Muslim unity

Published January 22, 2025

THIS is with reference to the report “US sanctions four Pakistani firms for ‘aiding ballistic missile programme’” (Dec 19). The concern for keeping a check on ‘weapons of mass destruction’ is, indeed, appre- ciable, but only if the policies are uniform in terms of implementation.

Unfortunately, they are not, at least in the case of the United States, they are not consistent at all. Recently, India test-fired a hypersonic missile, but it never faced any sanction at all.

If Pakistan is prevented from countering the threat posed by its neighbour, it would simply undermine Pakistan’s right to self-defence.

Moreover, what is happening in Gaza for the last more than a year is nothing short of a catastrophe. Israel has pounded the territory with thousands of tonnes of bombs, and has used guided missiles to reduce the entire Gaza to ruins. However, there have been no checks in place to stop those atrocities.

Considering the prevailing situation in India-occupied Kashmir, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Lebanon, one can only conclude that the Muslims are being targeted across the globe, be it by some external force, or by instigating two factions in the same country against each other.

Having said that, the West is not to be blamed. Unless the Muslims show unity and become a dominant force in the international arena, no positivity can be expected of others. And each one of us has a role to play in that regard. Let us show commitment and sincerity in doing the good we can in our capacities instead of merely being silent spectators.

Muhammad Majid Shafi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Cohesive response
14 Mar, 2025

Cohesive response

WITH a long history of terrorist attacks in the country, it is a pity that, instead of taking steps to pre-empt, or...
Agriculture tax
14 Mar, 2025

Agriculture tax

THE changes in the provincial agriculture income tax laws aimed at aligning their rates with the federal corporate...
Closing the gap
14 Mar, 2025

Closing the gap

PAKISTAN continues to struggle with gender inequality in its labour market. A new report by the ILO shows just how...
Shocking ambush
Updated 13 Mar, 2025

Shocking ambush

The sophistication of attack indicates that separatists likely had support from experienced external players.
Suffocating crisis
13 Mar, 2025

Suffocating crisis

THREE of the five countries with the most polluted air on Earth are in South Asia. They include Pakistan, which has...
Captive grid
13 Mar, 2025

Captive grid

IT is a common practice: the government makes commitments with global lenders for their money and then tries to...