We have behaved like a herd, not a nation, a group of zealots, not a civilised community.
ISLAMABAD: It is with shame, disgust and hopelessness that most of us spent the day that was dedicated to express love for the Holy Prophet (pbuh). We have taken it onto ourselves to protect the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), but in reality we have made a mockery of his teachings. We have behaved like a herd, not a nation, a group of zealots, not a civilised community.
The onus of all this lies with the federal government, which took the decision of declaring a national holiday and allowed members of banned groups to go on a rampage, despite knowing their destructive potential. Instead of playing the populist card, the government and all the religious and political groups should have used the day to promote the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
I am not surprised why the so-called “West” perceives us in a particular, derogatory way and thinks we are a nation steeped in extremism and violence.
Noor Muhammad
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2012.
