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The new nexus is now complete: while the US, Afghanistan and India will fight the Taliban, Pakistan would look for making peace with the Islamist militants. Following last week’s courageous overtures made to the militants by the All Parties Conference in Islamabad, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, the killer of Benazir Bhutto and thousands of nameless Pakistanis and the terror outfit that works closely with al Qaeda and blows up shrines and schools, has responded positively to Pakistan’s ruling elite’s proposal, but with only two conditions.
These are: sever relations with the US and enforce Sharia laws (of the kind that only they would dictate). The same Sharia laws which allow rich Raymond Davises of the world to pay blood money and walk free after committing murder in cold blood, or let the victims of rape languish in jail for want of evidence to prove the assault while the perpetrator walks free. Besides, we know what else they entail: flogging young girls in the street for stepping out of the house; shutting down girls’ schools; blowing up shrines; taking cable TV off the air; banning all performing and visual arts; training militias to wage jihad to reclaim Kabul and Delhi, besides Kashmir, of course, and hopefully planning a new assault on America.
Pakistan now seems to be creating a strategic depth it sought in Afghanistan in its own homeland proper. Way to go! What India has been accusing us of doing to ourselves and the world is now confirmed and endorsed by Pakistan’s politicians and the civil-military establishment. We’re finally at peace with the terrorists and can’t wait to call them to the mainstream.
We’ve been talked and walked into this under the very nose of the ISI, the government and the brave, emerging popular leaders like Imran Khan. Who needs a Maududi anymore, you may ask? On the flip side, who needs Jinnah and his minorities and the women whom he had assured of equal rights? Pakistan’s plunge into Talibanisation is a willing journey into a bottomless pit, where the nation will reside happily ever after with its mighty nuclear arsenal intact and in safe hands. What a vision.
And pray who will be our strategic partners in this holy endeavour? The great People’s Republic to the north and the Islamic Republic to the west? Not a fat chance because neither is as suicidal as we may be deluded to believe. Keep messing up in Xinjiang and keep killing the Shia Hazaras as an article of faith and you’ll see how the two great friends will also leave you to your own devices.
Ironically, democratic Pakistan today is dangerously set to embark on an isolation plan that will be the envy of the nutcases running North Koreas and Myanmars of the world, that is, if Imran Khan’s great vision of making peace with the Taliban is to prevail. Even Hamid Gul sounded cautious and worried on TV the other day after seeing the consensus behind closed doors in Islamabad. That was not what even the hawkish likes of him sought for Pakistan, which is now in Hamid Karzai’s ominous words, a twin sibling to his Afghanistan. President Zardari confirmed the sibling rivalry by decrying the fact on The Washington Post’s Op-Ed the other day by complaining that America gave more money to Kabul than it ever did to Islamabad.
Meanwhile Obama seems to be in no mood to listen, and has repeated the same mantra of ‘do more’ to contain the dirty Haqqanis in Afghanistan. Where in this new emerging order of things does Pakistan fit today, you may well ask? A quick glimpse into our obsessive compulsive streak in matters worldly and other worldly came on Thursday as the Supreme Court announced its judgment on the Karachi killings and the law and order case, which it had taken up in public interest. The learned chief justice started off by saying that Islam takes a very serious view of a killing. Pray, tell, which religion or legal system in the world does not?
Yet, we know it is not the fear of Allah that deters people from killing fellow human beings: Iraq and Afghanistan are shining examples of people killing one another in the name of God. Pakistan does not lag too far behind, where the killing of Shia Hazaras and Ahmadis comes as an article of faith to those with whom the state now wants to make peace.
Can peace ever be built on the debris of justice; with or without God being part of the equation?
The writer is a member of the staff at Dawn Newspaper.
A wonderful and soul searching article on the reality of today's Pakistan.I wish Pakistani people realize this imminent danger of falling in harsh and tyrant danger of Islamic fundamentalism.I wish the Pakistani society as a large should immediately steps up their participation in civil society role to awaken the masses and build a strong and vibrant Pakistan.
It is up to Pakistani policy makers to develop a strategy to bring all the quarters on to a single platform and present a plan of action to combat terrorism.
India Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together for a future secular dispensation in all three countries separating religion from politics — otherwise there will be no peace and tranquility in that region any time soon. And we all know how tall this order is especially for 'Islamic' Afghanistan and 'Islamic' Pakistan.
Dear Murtaza
Bravo for this courageous article!
Keep showing us the mirror.
