To accuse Imran of “cowardice” for being concerned about the safety of others is sinking to depths of irrationality.
BIRMINGHAM: This is with reference to Feisal H Naqvi’s article “Shame on you Mr Khan” (October 16). I want to thank Mr Naqvi for adding his voice to the incoherent cacophony of diatribes against the one man who is apparently to blame for everything that is wrong with Pakistan today. His article is based on a false premise, which he has derived from what Imran Khan said, the meaning of which he has completely twisted around. This is what Imran said: “We have local affiliates and supporters. Sure I can give big statements against the Taliban but that would make them [supporters] Taliban targets.”
Shame on you Mr Naqvi! To accuse Imran of “cowardice” for being concerned about the safety of others is sinking to extreme depths of irrationality that I cannot fathom coming from someone like Mr Naqvi. Since Mr Naqvi has not chosen himself as a potential leader of this nation and does not go roaming around all over the country conspicuously, with little or no security, he and others like him have the luxury of penning such frozen shards of ink to jab and stab others with, from the comfort of their armchairs. But let me make something clear: stop accusing brave and sincere men like Imran of cowardice and hypocrisy.
Why doesn’t Mr Naqvi first demonstrate to us the kind of “bravery” that he has demanded of Imran? Please take a tour of the whole country and specifically Waziristan. Remember to shout loud slogans on megaphones “openly” condemning the TTP to avoid any “lack of clarity” for the benefit of all people of Mr Naqvi’s ilk (who get confused when Imran is not as candid in his condemnations), specifically invoke their crimes one by one, including the brutal shooting of Malala, so that there is no doubt left about which thugs you are condemning. Or, if that’s too difficult, then do it from your home, but make your address known. I would like to see how “brave” Mr Naqvi really is.
With the large number of enemies that he has created by simply challenging the status quo, it’s not just the TTP that would want Imran eliminated. If Imran were really scared of death himself, he would never have risked going to Waziristan or Quetta the way he did, nor would he roam around the country like he has been doing for ages. If there’s one thing that he is genuinely worried for and willing to sacrifice even his image for, it is the betterment of this country, the healing of this nation’s wounds, for the safety of all of its citizens, regardless of which part of the country they live in. That fear, that worry (which Mr Naqvi shamefully misinterprets as cowardice) also translates into the preservation of his own life, which is as precious, if not more, to Pakistan as any other life at this point in time. As Imran’s supporter, I feel it is his duty to protect his life and the lives of those who join him under his banner, for the sake of Pakistan. If that means condemning the TTP in less than vociferous terms or indirectly, then so be it. We don’t want another addition to the shaheed brigade — you can have those from the ranks of your PPP — the ones you voted for in 2008. Call it tactical timidity or a calculated gamble — cowardice it is most certainly not.
When the TTP spokesman has claimed responsibility for the attack on Malala, then when one condemns this act and its perpetrators, why would there be any confusion about who is being referred to? Imran has condemned terrorists before and continues to do so — this does not exclude the TTP and all others involved in terrorism. His stance against terrorism and his counter-insurgency strategy are quite clear for those who bother to see. Disagreements are acceptable, but at least he has a plan compared with zilch offered by the others. He has even declared that we must disengage from the US war and make it our own war. What more does Mr Naqvi and others of his ilk want?
If Mr Naqvi feels Imran is in the wrong, then make him see better in a more constructive and respectful manner. I request him to stop doubting good intentions of others and stop seeing everything through the cold, calculating prism of cynicism.
Tabish Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2012.
