Wednesday, April 29, 2009
We need to stop blaming the US drone attacks for the Taliban's rapid advances in Pakistan. We have a habit of blaming all the ills in our society on others, starting with the ever-green whipping boys the Jews, Americans and Indians -- who are blamed for just about everything that goes wrong in Pakistan. What we need to do is to look in the mirror and place responsibility where due. What is happening in Pakistan right now is our collective fault and cannot be blamed simply by saying that it is a reaction to the drone attacks. The question is simple enough: will the Taliban lay down their arms and stop advancing if the US drone attacks are stopped? The answer clearly is that they will do no such thing because what they are after is power.
As for the Americans, they have their own national interest in mind, not ours -- and the harsh truth is that there is nothing wrong with that. If we have less corruption and are able to provide the masses with a good system of justice and governance, the breeding ground for extremism and the Taliban will be eliminated. Pakistanis – wake up! Look in the mirror and change.
A Rauf
Islamabad
*****
It is very easy to sit in a well-guarded home and issue statements against the Taliban -- this is precisely what our prime minister seems to be doing on a daily basis. The Taliban, by their actions, have shown quite clearly that they care two hoots for written agreements. It is indeed shameful to see that our rulers are just fiddling while the country burns.
Surely, statements alone -- however well-intentioned and strong they may be -- cannot stop the Taliban from advancing. We spend so much of our budget on the military and what do we get in return? With so much heavy spending, our army should be well-equipped to clip the wings of the Taliban -- and I can only wonder what is taking it so long to take on the Taliban.
Badar Ul Islam
Peshawar
*****
It has become evident that our nation has realised the threat the Taliban pose to our identity and to our home, Pakistan. When the people support a cause, nothing can come in their way. When they stood behind the restoration of the deposed judges, the judges were restored. It is time to teach these cowards a lesson who have not only distorted the meaning of our religion but are now trying to impose their own rule over our motherland. By usurping the rights of women, terming democracy and parliament un-Islamic, destroying schools and displaying their barbaric acts with great pride, I thank the Taliban, for having awakened Pakistanis and making them see the reality. We have had enough, we must rise against them for if we stand up, they will have no haven or shelter. United we stand, divided we fall. It's time for us to shun all differences, become united and save Pakistan.
Hafsa Khawaja
Lahore
*****
I believe that the nation should stand firm in giving support to the latest military action in Dir given that so much is at stake. Statements like the one published in newspapers on April 27 by the leader of a local religious group in Buner where he says that he does not want the government to send the army in because that would create a Swat-like situation are quite baffling. These mullahs will be the death of Pakistan if not confronted. Buner as we all know fell without putting any fight whatsoever, and there is no way that the people of Buner will stand up to the Taliban, at least without the government's help. The same people who were involved in the lawyers' movement should now protest against the Taliban and send them a message that the people will not tolerate them trying to take control of the country or any of its regions.
Harris Durrani
Toronto
*****
We are a strange nation. When the Lal Masjid operation was not taking place, people urged the government to launch an operation against illegal activities of the Ghazi brothers. But soon after the operation ended, people started calling the army murderers of innocent children and women. Now Swat is facing the same situation. Some fanatics have taken the beautiful valley under siege by giving it an Islamic name of NAR and once again people of Pakistan are demanding the same action from our government and army, but what is the guarantee that history will not repeat itself? Recently the JUI-F took out a rally against an undergoing operation in Dir.
Khadeejah Usman
Islamabad
*****
It will be too late by the time we realise what the Taliban stand for. There shouldn't be any doubt now that their demand of Sharia is only a garb for their motive to have complete control over the land, destroy state's writ and our way of life. By the time we build a consensus on how to deal with them, they will be firmly in our midst. As to their religious and other senses, make no mistake, they are barbarians. Reasoning has no place in their lives because they move by instincts. Their main target besides security apparatus is society's middle class. It is paramount that we understand the threat and resolve to face it. Rehman Malik was right in saying 'either fight them out or hand over the state to them'.
Muhammad Daud
Rawalpindi
*****
Despite its many problems, Pakistan has managed to reach a position where its citizens can enjoy the fruits of technology and the safe umbrella of nuclear arms. Did we build our home to this level so that we can be the silent onlookers as we are taken aback to the Dark Ages? We have to save our home. The Taliban can't claim the ownership of Pakistan; we, the peace-loving Pakistanis, are the real owners of Pakistan. We can't tolerate any thieves taking charge of our plots, our cars, or even our mobile phones; then how are we tolerating these hooligans taking control of our motherland?
There is an immense need to stand united; but for that we need a platform. We need to stand united with our army; and the responsibility to provide us this platform lies on the shoulders of our leaders. I don't know how to operate a gun; in fact I have never touched one; but still I feel all geared up to fight back and contribute my bit in getting my country free from the shackles of insurgent militants. I would prefer to die while fighting back or at least while raising my voice. I am sure most Pakistanis think this way. They need to come together and make themselves heard.
Shanza Khan
Islamabad
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