One thing is sure that Pakistanis will never accept that ‘special brand’ of Islam directly imported from Saudi Arabia.
I encourage you to keep fighting with your pen.
I fully agree with you, sir.
The only question I would like to ask Mr. Razvi is that, can he, with complete confidence narrate to us a single incident from the history of the past nations and civilizations that flourished without getting into any conflict(s) or chaos? Pain and suffering has always been at the root of nations. Yesterday, it was the West and its European wars. Today, it is Pakistan and the Middle East. To move forward, to realize ones weaknesses, to recognize ones enemies, nay, to even recognize oneself, it's imperative that one must go down first, even to the lowest of the low: in the absence of such an historical example of 'rosy' and 'peaceful' transitions of nations and its people, one must be rational enough to see that Pakistan is not an exception.
It takes lot of courage to write an article like this. Showing the mirror to a deluded nation is no cakewalk.
We as a nation are doing our utmost to fulfill our death wish.
nothings new…chicken has come home to roost
Well said Razvi Sb, This represents the silent majority amongst Pakistanis. I haven't given up on Democracy yet, must use the vote very carefully in next election.
Thank you Murtaza Razvi for making your readers feel so miserable, frustrated, totally disappointed and cry. Truth can be so painful at times.
While I certainly agree with what is written in the article, how about putting forward some solutions?
dear brothers on the blog you must understand, the reason for our current situation and devise solution accordingly. The current situation does not permit us to take chances on new thing. The only hope is in ISLAM. If you can bring it to life you will see success and dignity in this life and if you die while achieving you will soon see success and rewards promises of Allaha. Any other choice or hope is but grt deception. Hopefully in near future we will emerge as a nation representing Islam in its true form. Please STOP blaming others, hopelessness…. nothing can happen to us if we are with Truth.
amazeing article shows some ones got guts in this god forsaken land of pakistan.
Mr. Rizvi, I am thoroughly moved by the act of courage that you and many columnist (bloggers) display in Dawn's editorial pages. But in a country, where most probably believe that Sharia is the magic wand to solve all problems, I am worried about the safety of you, your family, and all other rational people of Pakistan. I am worried about Kmer Rouge like Sharia brigade, allowed as part of the peace (surrender) process, who will go after the soft target of Pakistani intelligentsia. No matter how much you love your country, please consider surviving first for greater goods. It would be very sad to read about death of another courageous man.
I am overwhelmed by this article! Mr. Rizvi. Hats off to "Dawn" and people like you who still believe in themselves and express their views fearlessly despite the army of mullahs and killer sleuths putting all kinds of hazards in their path. God bless you.
this is such a strong article! people might agree or disagree but its great to see newspapers in pakistan publishing such strong an article. peace is required- but no peace can be attained by compromising on the rights of a strong part of the society (here women). peace is for people and for ALL people in the society- not for one part
This is true that people there killing each other, and state should do something about that. We should hold responsible to authorities who are allowing scholars in imambargahs to say bad comments about religious personalities of other sect.
If somebody carry on saying bad words about personalities to whom I respect so much then actually he is provoking me without realising that everybody have to live in one country.
Check and monitor not only mosques but these imambargahs as well to make sure nobody pass dirty remarks about any religious personality.
I understand ur article, it's no good to kill each other, but we need to go in depth and find the root cause of this foolishness. We need to monitor mosques as well as imambargahs to find out why we are getting hatred for each other.
Everybody have to stop saying bad words about opponents religious personality and lead ur life whichever way u wants.
Great words K Khan. Peace is the only option. Lets stop fighting.
My heart goes out to Dawn, its writers and other brave Pakistani media, which highlight the mess that the political-military nexus has got their country into. We pray that sensible people of Pakistan get together to stop this ever quickening slide. The brave Pakistani media is its real patriotic soldier. If a country is prosperous, the entire world aligns with it.
Brilliant but sad article. People in Pakistan pls do something about it. Pls do not feel helpless.
An excellent article. The trouble with Pakistan is, it does not see itself as others from outside see it. It is on a very dangerous path.
In your opinion, is there any practical way that like-mided and friendly Pakistanis and Indians can come together to defeat extremist tendencies in both our countries? I would really appreciate hearing from you on this subject. Thank you again for an insightful essay.
American have been fighting them for last 10 years and there are even more of them from time the war started. there was hardly any killing in Pakistan before we were pressured into plunging into northern areas.
I think you need to get your facts straight don't misguide people with your version of history sir.
