Cue the curtain on Pakistani minorities
–Photo illustration by Faraz Aamer Khan/Dawn.com
On 28 May 2010, two Ahmadi “places of worship” were attacked simultaneously during Friday prayers in Lahore. As the siege went on for hours, news channels across the board were strewn with live footage from the scene of attack. For the first time in Pakistani history, Ahmadi community, and the persecution they had faced since the time they were declared non-Muslim in 1974, started being discussed openly on television. Sane people watched the drama unfold amidst increasing horror. In the middle of all this mayhem, a friend at a news channel overheard a colleague begrudgingly say “its live television, so we can’t do anything about it. But we will make sure the issue dies by tomorrow.”
It took only two days for electronic media to shift their focus. The botched attempt by terrorists to free the only arrested assailant from the hospital got another day.
It happens in Pakistan. There is so much happening in rapid succession that sometimes the harshest of news (bomb blasts and such) have very short cycles. More blasts, target killings, political drama, omnipotent energy/food crises take its place. Sure enough, within two days of the 28 May attacks, the outrage and rants had found another focus: the Gaza-bound flotilla which was intercepted by Israeli forces and the detainment of Pakistani journalist Talat Hussain.
The uncomfortable truth in Pakistan is that we (the general population, including the media) don’t like to talk about minorities. Some English newspapers do try their best to highlight the issue regularly, but considering the overall readership, it is primarily preaching to the choir. The very dominant Urdu press and electronic media, however, are conveniently inflicted with the ostrich syndrome.
It’s not like we don’t acknowledge the minorities’ existence. Sure we do. We have the white portion on our national flag to prove it. We try (and fail) to remain on the correct side of the fence at least where Christians are concerned. Every media outlet carries greeting messages on their religious celebrations; politicians make appropriate statements of solidarity. In their subconscious it buys them enough room to ignore them for the remaining year. But the rest of the minorities including Hindus and Ahmadis are quite easily ignored — that is, when we are not killing them, imprisoning them under false allegations of blasphemy to serve personal vendetta, or disparaging them with mindless religious slurs.
Think I’m painting the picture too dark? Here is the reality check. Last month the Sikhs of Lahore were barred from holding an annual ceremony at the Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh to commemorate the martyrdom of their saint Taru Singh. The reason was that Shab-e-Barat was falling two nights “after” the Sikh ceremony was supposed to be held and the Gurdwara technically fell under the “courtyard” of Badshahi mosque. The officials concerned were convinced by some local men, who according to some media reports belonged to Jamat-ud-Dawa, and the Sikhs were asked to postpone their ceremony. Can anyone imagine Muslims in a non-Muslim country being asked to delay Eid Milad un Nabi?
Unfortunately this was only one of the numerous incidents which either go unreported or are so under reported that the purpose of “informing” the public is lost. How many of us know that a Hindu MLA who resigned from Sindh’s provincial assembly and migrated to India because he felt too insecure here? Who cares about the 131 Ahmadis who flew to Thailand in the hope to appeal to UNHCR in Bangkok for asylum and ended up spending months in detention under horrific conditions? Who remembers Qamar David, a convict of blasphemy, who suddenly died of a “heart attack” in a prison?
A few days ago, I emailed the ever understanding editor of Dawn blogs that I would be writing my next post on interfaith harmony. But when I sat down to write, the paragraphs felt a chain of random words bouncing off the walls of futility. I kept thinking that the people who matter in this equation are the majority who will never read these words — or if a few do, they will brush me off as another infidel. This majority is of the non-English speaking class who routinely uses religious slurs as an everyday abuse, the middle class small shop owners who put anti-Ahmadi stickers on their counters, the rural cultivators who do not use the utensils used by a Christian. These are the majority of this country — mostly silent but extremely vocal and reactionary when they sense the risk of being ousted from the circle of Islam.
This constant paranoia of becoming infidels, of their nikahs (marriage certificates) getting void, owing to the righteous guardians of the “Islamic fort” has crippled their intelligence. It has deprived them of the ability for any kind of productive discourse. The rigid definition of “virtue” with an all-or-nothing approach has narrowed down the concept of “good” follower of faith to a suffocating extent. This is the reason common people shrugged off Salman Taseer’s assassination with the usual justification clause: “What happened was wrong but Taseer himself was a <insert vice of choice> man.” It is but one example of how unforgiving and intolerant we really are.
That’s why you need to excuse me if I discard two unfinished drafts extolling religious harmony, drawing on the oft repeated speech of Jinnah to the first constituent assembly, calling out for Pakistanis to at least acknowledge the right to life of fellow citizens. When I reflect on how we have taken a step back from fighting for civil rights to pleading for human rights (of life), such posts become harder to finish.
