The latest sectarian attack in the country, this time in the Orakzai Agency indicates just how far the curse of hatred based on beliefs has sunk in our society. In the attack on July 18, a passenger van carrying over a dozen members of the same clan was attacked by a remote control device planted on the road, which was detonated as the vehicle passed over it. Those killed included three women and at least three children. A rival Sunni tribe based in the same remote area is thought to have been involved in the killings, while the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan arm based at Darra Adam Khel has claimed responsibility for planning it. This is one of dozens of attacks orchestrated by militants on Shias in recent years and shows their ugly sectarian face.
These details are in some ways irrelevant. The fact is that we have seen many attacks of similar nature carried out by extremist groups operating in various parts of the country. The real question is how do we bring such violence to an end? How do we end the sequence of meaningless deaths, which take place so often? There are no easy answers. We have walked too far along the road of bigotry to turn back easily. The time when no distinction was made in the country between Muslims belonging to different sects is long gone. Right now, sectarian hatred has spread further and further, reaching parts of the country where it was virtually unknown before. We need to press the rewind button and go back to the better times of our past. Another question is on how to go about achieving this.
A multi-pronged strategy is required. It must start at one level with the implementation of laws that prevent the propagation of hatred. But much more will also need to be done. The ulema of the country need to be involved in the process. They must persuade mosque imams in towns, villages and hamlets everywhere in the county to work towards unification rather that division; to spread the message of tolerance rather than murder. This can only happen in stages but the plan to do so must be orchestrated at the highest level of government with genuine will demonstrated to drive it forward.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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EDITORIAL, "ulama should come forward"we are fed up with such phraises in last 30 years or so.have they come farward? the answer is plane NO.they can not.and there is a reason for that and we must know it.the main stream ulama have a general consences on some of the issues regarding punishment laws on blasphmy, apostasy,infidelity,as being correct.and no body dares to challange these punishments as against the teaching of holy Quran,because,he is afraid of the decree of infidility coming like a rocket from these ulema upon him. our legislators and administration must know that faith matters are too costly a thing to be left on ulemas alone. and if they do'nt learn then wait for the fate these ulama have prepared for us.oh Lord give us wisdom and courage.
It must start at one level with the implementation of laws that prevent the propagation of hatred.
Anti-Ahmadi laws and Anti-Minority Blasphemy laws, I am aware of.
Now, what anti 'propagation of hatred' laws are you talking about? Where do I find some?
@Feroz: Well said thats what the doctor ordered for our society.
@Jat: what the funny stuff you put here. The most RULED nation on the earth now telling us how coward we are.
Reason for increase of hatred and decrease of sectarian harmony is directly propotional to rise of saudi funded deobaniism in Pakistan. When people use to be barelvies , sunni and shia were living in harmony. All that changes after soviet war.Its hard to digest but true . go and take a look at stats.
It is just the start. Have faith in the brutality of the Pakistani people. And have faith in the cowardice of Pakistani people whenever they face a challenge. This is a nation which is used to bow down before military dictators and religious fanatics.