Truth of the mater is war will not fix anything it's peace and peace is going to bring those people back to main stream.
Excellent artical. I m really worried about my county. This artical should also published in urdu.
Very brave article,but will it make any difference? Ground reality in Pakistan is different, soon it will be might is right situation unless sane people take situation in their hands Somalia is not far away.People demonstrate in favor of killer of Gov of Punjab
Mr. MR you hold one sided views and typical tooo….. you need to focus little more to understand realties besides just beleiving Imran Khan views….
Bravo Murtaza
The truth is that the lack of vision in the current ruling elite is blame for the isolation that Pakistan is moving towards. However the lesson to be learned and understood before crying wolf is that Pakistan STILL has a very big chunk of the population that goes to shrines and their belief in the PIRs will force them to retaliate against the Taliban, therefore compounding a war of thoughts within pakistan itself. However the actual change needed to be made is not in the direction of Haqqanis or the direction of the US, but the direction of PAKISTAN, its survival its sovereignty and a clear definition of Where is pakistan in the next 100 years. will we be history or will we be making history.
Great Article – especially since it is coming out of Pakistan ! I expect nothing less from Dawn. But is anyone in Pakistan listening ? Will the "powers that be" let this kind of thinking survive in Pakistan ?
Only time will tell – but time is running out. Arab Spring in Pakistan ?
Excellent article. Every thing you wrote is absolute truth. The problem is ISI. Hamid Gul: is he ex ISI person?
Absolutely brilliant article. Very courageous for the writer to expose hypocrisy and Dawn to publish it. Dawn should be proud of the fantastic group of contributors. Hats of to you guys.
What a sad future for a beautiful country! What a sad future for all those bright young Pakistanis, who will get dragged into this miasma of lunacy and will be unable to realize their great potential!
A good and outspoken piece of writing.
And I agree, Imran Khan could very well be an appointment. He will be another stooge in the hand of Army.
Eye opener of an article. Not a word which can be countered by anyone with any common sense. But where are the leaders who can do something. All are involved in their day to day petty politics to hold on to the chair and perks. For them hell with the country as long as they are in power.
Too little and too late any way good work.take care and be safe if you are in pakistan.
Exactly my thoughts.
This article has many things in common with the Praveen Swami's article published in in "The Hindu" paper published from India. It seems now there is convergence of views among journalists and intellectuals of India and Pakistan. Hope things change for better.
your previous articles were good but i think this article does not give any solution of the problems but you want that Pakistan spoil itself for unknown reason…..we need to bring peace i the region and we should also suggest the same peace strategy to those who didn't learnt the lesson from vitnam ,iraq,and 10 year Afghan war….force is not the solution of any problems…and even by force we can not send our child to school.
Perhaps this is because there are no solutions.
I'm with you guys, great article, kudos to The Dawn as well
I have been a Pakistan watcher for a long time and seen it sliding from the position of "rival" of India to the position of International "hate center".What a downfall!
Gutsy and wonderful article. This shound be translated into urdu and should be published in local news papers. Then only pakistan will get benefit by awakening its people to change thier ideals.
Pakistan is slated to be the next Somalia
Well-said Jamshed but Pakistanis, specially the leaders live in dreams.
There is no alternative for the survival of Pakistan except an all out war or Jihad against all militants, terrorists, extremists, fanatics and enemies of humanity and peace.
Some one is seeing the writing on the wall.
The world at large – starting with the PPP leadership – should read this article for its brutal truth. It is a pity that the masses of Pakistan will not read such a glorious article written by a fellw countryman.
Its really sad to see the status quo and the available options for Pakistani leaders …
A brilliant piece on the state of dis-affairs in Pakistan today.
One of the great articles i have read recently. What a tragedy, Pakistan a nation of such talent, but slowly wasting away itself like a drug addict. It is time for Pakistani middle class to take your nation back into your hands. Right now it is being sold part by part by it's rich.
The reason the political parties are subservient to the Taliban and the Army is because of fear. They feel safe by being docile under these circumstances and continue to take advantage of their offices to enjoy the privilages that come with their office. This article is an eye opener.
An excellent rticle, but do you think the pople who matter will pay heed ? i doubt. we are embarked on self destructve mode chacing an imginry strategic depth. I am extreemly worried about the future of our country, doesnt seem to be in the right hands.
Thanks for writing truth and Keep it up.