My dread, this almost resigned rant, comes from a position where I see things getting worse, not just for the religious minorities, but also for those who are in a minority owing to their dissenting voice and alternate vision. And I’m afraid there’s not much we can do to stop it. So let’s have a (non-alcoholic) drink to mourn the battles we are constantly losing and reminisce about the war we have already lost.
Rest in peace Pakistani minorities.
Bushra S is an editor based in Lahore and can be found conversing on twitter here.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
when I was 25 years of age I studied the work of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ,a spiritual teacher of Qadian, India. While doing postgraduate studies in Chicago—I accepted the peaceful approach of Ahmad . Many years later–I realised that all SECTARIANS are in error. The message of god is the golden rule—-that you treat all creatures as one family—do as you would be done by. Your label is not important. Farishtay say behtar hai INSAN hona—-par lagtee hai iss mein mehnat ziada–"it is better to be a HUMAN than a robotic ANGEL—-but it requires more EFFORT" Are we willing to make such efforts?
Bushra you are brave and wonderful. I see what is said and done, but also the silent majority needs to stand up and protest about what is done in their name, to minorities and anyone who is deemed not a good muslim..
An excellent article, someone with courage can write this sort of stuff.
Actually Urdu anchors, writers need to take their professional with honesty as you because big audience in Pakistan can’t read this. They are the one who really needs “heavy” dosage of criticism, which hopefully kicks off a thought process and tolerance. Then also people like Salmaan Taseer or Shahbaz Bhatti don’t have to scarify their lives for taking against insanity.
God bless you….keep it up.
Pakistan should realise a fact sooner than later that being entrapped in a self proclaimed supremacy of religion will not take it anywhere. My comment might sound out of context, but read carefully and you will find the echo of this blog in my example here. Take the recent Norway bombings and shootings by a radical right wing, Christian, white man. This was the country's first large scale blood shed since the world war. And look how the country responded. Hundreds of thousand turned out to stand by the multicultural ethos of the country. In one strong gesture they sent out a message to radicals that they do not believe in their ideology. Contrary to what we see in Pakistan, where there are no such mass protests against Taliban and Al-Qaida terror. On the other hand the Pakistani elite showers petals and praises on Qadri. Pakistan has to wake up and stand up..
I think all minorities in Pakistan should migrate to some other country. That is their only hope for freedom from tyranny.
Great job Bushra ! I appreciate your courage for bringing the truth to the public. Although every member of our socity is well aware of the worst situation but only few has got the courage to use their pen. A particular group of our country trying to impose their own version of Islam on the other fellow countrymen by violent act of terror, which is totally rediculous. It is not only Ahmadis who are facing such brutal act, Shias are having the same trouble from this ingnorant group. A large number of Shia scholars, doctors, lawyers, local politicians, common citizen and even women and children have been brutally killed. Is this the teaching of Islam? No, never. The religion of "peace" and the messenger of Allah (PBUH) always preaches the tolerance and patience. I don't know what version of Islam their school of thoughts are try to implement on the face of earth. Our country is being used as a "test site" where everyone is trying to experiment their own experties.
Well written article. The damage was done beyond repair at the time of partition itself. The great Muslim majority looked on silently when the small groups of over-zealous people forced out even the non-willing non-Muslim population. Eventually they labeled themselves as saviors of Muslims and became so powerful as to dictate terms to the silent majority which has gradually lost guts to speak against the injustices on the so called minorities. In India, too, the scenario was not different in Punjab and Bengal. But the damage remained repairable. Because, in the first place, India declared itself as a Secular nation, secondly, the whole of India was not affected and thirdly, a big population of Muslims stayed back. Unlike in Pakistan, the conditions were not allowed to be worsened in India. This could happen because, in spite of the presence of a good number of people in majority community with extreme views, there were a greater number of people who had guts to stand up against the injustices on the minorities. The position has further been consolidated to the extent that some times people of majority community complain against discrimination. Let us hope that, with the spread of education, the silent majority gets over the micro minority of manipulating “saviors”.
Hats off to Bushra for depicting a very real picture of minorities in Pakistan. It is ironic to find that Pakistan of Jinnah's vision is no where to be found today. Now the question is: has anybody given a serious thought as to why such incidents are happening? Why have the people of Pakistan turned so violent, so arrogant and so intolerant? Who are the real culprits? How come that those responsible for terrorism and mass murder get away easily? Taking the instance of attacks on the places of worship of Ahmadiyya community, it is indeed unbelievable that none of the criminals apprehended by the members of the Community on the spot have so far been prosecuted. and I am sure, the incident would be forgotten and culprits set free once it goes out of public memory. If this is the approach of the politicians and the administration for violence against their own citizens, one would not expect any justice in the so-called 'Islamic' state of Pakistan.
