D.I. KHAN recently witnessed a wave of bloodshed on Muharram 9 and 10. The next day I had a chance to attend a large public gathering.

Sadly, not a single word was uttered about the massacre of innocent people. Instead, those present there seemed obsessed about other petty issues.

As a bewildered spectator, I am confused who is responsible for this apathy and lack of concern in our people?

Our values were never so apathetic. If ours can still be called a society, then let me call it an ignorant one, ignorant of its peaceful culture and heritage and absolutely unaware of the pros and cons of the bizarre social norms it is unconsciously pursuing.

Perhaps, ours has become a society where a person is indoctrinated to close his eyes to the serious issues and remain a mere demoralised marionette, manipulated by the onward rush of trivial leanings. If he is not courageous enough to succumb to such tendencies, then neither his wailings are heeded nor is he welcomed generously.We desperately need a league of the concerned and sympathetic individuals whose thinking is not yet slumbered by the poison of indifference.

Such a group may lead to our societal self-examination and thus keep the nation healthy and vigilant. Will anyone show concern or is the blood of Pakistanis cheap?

INAYAT ATTA D.I. Khan