Pakistan has two choices, dance to the tunes of Washington( indirectly Israel) and give up its nuclear or fight with Washington and commit mass suicide and destroy the whole south east asia. If someone or Murtaza Razvi can come up with a third option whole world is listening inclusive me.
Mr Razvi has not offered any solutions.
I am all for Imran Khan even though politics is not like cricket. But we know he always choose his team and no Pakistan Cricket Board President could ever tell him what to do. He is hard working and honest and proud of his country and that is more than what we need.
It is a pain to see the decline of Pakistan today, as our forefathers lived here.
God save Pakistan from its rules(Military).
worst blog ever. He doesn't seem to remember that even US is talking to taliban!
Mr. Rizvi i instantly stopped reading your blog after the Sharia comments. Main reason being that those JI leaders and you seriously aren't well aware of sharia rules and the quantum of evidence. Plus blood money is a concept which has a philosophy behind it to benefit the deceased's family. They lost their son brother etc. And its their prerogative to decide whether they want to take it or leave it. It saddest me that we criticise and do not research. We do what an illiterate does and yet consider ourselves as suppressed class.
A very true and brave article. Pakistan is going on wrong way.
Must give credit to your paper and the author for this very brave introspection. Hope such voices are not stifled out by the high and mighty. This region needs
peace and stability for its citizens to prosper and such views when accepted by
the large majority will bring in the necessary change.
soo he wants us to fight our own people..this war on terror was never our war. this war caused many pakistani lives. we should make peace with these people(taliban) and let US fight their own war on terror.
No one is listening. Certainly no the ISI or the military. They are still embroiled in strategic depth theory while the country is burning. As long as we have these lashkars and jihadi outfits running amuck like a mad killing machine this will continue. Who is supporting and ading and abetting these organizations? I think we know the answer now. The same people who want peace with them.
Such an honest and well written article. Pakistani brothers please wake up. Religion is for praying to God at home and being peaceful towards all. Religion is not something to be shoved down the throat of others. Your army is destroying you whilst eating you. Don't keep on blaming India and Hindus. WAKE UP Pakistanis.
Sir
Besides the courageous article by the author, I shall again compliment the Dawn group of papers for being bold for allowing this to be published. But in a way it is a service to the pople of Pakistan by cautioning them about the impending consequences of such a compromise .
BNA
Sir,
A very well written article. I would like my Pakistani Brothers to prosper a lot. It hurts when such a lovely country starts going down the drain.
Rohit Nigam
Pune, India
Though normally I strongly disagree with author for his write ups on Sindh related issues yet on this current issue,I completely agree with him and He has raised very valid points.Hats off to you and wish sanity prevail.
But very good article indeed, correctly pointing out the concerns of aligning too much with Taliban.
A frank and thoughtful article that only Dawn can publish in Pakistan. I wish our news media also have the guts.
I am an Indian. Honestly this article made be sad. Heal, heal, heal before its too late. Can't believe a country which can bring out a newspaper like Dawn is such a mess!
As rightly pointed out in the article that the present stand on the Taliban is coming from democratically elected representatives of Pakistan. This will not be called a policy of a military dictator but it will be that of Pakistani people. And few years from now, if things goes from bad to worse, then people of Pakistan will be blamed.
I pray, the message from this writer of Pakistani leading news paper goes in head of the policy makers of Pakistan.
When I see a Pakistani he does not look very different from me. So when I read that so many killing is taking place everyday in many cities in Pakistan first I feel sad then second I feel angry what those police force is doing there. I also know much more than that the political parties are not just not bothered or at best doing lip service. Then I feel frustrated that why there is no social groups there to organize a social movement . I even wonder whether the common man is so self centered. I do not intend to hurt Pakistani citizen . But can someone answer? Good luck !
Good article,great corage.I salute people like you.I wish the message could be printed in Urdu News papers,where it will have chance to be red my silent majority of Pakistani Awam.
It's time for an Arab spring like uprising in pakistan. It's needed more in pakistan than egypt or syria.
But point is…do pakistanis care for their country enough to take matters in their own hands rather than wait for some messiah to come to rescue!!!
Well written article. Is anybody there who is listening?
Splendid article. I found I got very sad and closer to tears as I read it. So much truth in what
this writer says. Almost too much truth to bear.
