Courageous condemnation

The passage through the National Assembly of a resolution which terms the killing of Ahmadis in Lahore a ‘brutal massacre’ is to be welcomed. It demonstrates the kind of courage we need from our legislators. Perhaps male members of the house, in a country where machismo reigns supreme in many spheres should ask themselves why it was three women legislators – from the PPP, the ANP and the MQM – who insisted the motion moved by former information minister Sherry Rehman be taken up. There had been some danger that, like the Senate, the National Assembly would simply remain silent on the issue – as it has done in the past following such instances – fearing a backlash from hardliners within and beyond the house. This never came. In fact, over the past few days it is becoming clear the hardliners are essentially bullies, seeking to attack when they see weakness. They most often opt not to do so when those who oppose their views stand up for themselves rather than being cowed down. Of course, in all of this one cannot ignore the irony that while most Pakistanis chose to remain silent on the brutal killing of the Ahmadis, many did take to the streets to protest against Israel’s actions in the Mediterranean Sea off Gaza. Of course this is not to say that those who died in the Israeli raid gave their lives for nothing or that Israel is a peace-loving state, but that why do we say nothing when monsters kill in our backyard?

We have also seen and heard over the past few days bold discussions at other forums on the attack on the Ahmadis and the discrimination against the community. Television talk shows have taken up the matter, allowing leaders of that community to put forward their views before the public. This marks an important step forward. Key issues, even if they are controversial, need to be spoken about. Only then can we move towards resolving them and pushing back the tide of intolerance that has overtaken us over the past few decades. The National Assembly has joined this process; hardliners have been shown their voice is that of a minority. Similar efforts to win back the soul of our country must be made over the weeks ahead, with legislators, the media and social activists joining hands for this purpose.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2010.