Never forget: Call for action against sectarian outfits, leaders

Talibanisation, sectarianism same phenomenon, says civil society activist.

ISLAMABAD: While expressing serious reservations with the steps taken so far by the federal government to counter terrorism and violent religious sectarianism, members of civil society have called for immediate action against all banned sectarian outfits and their leaders.

Gathered outside the National Press Club (NPC) on Monday to mark the passage of two months since the Army Public School (APS) massacre, the protesters demanded that the government take serious action against terrorists and banned groups.

“We will not forget and we will not let you forget December 16,” chanted protesters.

Members of civil society had gathered to remind the government about taking concrete steps as laid down in the National Action Plan (NAP).

The demonstrators announced that they would return on the 16th of every month to register their protest at the growing incidence of extremist violence.

Holding placards with various slogans publicising the hashtag “#ReclaimPakistan”, protesters said the country had yet to recover from the shock of the APS massacre, when incidents such as in Shikarpur and in Hayatabad, Peshawar, had clearly reminded them of the little effort on the part of the government to combat terrorism.

“Political leaders and other government officials have done nothing so far,” Rashida, a protester said. “We see no change on the ground.” she added.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, rights activist Dr Farzana Bari said that increasing violence and attacks on Imambargahs was a matter of great concern.

She said that religious sectarianism was as big a concern as terrorism and the government must prioritise action against such groups. “Why is there no action being taken against these banned organisations and their leaders? What is the government doing?” Bari asked.

“Talibanisation and sectarianism is the same phenomenon. Action against both these is equally important,” said Bari.

She said that each month on the 16th, people should step out of their homes and raise their voices against terrorism, before it is too late.

Bari said that members of the civil society such as Jibran Nasir were arrested, whereas when Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) holds a rally of hundreds, the government had no issue granting them permission.

She said that until now, not a single leader of a banned organisation had been arrested.

Pakistan’s People Party (PPP) Senator Rubina Khalid said the people of Pakistan were willing to deal with the energy and water crisis, but threats to their children are acceptable.

She said that the protests would go on until they were confident that the government would provide adequate security to children.

Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists President Bilal Dar said that members of the media reporting on Lal Masjid had again wound up on the ‘hit lists’ of violent groups,  stating that three mainstream television and print journalists had received threats.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2015.