Finally a sane article from someone. It was about time. Pakistan and Pakistanis need to wake up. Pakistan is on the path of destruction. The time is running out and something needs to be done quick. Pakistan needs to face the reality and change course otherwise it is not a good omen for Pakistan. Pakistanis need to understand that it is not India's doing but it is Pakistan's own policies that are bringing it to the brink. There is still hope and the world is waiting but it is almost the last chance for Pakistan. The US patients are running thin. Pakistan needs to quickly put its house in order and realign its interests with the US. Friendship with India is in its favor. The sooner the Pakistan and the Pakistanis realize it the better.
Dear Sir
Mr Razvi of The Dawn has summarised what is the core problem of the nation.,He is v bold.I think if people who read these respected columnists & spread this message across to other people it will certainly do some good.
Pakistan deserves a much better place in the world.People of Pakistan need a sensible leadership looking at the long term future rather than quick cheap fixes.I believe a big chunk of Indian people still want to see every Pakistani doing well.
As Mr Razvi has put it down Pray & Hope for the best.My best wishes to bold people of Pakistan.
I wonder if a "well written" article means anything in today's context. May sense and humanity prevail over religion and madness.
do you guys find this type of articles in urdu ???
Excellent article. Must be required reading for all our political leaders and military generals with the hope that it will bring them to their senses.
What makes a country "what it is" is not just resources available but also the choices made, the decisions not taken, and the easy roads "not traveled" by. Pakistan seems to always travel by the easy roads, and now is lost in the desert of ignorance and self-inflicted pains, aided by delusions of grandeur.
What a gem of an article. Even more precious is the courage of the writer. No matter what happens, do not lose this courage and hope. Keep this faith and be a source of inspiration to all your colleagues, for darkest is the hour before Dawn. Pakistan will ultimately emerge and shine as a nation and people for the pen is mightier than the sword.
pak need kamal pasha ataturk or if u could relate with a Indian than a nehru or patel.
problem is pak can not disassociate itself from two nation theory , which is primarily a divisional concept.
I didn't even see the double meaning behind Karzai's 'twin' statement until you pointed it out. Who in heaven's name would want to be Afghanistan's twin? But then again, who in their right mind would want to be Pakistan's twin?
A gem of an article, surprisingly from Pakistan….
Too Good.
A stunning article! It is indeed worrying the direction which Pakstan is taking. Compare our current predicament with the Golden Era of Ayub Khan, when Pakistan was the darling of most of the important countries in the world, and was indeed considered one of the leading country in the Third World. We had excellent relations with the US, China, Europe, Russia, Turkey, Middle East, Indonesia, Korea, not to speak of Iran, Afganistan etc. From such lofty heights to be lumped along with some dubious states of the Fourth World and an associate of Taliban, Al Quaida and the Haqqanis is a mighty fall from grace indeed. Let's start investing in real estate in Tora Bora. Lots of open spaces and mountain caves with excellent schooling for boys, followed by national service; traditional but green modes of transport. Ideal location to get away from it all; not only are the prices ground breaking, the loan is interest free too. Lets all invest in a strategic asset today, for the security of our children in this world, and the blissful afterlife that is guaranteed, only in Tora Bora. Read the testimonies of ex residents of Abbotabad, and make that move today. You'll never live to regret it!
Very well summurized. Ilike your satire. U should write articles also and
Every thing you wrote is absolute truth. The problem is. Is there any one listening? None of our hereditary rulers would take any sane decisions. They had neither in the past nor at present or in the future until Pakistan is no more. Brave people like you are a minority in Pakistan where as majority is nothing but a herd of deaf and dumb sheeps.
We need a national cry like yours which I am afraid would never happen.
This article is masterpiece.
If I share this article with most of my well-educated compatriots (Pakistani brothers), they will be angry. Because, for decades, we been indoctrinated to behave emotionally and irrationally.
Salutations to you and your bravery for speaking the truth!
Excellent article … I am great fan of you, NFP and Irfan hussain.
There is still hope in Pakistan because of you guys rational and honest thinking.
How it is rational and honest thinking by the writer! Dnt u think that the solution of this hatred b/w these 2 sects of Muslims is to ban every scholar who propagate any sort of hatred towards other party in their worship place.
This is the only solution. Saying wrong about opponent religious person will only harm our society and will spread the hatred. So stop it plz.
I slaute you Sir. You are like Lotus.
Well said. Iqbal would agree with you, "jo shakhey Nazuk pay Ashiana baney ga, Napayedar ho ga".
Brave article but who is listening except for some literate english reading Pakistanis in their drawing rooms in Karachi and Islamabad and Indians like me who feel extreme pain and helplessness at the sight of a brother mauling himself to death. Hope Pakistan heals itself someday.