I do not support Qadri’s execution; I only support the law being fulfilled
CHENAB NAGAR, DISTT CHINIOT: The 182 million people of Pakistan slept on the night of February 28, 2016, not knowing what the leap day would bring. Mumtaz Qadri was hanged. The execution came as a gust of wind in the inferno that the religious Mullahs had created, while to others, it was a gloomy and reprehensible action.
I do not support Qadri’s execution. I only support the law being fulfilled. Cherishing murder is not an attribute of the cool-minded in Pakistan; neither does Pakistan need any more of them after the funeral of Qadri attracted crowds of people. However, the law has taken its course and that’s what matters. This proves to be a step for a better Pakistan, and we should relish it. The best we can do to honour Taseer is to continue his legacy.
It’s unfortunate that we do not appreciate our heroes, whether they are Salman Taseer, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy or Malala Yousufzai. Instead, we honour killers like Qadri. Unless we take action against our ideologies and sort out our priorities, we shall achieve nothing. But if we decide to eliminate the philosophy that teaches hatred against women and minorities, then we can hope for a better tomorrow. And that’s how we will be able to turn this leap year into a big leap for Pakistan towards earning a positive reputation in the world.
Huzaifa Ali Ahfaz
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
