There is a popular view that sees many of the conflicts the world faces as a battle between the Muslim world and the West. There is a need to discourage such views both through words and actions. In this regard, it is important that the Canadian government makes sure that there is no backlash of the parliament attack on the local Muslim population. Here it is pertinent to note the way the entire incident was covered by the Canadian media, which sets an example to broadcast media across the world. In such situations, it is usual for broadcast media to spread further panic, release information not verified by officials and in the end, perpetuate rumours that can potentially be lethal to entire communities. What we saw on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was, in fact, balanced and responsible coverage. There was a conscious effort to not name or profile the suspect or a premature discussion held to link the attack to other such attacks and developments in recent times. There is a lesson to be learned here for Pakistan’s local broadcast media. Given that Pakistan faces a precarious security situation, journalists here need to learn how to respond responsibly in the immediate aftermath of an incident and to ensure there is proper verification of facts before analysts and commentators jump to conclusions.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2014.
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@Vikram, True....Blanket Profiling is becoming more and more common, people looking the same are usually considered or looked at as Muslim terrorist, this is because the Media as well as ingnorance may be the cause.
@Plausible Deniability:: You write that "It is time the Muslim community especially in Pakistan and Arab states grew out of its victimhood narrative and take remedial steps against its own ills." Well, Sir, I am sorry to burst your bubble but that is not plausible and definitely deniable by the Muslim community, Pakistan, and the Arab states.
Sooner or later desi immigrants in Western countries and Europe will pay the prize for these terrorist attacks by Muslims. Now Islamic converts have joined Jihad. Many are fighting in Islamic caliphate, a few have even done suicide bombings and beheadings. Pakistani papers have not even reported latest attack by a Islamic convert in NY.
Another terrorist attack in NY. A broad-daylight hatchet assault on a group of New York police officers -- leaving one critically injured with a head wound -- was carried out by a convert to Islam in what officials Friday termed a terrorist attack.
Religion of peace?
Canada must curb immigration otherwise the nation will be in serious trouble. At the very least, it has to be selective.
Considering that the attacker is said to have links to the IS and IS had recently exhorted Muslims to act against Canada, one needs to juxtapose this editorial with IS and wonder why countries like Pakistan are vocal about the larger Muslim ummah but remain dead silent when it comes to the IS.
Canadians are generally kind, well-mannered people and may perhaps not yet hold the Muslim community responsible. But eventually they too would encounter a breaking point. It is time the Muslim community especially in Pakistan and Arab states grew out of its victimhood narrative and take remedial steps against its own ills.
Absolutely unnecessary and pointless waste of Editorial space!
I hope this wakes up Ottawa from its slumber to the rising and hidden levels of radicalization among some of its population; and the authorities don't hide behind the garb of "humna rights" to step-up surveillance.