I believe that mere expression of grief and sorrow at this incident is not enough.
ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) act of putting a bullet in the head of young world-renowned human rights activist Malala Yousufzai is no small incident. While the TTP has accepted responsibility for this crime against humanity, most of our leaders have expressed grief and anger over this ghastly attempt at murder. The whole nation is praying for her speedy recovery.
I believe that mere expression of grief and sorrow at this incident is not enough. Such events have ignited revolutions in other parts of the world. We, in Pakistan, need not be an exception. Inspired by Malala’s spectacular courage and sacrifice, the nation must rise to win the war against the scourge of terrorism. I suggest that Imran Khan, in particular, should revisit his soft-hearted policy towards the TTP, who are obsessed with pushing the country into darkness. Mr Khan seems to be batting and fielding at the same time. The TTP are doing no service to Islam, the glory of which they say they are fighting for.
All political forces of the country must get together to fulfil Malala’s dream and plan a common strategy to defeat the mindset that did not think twice before targeting an innocent life like hers. Nothing less will prove equal to the responsibility resting upon the shoulders of our leaders. I hope that we go beyond putting her name plate upon schools, hospitals and roads.
Bashir Ahmad Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2012.
