The writer has worked for the non-profit sector in Pakistan and can be reached @tariqmasudmalik
Does anyone remember the last time our beloved country made it on the world news bulletins for the right reasons? Such occasions are rare, even if we crane our necks to look into the far distant past and include the fields of sports and education, science and art that in the past have been our saving graces.
That such dastardly things are a norm in Pakistan does not surprise me. What does baffle me is the passive nonchalance with which the authorities have reacted to this new act of terror. Our politicians seem to have a standard statement etched in their minds — a generic response for whenever something embarrassing and terrifying happens on our territory. They react in an identical way to every tragedy that hits us, using words and phrases similar in their manner as well as their futility. The reaction runs somewhat like this: “We condemn this act of terrorism”. “We should bring to light the hidden hand behind this act”. “This is a conspiracy to shame Pakistan and damage its reputation in the world community”. Condemnation of terrorist acts by state authorities is good, but grossly insufficient if we are interested in bringing these catastrophes to an end. Such statements have taken us nowhere in the past, nor will they help this time. We need tangible action!
On the other hand, the relentless Taliban, the people behind this particular act as well, are having a field day. They are cocooned in every nook and corner of the country. They come at will and in broad daylight. They strike as many times as they want and target whoever they wish to target. One day, they will strike in Karachi in the south, the next in Quetta in the southwest and then in the north. It is frightening to see how imperturbably they admit responsibility for terrorism inflicted, while they are so close to entering into negotiations with the government.
Time and again, we are forced to ask why it has proved impossible for the authorities concerned to reach and apprehend an entity that has a distinct name, a clearly identifiable face and an address within the precincts where Pakistan has a claim to running its writ.
Pakistan, no doubt, is a “hard country” but equally without doubt is the fact that Pakistan boasts an irresistible geography and a hospitable, talented populace. The fateful expedition by the mountaineers from Ukraine, China, Slovakia, Lithuania, Nepal and the US, despite all troubles faced by Pakistan, was a testimony to our aptitude for tourism.
Prompt action from the government is needed that brings those responsible to justice and restores the confidence of people. Action is expected by the authorities concerned that will prevent the complete demise of prospects for tourism in Pakistan. The choice has always been ours — do we want to be a country that others delight in visiting or would we rather be an outcast that is painted red on the world atlas?
Dear leaders, please do something more effective than just “condemning” the brutal murder of these innocent tourists. We need you to take a step further and begin to “fix” this country that people may well be too scared to visit!
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2013.
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Zardari and Company seem to think that Pakistan is doomed and its best to make as much money off it as possible and run.
The Pakistani public (not the bloggers but the JuD/DeP types) think of lives as "Muslim" and "Non Muslim". They still believe in the theory that Muslims are a separate nation and cannot live with others.
When people die in Pakistan then they are not sad for the human loss. They are irritated because the Image of their country is ruined.
And then come things like "Tell the World that a Pakistani Cleared the ILETS exam! YAY We are succesful!"
I'm sure someone will ask "Why Pakistan was Formed?" or "What did Jinnah Want?" now.
They always do.
Bottomline: In the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which was formed on the principle that Muslims are a different nation, the death of non muslims is an image problem.
Killers are probably eating biryani right now. The Supreme Court of the country has yet to punish any terror suspect in any case.
Long Live Jinnah and his Pipedream of Pakistan !
"Dear leaders, please do something more effective" wrote the learned author of this article of anguish. Have we not been leaving such matters in the hands of leaders, political parties and authorities? Did we ever get what we wanted? Did we or did we not? We shall never get anything from anyone else. Never. We can get everything through our own efforts. True? When shall we be able to get everything through our own efforts? When we will show the will and resolve to do so. This leads us to no other choice than to organize ourselves. Organize ourselves to be able to do what we want. Who is "We"? We are the people. People at large. The people who pay a very heavy price for every mishap due to our idiocy and inaction. Our idiocy is that we keep on trusting the leaders, politicians and authorities. For a start we must get rid of our idiocy. We must think of achieving everything through our self help and co-operation. That takes us towards coming together regularly in the localities where we live. Rome was NOT built in a day so coming together will be a start. Coming together to exchange experiences and ideas and then deciding which idea to translate into action. Peaceful action. Action upholding justice. Have we ever tried this? Yes in the past. It was nothing but success. When we abandoned that system we can see what have we come to. So let us all revive that system. The best system. System where every soul becomes responsible participant in shaping their destiny. Can we do it? We did so in the past. So why can we not do it again? Let us all say. Yes we can do it and make a start. Start from now.
These outfits were once called as " strategic assets" now they have become bigger than their masters. Good luck Pakistan !
What happened in Baltistan is horrific and did not help our deteriorating international image. The sad part is that as long as we as Pakistanis tolerate (by passivity or collective inaction) our guest-terrorists and home grown ultras, such incidents will continue to haunt us. It will require effective government-citizens-madrasses partnership to wipe out the scourge.
What were these people doing in Pakistan?
Nobody should go there.
I mean they told their families "Hey! I'm going to Pakistan" and no one stopped them?
If they had sensible friends they would never have gone there and would be alive.
Lesson to everyone who is crazy enough to think about going to Pakistan.
Where is the will to nab the attackers be it GB , Quetta or Karachi. ?
Nicely written and your anguish comes through loud and strong but it will bounce off those whom you have really addressed.........you can't shame the shameless.