Adil Najam
I open the ‘top stories’ page of The News today and two headlines scream out at me. The first tells me that twelve people, including three women and two children have died in a US drone attack in Orakzai. The second tells me that militants have killed five in an ambush on a police van in Dir. All this while the tears from the carnage at Lahore are not yet dry. For what? For whom? Why?
The Americans tell us that they must do what they are doing because they have to stamp out terror. The militants say that they too must do what they are doing because they are fighting the enemies of Islam.
All I know is that it is Pakistanis who continue to do the dying. For what? For whom? Why?
For the life of me I cannot understand how the US thinks it will root out terror by lobbing bombs at Pakistani women and children. Nor how these militants think they are helping Islam or fighting America by killing Muslims and Pakistani, bombing girls schools, or terrorizing civilian populations.
It is obvious that the Americans are not winning their “war on terror” through these tactics. Nor are the militants and extremists making any dent in America or its policies through their terror. Every minute of every day is a reminder of the face that terror has not been “defeated,” nor is Islam any more “safe.” All we know for sure is that innocent Pakistanis are dying. For what? For whom? Why?
The Obama Administration says it will give Pakistan $1.5 billion a year for development. Economists estimate that the war on terror cost Pakistan $6-8 billion last year. I don’t find either number relevant. All I know is that over a thousand Pakistanis died last year in this conflict. For what? For whom? Why?
The newspapers are full of statements and analysis. They offer little solace, and even less insight. They only add to a noise that is now no less deafening than all the bombs themselves. We must speak out and act up against the forces that spread terror in our country. But we cannot remain silent on the deaths of Pakistanis by those who claim to be our friends.
No one seems to care about the death of ordinary Pakistanis. They deaths don’t even merit a statement of condolence, of remorse. Everyone seems to have a ‘great cause’ to fight for. A cause greater than the life of a child, a mother, a father. The Americans have ‘Terror’ to fight. The religious extremists and militants have ‘Islam’ to save. The Pakistan government has no clue who or what they are fighting for, with or against. In the midst of all of this, ordinary Pakistanis become mere ‘collateral.’ For what? For whom? Why?
Today, my words are not the voice of analysis. Today, my voice is the voice of angst. I know that my words will make little difference. I know my voice has neither reach nor influence. But let me say to all and any who may be out there to listen: We are not collateral.
And so, today, once again, its was Pakistanis who died. Pakistanis who cried (1, 2, 3). For what? For whom? Why?
(Note: Pictures above are from funerals of those who died during the terrorist attacks in Lahore).
In the middle of mourning, we must pause to take note of the berserk courage of the security-men who stormed the Police Camp, and how they clearly gave no pause for breath to the attackers. If there is no other force that will fight the terrorists, then these tough elite force people are the only ones standing between their country and desolation.
We should realize that being Pakistani Muslims is an entity and we are as good muslims if not better than the Arabs and THEIR ideological spawn THE ALQAEEDA. NO BODY cares about Pakistanis dying except Pakistanis! but alas I do not see Pakistanis any more as they are all trying to buy certificates to jannat through alqaeeda buy killing innocent muslims . good job! all that we ever do is lash women for being women and blame the west for our own short comings and corrupt ways.
Taliban beating young girl…
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=504_1238691910
The surrender agreement in Swat was proposed by the democratically elected government. The politicians relentlessly criticized Musharraf for using military force and advocated “peace agreement”, jirgas and negotiations to solve the problem.
So don’t complain now that the elected politicians have fulfilled their promises.
I also agree that when the Taliban reach Punjab is when Pakistanis will realize that this war on terror was always their war.
Has anyone EVER wondered about who the casualties are after drone attacks?
Pakistan is worse than Afghanistan this way. At least there the journalists go and find out who has been bombed.
In Pakistan these attacks are much more frequent nowadays. These drones also ( surprisingly) miss CIA-agents like Baitullah Mehsood who provide America with the excuse to continue their attacks.
However, what is even more regrettable is that none from the so-called free-press cares ( or dares) to visit the sites of these attacks.
Instead the billionaire media tycoons prefer to play third-rate bollywood clips on their networks waiting for Americans to announce 6 months later about such and such unknown Al-Qaeda leader dying after the attack. They do not realise that it is their duty to raise public awareness against these attacks. This is reprehensible.