Ms. Bushra and the daily Dawn both deserve appreciation for showing courage in highlighting the miserable condition of minorities in a country where majority Muslim rules. Islam is a religion of reasoning and the Holy Quran is full of that wisdom and logic which should not be difficult for the majority sect to follow. In fact, some of them are drifting away from it and taking law into their hands and demonstrating as if they are the saviours of the world. If that was the case then Allah would have given Muslims superiority in all kinds of wars on other nations. I believe Allah wanted us not to fight but do reasoning and convince others respectfully (do not use force). Our country requires a proper constitution with equal rights to all Pakistanis.
Great exposé of the fear the 'righteous guardians of the Islamic fort' have created of any empathy of minorities in Pakistan
I am a Shia Muslim and from last three decades we are facing violence on almost daily basis, having said that we don't face any prejudice when it comes to society in general. We know that there are certain people supported by "unknown forces" and who think they can gain power by being anti Shia or anti anyone be it majority sunni sect Bravelivis to minorities like Ahmadis, Christians, HIndus, Sikhs etc. We should understand that these people can't get nothing unless they spread hate, and it will be wrong to assume that only Urdu reading/speaking public supports this violent minority, many of their supporters are from very educated English speaking background. Secondly it is wrong to assume that ordinary Pakistani villagers don't use pots if they know any none Muslim has used it, because it is simply not true, one needs to visit rural Sindh where there is a substantial Hindu population and see for themselves. As the writer as well as I know that we need to address the problem of intolerance and not voting for the extremist minority will be first step in the right direction. On the other side unfortunately this extremist minority has a very well organized propagation network and it is kind of holy cow as well as media is concerned as many journalists and people of power adhere to this sect,or are too scared to utter a "wrong word". Our interior minister rightly said, a propagation center is the breeding ground for terrorism, and no wonder he found himself in all kind of trouble. PEACE
It is ironic that India is the only country in the world where all the muslims can practice their faith without any interference. Sunnis, Shias, Ahmedias, Bohras, Bahais, Sufis etc. There is no trouble between each other. All the people are equal in the eyes of our constitution.
As per your comments only, but not in practice.
It's like saying, as we are like this, others cannot be any better.
When muslims are minority they talk about secularism and get their right.But then muslims are majority they first kill secularism & establish talibanism & hate non muslim.Ultimately finish them from their country.It is reality.
being an ex ahmedi muslim , i can relate to all that has been written in the article. i remember when playing cricket most of the other kids who were sunni muslims would constantly abuse us ahmedis on religious grounds. and we blame australia for sledging!! my family then moved to denmark and converted to christianity.
I can only feel sorry for the Hindu, christian and Ahmadi communities in Pakistan. By the way,in Mauritius the 'places of worship' of Ahmadis are called masjid. Here, even though,muslims are only 20% of the population, all male muslim government and non governmentemployee have the right for one hourleave every Friday for the Jumma prayer.
Ahmadis themselves call "places of worship" mosques. But according to Pakistan's constitution, if anyone calls these places mosques, they are liable to fine and 3 years in jail.
They do not employ any minority members in the Defence staff of the country to responsible jobs so there is no need for such generous provisions in Pakistan.
Shafiq
Dear Naeem,
It is exactly opposite. The people of Pakistan or the Pakistani society itself is no different from any other people or society in this sub-continent (India, Pakistan & Bangladesh). It is the religion which is to be blamed. The minorities of Bangladesh also has the same tale to tell. Ah-medias are not better off in Bangladesh. Hindu place of worship routinely been attacked in many places in Bangladesh. They have to observe their festival in tight police security. Non-Muslim Hindu – Buddhist men are dare to ware their traditional dress DHUTI in public, Married women are bared to ware traditional white & red bangles, can not put vermilion on their fore head.
What ever you say about great thing of your great religion, non-Muslims can not live with proper dignity & fearlessness in a Muslim country. How strange, when Muslims lives in a non-Muslims country, they want secularism, but they want Islam should be the state religion where they are majority. It is the fact. Today nobody (whole world) likes Islam. It is a fact, you agree or not
Malay, let me please correct you, it is not Islam at fault, it is Muslims, becuase some of the extremists have hijacked the relegion and the majority is silient and coward, as much as they beleive in pluralism they are not vocal and don't practice what they beleive.
