that this person is not living in Pakistan and using his contacts to write. Ever since I saw his picture in DAWN I am experiencing a sinking feeling deep inside my heart. I do not know how to admire my hero. You may find millions of soldiers trained to kill but brave Shahzad is only one in billion. I request his friends to open a Face book account on his name and keep him and what he stood for alive for a long long time. This will at least fill the vacuum created by his death somewhat.
Friends- from all over the world listen, its nice to sympathise and feel sad but to be involved in the hurt and sadness of Saleem Shehzad's family is more what we should be doing. His children and wife would be the most effected. Please have an account set up for him where we can contribute and DAWN NEWS should publish this account that people who really feel sad should contribute and lessen teh financial hurt to this family.
This brutal killing must be condemned by sane human beings world over. If Pakistan has to survive more people must shed fear and hit the streets for the sake of truth, not bogus causes. All journalists must now do some serious investigations and rip the masks of charlatans who are practicing the ideology of DEATH and bring nothing but grief to the people.
The killers dare not declare that they did it –
Because they are cowards
They killed a single human being –
Because they were many and he was alone.
They killed because he was saying something which the cowards did not want the majority to hear
They killed him –
They thought they can terrorize some other bold man –
who could be thinking of saying some thing which the cowards may not like.
But there would be some fearless persons-
And that is the hope that
Change will come
Great words shahid, a fitting tribute to a great soul
It is a straight forward challenge to media, whether they have the courage to report the inconvenient truth.I hope that the media chooses the tough and the correct path.
The efforts will make a difference. Just like Saleem made a difference. That is why he was murdered.
I don’t understand why every one is so depressed and unprovoked, enough with mourn and try to catch what Shahzad was up to, what message he convey to us, what was his intentions.
Today there is no difference between 1947 and 2011, at that time they fight for their freedom and finally proved as a nation, today we have to fight for our coming generations needs the same spirit, at-least we can give our coming generations the Pakistan which is the beautiful one in the million.
Our elders lived their lives already, its time for us to stand with each other, with no political agenda, we are the power of Pakistan, we must get together; change our set of minds and think of our only Pakistan because Pakistan is for us and we are from Pakistan no more second thoughts.
Brilliant Sana! No words can explain what this country has become..
In light of the recent Balochistan killings (Prof Saba Dashtiyari), I have zero expectations that any pattern will change, however, pray on the contrary.
"yeh dukh nahien ke andheron se sullah ki hum ne/ malaal yeh ke ab subah ki talab bhe nahein"
Zardari got a chance to become a hero in front of Pakistani nation if he wants to avail it as Shahzad did.
"Koi aur toh nahin hai pas-e-khanjar aazmai,
Hum hi qatal ho rahay hain, Hum hi qatal kerrahay hain”
Quite aptly out and yet even after all this people continue to defend the intelligence agencies when instead they should be asking for transparency and accountability for their actions.
An excellent article by Sana. It is now clear that the space for a fearless and robust press, at one time pride of Pakistan has shrunk. The ruthless murder of Shahzad is a black day for Pak journalists in that they are caught between the terrorists and state agencies with all- pervasive culture of fear that anyone who dares to stand-up against them will be silenced.
I think Pakistan needs to move forward and utilize its forces and strength in development rather than getting caught in millitary success as the way to capture the world.. Till that happens everything will be a challenge.
the only truth in each religion is that in a war everyone loses
I saw Saleem Shahzad's interview in one of our TV channels and was deeply struck by the honesty and sincerety Saleem portrayed. Truth shines thru some people – his face was one such. May his family find the strength to bear this terrible loss.
Only the people of Pakistan (The Awam) can help Pakistan get rid of this evil within. We can only pray that both our countries flourish independently and in friendly ties with one another.
I am a fan of Saleem as he was a very straight forward and fearless writer. A journalist who always spoke truth. Just few days back we exchanged few e-mails. He hinted the likelihood of mutiny by mid-cadre officers in defense forces of Pakistan. I, very strongly refuted his assumptions basing on my experience of services in Pakistan army. After reading my arguments he agreed and wrote, "ideas well taken".
When PNS Mehran incident took place, I got an e-mail from him drawing my attention towards mutiny at PNS Mehran. I again snubbed him and explained that mutiny in classical military terminology is quite different what he was interpreting. Later, he advised me to read his article on PNS Mehran. He prepared this report in two parts.
The first part appeared in Asia Times Online on May 27. On May 28, when second part did not appear I asked him about it. He replied that due to some commitments he could not write and would do it next week. This proposed next week took him somewhere else. What was in his second report probably no one will ever come to know.
What a pathetic state prevails in Pakistan. Pakistani elite both in civil and brass considers that silencing the voice of truth might yield some good results for them, but they are mistaken.
Intelligence agencies, being alleged for his murder, appeared to be more brutal than the Taliban, who let Saleem live after warnings. I was expecting the intelligence agencies, after severe warnings will also let him free with in 48 to 72 hours but that was a wishful thinking. But in spite of all this, I am sure mission undertaken by Saleem will continue.
Many more Saleems will be ready to march forward and this journey of speaking truth will continue. Courageous ladies like Sana Saleem are living examples. Please let the candle of truth remain burning and keep the hopes high.
Well said!
In India Active Journalism is changing and challenging the perspective of Government and its agencies. Whereas in Pakistan the same Journalism is being brutally suppressed by the Government. Your Government doesn't realizes that this Journalism is the only thing that can save the Pakistan Society from this Fundamental Extremism. I believe and hope the Pakistan Awam awakes and takes the battle these Journalists are fighting to the streets and bring your Government to their knees. It will be the best thing to happen for Pakistan and this region as a whole.
Their denial is like the velvet glove covering the iron fist. Why is there no debate on the culprits behind the murder most foul. Shahzad's commitment to the profession must be taught in the classrooms of journalism. His courageous and relentless pursuit of truth will be remembered all over the world. But does Pakistan deserve a Shahzad?
There was another correspondent. In Karachi. He was killed and the video of his killing was published. He was a jew. You have forgotten to include him. A majority of Pakistanis want more Islamization. or talibanism. Hence such killings would become commonplace till there is complete silence.
It is dirtiest face of our country is being projected in the World that our agencies are somehow involved in killing of own citizens which are supposed to defend the country. I pity on me and my country where we are leading for…….
Pakistani Law???
true journalism is a jihad in which either you are martyred (shaheed) or a winner (ghazi), because you are speaking the truth, which our deen encourages to do so. May Allah bless the orphans of saleem bhai!
@Faraz Fayyaz,
Did you say the culprits should be punished according to Pakistani Law? Some law!!
It shows those who did this act are sick minded brutal people and they should be punished according to Pakistani Law.
Thats not the issue what 'should' be done, but also 'how' it should be done especially when you can not trust a single institution's legitimacy in this country, given the facts and idea in this article.
Yes definitely its coward act and can be done by sick minded people. I am afraid, what if Law protector itself involved in it as suspected. There is doubt to get justice.