Adil Najam
This montage of headlines from Dawn need little explanation. It represents seven headlines; one each from each of the last seven days (Nov. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2009). All except one were headlines on Dawn, and one (Nov. 13, 2009) was on the back page. The fact that the killing of 17 Pakistani soldiers will not make it to the front page of a Pakistani newspaper is itself a stern reminder of the craziness that defines our polity today!
There is little ‘news value’ in this montage. But, maybe it deserves just a moment’s silence from all of us. Maybe a moment of reflection on that which is truly important.
We post this merely as a reminder to ourselves that Pakistan remains at war. Pakistanis remain under attack. Our territory remains occupied by the enemy. The relentness of the violence can nudge the routine daily ugliness into the background and the seductiveness of tiltilating conspiracies and scandals can provide ready relief even to those whose job it is to keep reminding us of that which is truly existential for all our futures.
And so, we post this as a reminder to ourselves. Pakistan remains at war. Pakistanis continue to die. Pakistan continues to cry. Lest we forget.
Crime scene coverage and how to do it? This is what the media should really re-consider, especially after a suicide blast takes place. The gruesome pictures and aftermath should not be shown with a PG logo on top of the screen. The images shown can be very disturbing, and also show false images of how our society is in the global circuit.
Dear Editor,
My request to you is kindly publish my message. I truly believe that only having a broad mind and objective thinking can really make a Nation progressive.
My dear Pakistani friends,
I am an Indian professional, now pursuing PhD in USA.
While traveling between India and U.S., I have met quite a few Pakistanis in flights, and really enjoy talking to them. I wish I get more such opportunities; I enjoy to see there is so much similarity between Pakistanis and Indians; the first thing we do when we meet is to criticize our Government!
Its very sad to see what is happening in our countries. If you look at the history of last 60-odd years; just like any Bollywood movie, India and Pakistan were two brothers who got separated, and chose different paths.
The two brothers had the same Genes, same blood, and similar physical appearance. But what differentiated was the path they chose. One chose path of Democracy and Tolerance, while other chose the path of Fanaticism and Intolerance.
Over decades, Pakistani politicians nurtured among common people hatred towards India, on the excuse of Kashmir, while depriving them of basic amenities, infrastructure and career-opportunities. I am not saying India doesnt have any problems or struggle, but overall Indians chose the constructive path of progress and tolerance.
In last decade, India is emerging as a country with Soft-power, with largest pool of specialized doctors, Engineers, pharmacists, scientists and Software professionals; while world in general views Pakistan as a supplier of Terrorists.
Why this happened? Pakistanis need to interospect.
My grandmother used to say, if you sow Cactus, you are not going to reap Mangoes.
Best wishes,
TJ
The Taliban are out killing Pakistanis again today. Once again, they are targeting Pashtuns.
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At least three people have been killed and 21 others injured in a powerful explosion that occurred in Peshawar’s outskirts of Badhbeer on Kohat Road near police station, Geo News reported on Monday morning.
The state of emergency has been declared in the local hospitals.
The police and relief workers before long arrived on the blast site and kick-started the relief action. According to police sources, the ambulances of Edhi have arrived on the blast site. The injured and bodies are being shifted to the hospital.
There are some children and a woman among the injured.
According to Geo News correspondent, the police have confirmed that blast was a suicide attack, as a car was used in the blast.
According to sources, the suicide bomber was taking his explosive-laden car to some sensitive place; however, he was signaled to pull over. But, the suicide bomber on being stopped, blew him up, killing three people.
According to Geo News correspondent, at least seven injured have been brought to Lady Reading Hospital.
The blast was so powerful that the nearby mosque collapsed.
It is very easy to be selective and biased here are some more facts for younger readers:
Ayub Army Rule: the only time in the history of Pakistan we had a surplus (exported more than imported), Highest economic growth, Green Revolution etc.
Civilian Rule: Attack the Supreme Court, Low economic growth, high inflation, shortage of commodities, lease agricultural land to foreigners because we only need fresh polluted air to live etc
Oh No! I am neither supporting the Army nor Civilian governments because as far as I am concerned they are all a bunch of crooks that are only in power to plunder, loot and ship the gains to safe havens.
ShahidInUSA
No offense intended.
As for Talibans they are indeed the lowest form of humans but question is why our protectors let them grew into this demon? You and I know how that area flourishes in drugs and arms and last I check its a land locked country, someone is helping them but not USA or India some powerful local organization surely do. As for operation in Waziristan, who knows what’s happening there since media isn’t allowed there.
@ Neena
Thank you for performing surgery on my comments so eloquantly.
Allow me to enlighten you with my retard wisdom.
So you are saying that pakistani army is bombing wrong people in south waziristan.
I think the real retards are those who serve sweets and dance on the streets everytime martial law is impose on them.
Then there is no shortage of sugar, only when the opposition has to make the government look bad.
Cheap tricks would backfire one day.
Bakra ki ma kab tak khair manay gi
Ik din na ik din to us ki bari aay gi
Oooops, in above comment I meant “Only retards can’t see the real enemy but well.”
Pakistani Talibans are the lowest and the lowest form of humans, vicious people who explode innocent people body parts, have no respect for humans and are not the innocent children who would follow the Indians blindly.
Good point! Only retards can see the real enemy but well.
At this point, I would like to tribute to Pakistani army, regular soldiers who are giving their lives daily so that we can breath freely and live however we want to live.
Wish it never had to be like this.
Blame goes to the Army , what the heck were they doing during their rule since 1999 and their semi rule during 90’s and full rule after 1977. Even if they didn’t rule the country, isn’t it their responsibility to look after nation’s security.
Here are some facts for younger readers.
1977-1988 Army ruled under Gen Zia ul Haq who executed elected Prime Minister.
1988-1999 Civilian ruled under Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
1999-2008 Army ruled under Gen Musharaff who kicked out elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.