Sad…but true…But even in Pakistan there are people like NFP,Sana Saleem or the writer of the article…so hope is there…
Congratulations Bushra for your courage to highlight the problem. I read it at a time I was seriously thinking about the issue in hand. You mention only religious slurs, but I suggest 'political' slurs as well. Do you see any constitution in the world declaring a certain group of people as 'kafirs', non-christians, non-Hindus? Why have we (the religious, political leaders and law-makers) taken over God's role to decide about the faith of others? Shopkeepers and rural cultivators base their 'verdicts' on the statements from religious leaders. What is needed (for practical reasons) is to engage our religious leaders in some positive activities instead of politics and rigid academic circles so that they have some other things to think about besides ''triggering'' intra and inter-religious controversies. And, sometimes I think there is some problem in the sub-continental soil: Iqbal was declared an infidel, then Maulana Maududi, then Qadianis and the serial (Ahmadis, Pervezis etc.) does not stop. We, as a nation, have left no stone unturned to distort the image of our country. Our reputation across the world is that we are intolerant and extremist society (rich do not tolerate poor, Muhajir do not tolerate Pashtun, Deobandi do not tolerate Brelvi, and VICE VERSA, just to give few examples). I think we need to overhaul the national mindset (though it may seem to generalized statement to some!!!).
Situation about minorities is worst in Pakistan and most worst in the casef of Ahmadi Muslims.
Infact no one has the courage to show the truth and extremist has created such a situation that every one is frightened of expressing the truth. Only the oppinion of extremist reaches the people and the people who r victim has no right to express their oppinion. Large majority of people in pakistan does not know the truth about Ahmadi faith and only believe on the misinformation which is spread agaiainst Ahmadis.
I really appreciate the writers brave effort.
Pakistan Govt and Pakistani Urdu Media has a biased attitude regarding Ahmadis.
If Pakistan Society wish to servive we need to promote interfaith harmony. otherwise we cannot save our beloved country .
Great article! Please write more on this issue. We needs more courageous people to keep writing on these issues.
Brave effort. Too late to talk about Hindus and minorities. Pakistan, as a nation, has almost eliminated them. Nobody is going to give any credit to people like Bushra, for not part of the elimination process. Exceptions are not rules. The truth is that "white portion" of Pakistani Flag, you are talking about, is only a thread now. That too has a "dark green" future.
So true. We in Pakistan never stop complaining about the atrocracies committed by the Yahud-o-nassara-o-hunood on us while we conveniently either tend to ignore the atrocracies we commit against our own non muslim country men or don't admit that the same is happening in our country. Worst part is that the media (especially the Urdu one) never bothers to highlight these issues due to which an overwhelming majority of our population is ignorant about such incidents. The extremism which is a part of our society now is not an outcome of US or Israel's policies towards Muslims but our own course books which not just show the non muslims specially the Hindus and Sikhs in bad light but also try to show that Pakistan was made only for muslims while fuel is added in this fire by our semi-literate / illiterate clergy who have no knowledge about the religion whatsoever. One can only pray for the non muslims of this country otherwise under the current scenario where suicide bomb blasts, killings, economic down-turn etc are rampant, there is hardly any hope for a common Pakistani (then be it a muslim or a non muslim)
Kudos Bushra for writing so candidly, with genuine concern on a subject people want to sweep under the carpet. Majority of the Pakistanis I'm sure are like you..peace loving. But years of false propaganda and stereo types on minorities has created a misguided majority. Even in India where text books, TV shows and movies go out of the way to foster a secular and tolerant mind set, there is a minority that is misguided and fundamentalist. So one can only imagine what damage the Zia years have done.
Very hard hitting article ma'am! Sometimes I do think about it then a questions troubles my thought process…What is more important…Religion or Humanity?
In Islam there are concepts of Haqooq ul Ibaad (duties towards fellow people) and Haqooq Allah (duties towards God). God has said that He will be the judge of Haqooq Allah and will punish/forgive people accordingly. But there will be no forgiveness if our Haqooq ul Ibaad are short till the person who suffered injustice at our hand forgives us first. So my answer to your question is simple: humanity before everything.
I never imagined if Pakistan media can bring the truth of religious intolerance in Pakistan.
Its brave !!
Its sad but true most of Muslims , wherever they are in minority , demands secularism and equal rights , but they just don't practice it where they are in majority ,be in Kashmir or in Pakistan .
I wonder how pakistani people never protested against injustice against its own minority community
'….humanity brfore everything"……My hats off to you sister BushraS for your courage and wisdom. You are the hope and bright light at the end of the tunnel called Pakistan, Keep it up. May God bless you all many fold. For record I'm Hindu from India living in the US.
Great…we need more people like you, NFP to make this world a place to live for our next generation…
'A Hindu from India' & a regular reader of DAWN…