At this point, we wonder too, what impact the remarks will have on relations between the Pakistan Army and the JI, which have long been traditional allies. PHOTO: INP/ FILE
The unusual response by the Inter-Services Public Relations to remarks made by the chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Syed Munawwar Hassan, in a television programme, shows just how seriously the matter is being taken. Indeed, it should be treated in just this fashion. Mr Hassan had said that, just like the Americans themselves, their allies who died on the battleground while fighting the Taliban, including Pakistan Army soldiers, were not martyrs. The response from the military to this provocative comment is perfectly justified. It is quite correct when it points out that the head of the JI is not required to determine who is a martyr, and who is not. In most minds, there can be no doubt that those killed in battle while defending the sanctity of the state against its enemies are indeed martyrs. Mr Hassan’s unfortunate interpretation of the whole matter simply highlights the confusion which exists within our country and is immensely hurtful to the families of the soldiers. We can only ask what the head of the JI was thinking of.
Indeed, his party seems to be wondering as well. The JI Secretary General, Liaquat Baloch, has said that the matter will be discussed within the party, whereas another senior leader has said that Mr Hassan should explain if these comments reflected his personal point of view or that of the party’s. But of course, when a party chief speaks, he speaks for that entity. At this point, we wonder too, what impact the remarks will have on relations between the Pakistan Army and the JI, which have long been traditional allies. Mr Hassan’s comments have, as would be expected, thrown a spanner in the works. It is hard to find a previous precedent of a similar row breaking out over the decades since Pakistan was created. It is already clear that there is concern over the matter within the party, with the remarks obviously creating a great deal of anger not only within the military, but amongst the majority of citizens as well, who are far clearer than the leader of our main religious party on quite what martyrdom is, and, in the context of the Taliban, where evil lies whether looked upon from a religious or humane angle.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2013.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS (16)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
All these religious extremists and fanatics are in complete violation of individual right as well as the laws of our country. Who gives them the authority to make pronouncements such as "shaheed ghazi". Also when they talk about imposing shariyat in Pakistan they are in breach of the constitution of the country.The vast majority of the people of Pakistan decided through consensus on a constitution and anyone who wants to make changes must follow the established route of Parliament.Molvis of Pakistan want to deny the people of their rights which will never happen now that more and more are becoming aware of the strength and importance of their rights. I think one or two of the chatty mouthy mullas should be brought before the courts to correct them
JI has shot themselves in the foot.....beginning of the end of JI has start.....now it is clear who are giving ideological space to TTP.
Munawar Hassan, Fazlur Rahman, Sami ul Haq, Ludhianvi, Malik Ishaq, and now Imran Khan, and the list goes on and on...
I'm sure Saudi Arabia must be loving Munawar Hassan right now.
It is apparent that JI is promoting the imported Salafi agenda
This is a pure islamic issue. it has nothing to do with the polictics.As ultimately it would effect the morale of the army.
Time to ban all 'so called religious political parties", send their leaders on a martydom ship and test our torpedo
Can we please DEFINE our term ?
Who is classified a martyer ?
How could JI say that army has no right to get involved in politics when they had supported Zia at one time. Hypocrites
Maulana sahib if American sponsored war against Russia were Shaheed then I guess this one too are......
The matter is being taken seriously by the army and inshallah by the public simply because Pakistanis are waking up and understanding the main problem lies in these holybeards that are beyond questioning
when it comes to JI in Pakistan- a common name for them used in the society is "Hypocrite/Munafiq".
well said.
Munawar Hasan had the guts to say this not because he believes this. Maybe he does not! But a good population of Pakistanis believe what he is saying. That is why it is scary!
“The Pakistan army does not have the right to make political or democratic statements,” stated JI General Secretary Liaquat Baloch to the media right after the meeting convened, adding that they will not accept army intervention in politics. Well,that is his party's stance contrary to your estimation.Not a word against or even to distance from MH statement.Looks like religion is not only bad for politics,it is bad for national security.