By Maleeha Rauf
Sind province of Pakistan is known to be the land of Sufis and Saints. Its overall texture is tolerance blended with hospitality and perseverance. Its deep and remote areas may be far behind educationally but they are at advance levels of human virtues deeply rooted in their culture.
It is also pioneer in raising people’s voice in the form of political activism which gave us Pakistan People’s Party. Until a few years back, its secular persona was never questioned.
Objective resolution was hatched in the constituent assembly and then its breading was rapidly spread. In 1953, Pakistan tasted its first fruit and it was perceived that its bitter taste would limit itself to Ahmadiyya community and remaining social fiber would not get contaminated.
Socio/Political corruption got its roots established in disguise of a minority hatred and then its fire leaped in other sectors.
In 1974, it was first time planted in the sacred soil of constitution and disguise remained the same. Ex-communication of the same community. Nothing to worry about for the main stream…..Muslims or not Muslims.
Zia regime was some thing which is now equally cursed by all fibers of society but its one step was last nail.
Now cat was out of the bag.
It expanded in the name of Islamisation and holy war and ended up in an unholy extremism.
Laws of Blasphemy are the hanging sword over the heads of public and its strings are in the hands of clerics. In apparently peace full circles they use it when and where they like it.
Christian colonies, Ahmadiyya township Rabwah or Hindu Goths are equally under the threat of this hanging sword. And open extremism can blast openly any where or opt for a target killing.
It all started with one…Ahmadiyya persecution but then..none is out of its reach.
Shia’s are attacked, Christians are burnt alive and now Hindus are getting their share.
Well, an SP is wisely handling and an MP is busy in diffusing the situation by FM radio announcements.
Yes, a Shaan Taseer is also raising voice.
But where are the people?
It actually needs public activism and wider social participation to stand for the right to live.
There is no question now to say “I stand with Ahmadis, Shia, Christians or Hindus of Ghotki or Dherki”.
Now is the time to say, that we stand with Pakistan..yes Pakistan of Quiad-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Otherwise, it will continue one by one, but i assure you that it will spare none!!!
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Maleeha Rauf is reporter and writer and based in Karachi. Her area of interest is women and children right of education.
She could be reached at email address,
bmaleeha81@gmail.com