Adil Najam
Government and opposition politicians have embraced the idea of a national conference on how to deal with terrorism. The idea of a conference, in itself, is not much. But the idea of creating a national consensus and a national sense of purpose on dealing with the menace of terrorism is critical if any of the tough steps that will need to be taken, could be taken. One hopes that the conference will, indeed, do that.
But the creation of that common sense of purpose – and let us acknowledge that there is no such thing in Pakistan today – is not just the state’s responsibility. It is equally, and maybe even more, a responsibility of society. The fissures within the state reflect the even deeper fissures within society. And both build upon each other.
It is important, therefore, for all of us to have the exact same conversation that we want our political leaders to be having. A conversation that is focused on practical solutions, difficult decisions, tough realizations, and ultimately an agenda of action. Figuring out ‘how we got here’ is always important, but only to the extent that it actually leads to meaningful strategies of ‘how do we get out of here.’ So, as part of this national conversation, we ask our readers to suggest practical steps forward – ‘practical’ does not mean that it has to be easy, but it does mean that it has to be doable. What do you think should be done, by whom, and how? Have your say; there just may be someone listening.
By way of context, as well as good advice on how the national leadership – and we ourselves – should approach the question, this editorial from Dawn makes very good sense:
…the militants are not only at war with the Pakistani state, they are bent upon subjugating the Pakistani people as well. Security installations, government buildings, mosques, schools, shrines, hospitals and markets, all have been attacked. With this blurring of targets, there is also a need to realise that, whatever their nomenclature, ideology, agenda and area of operation, the militants must now be seen in holistic terms — and their tactics unanimously condemned. This should be the thought behind the attempt to form a consensus on a strategy to curb terrorism…. What is not a matter of debate is that the terrorists are prepared to stop at nothing to destroy the state and inflict their obscurantist agenda on the people. So when the national conference [conversation] takes place … it should be with the realisation that there is a common goal to pursue. There should be no room for blame-games or fiery speeches. Serious discussions will be required, with informed input from all concerned, so that a workable plan to thwart militancy can be put in place. Such a plan would include suggestions on how to prepare the people to take on those who threaten their way of life.
We also seek a serious conversation. What do you think should be done, by whom, and how? You can, of course, say whatever you want. But one hopes that we will get beyond the usual spate of incrimination, finger-pointing, conspiracy, and denial. Certainly look back if you must, but if you are spending more time looking back than forward, then you are probably driving in the wrong direction. To the extent you can, we would appreciate if you would respond to the question with the clarity and unambiguity it deserves: What do you think should be done, by whom, and how?
There have been reports that the Punjabi Taliban network has a strong presence in North Waziristan yet the operations were delayed. The attacks in Lahore should be an eye-opener as we need to destroy all the sanctuaries of militants
Listen Author Ji,
I have a bone to pick with you.
I opened this website almost everyday then why not the name my city San francisco to which I have been paying taxes for the last fourteen years is not showing up on your revolving globe? Keon ji?
Now that we have taken care of that so like my grand ma would say:
Doodo nahow or pooto pahlo!
What a pinpoint and a targeted question you have asked.
Listen Mr, the damage was not done overnight. This curry has been cooking from long time so the reversible process will also would take a little time.
There is no magic pill or a magic wand and my ginie is little bored with pakistan which has become stubborn and a tough
cookie. But there is a start.
So here I go
Arrest all the mullahs who are the originator of Talibans and are also resposible of creating sections and divisions in the society, send them to ” Saudi rehabilitation centers”. I have heard good things about them.
These Mullahs are the primitive wierdos and they will never let pakistan grow.
Open new Madarsas for the rest of the Talibans where all the proceeding would be carried out in english under the supervision of imported teachers.
Rest of the plan will be announced soon.
Thank you
Arab-Alqaeda-Taleban Gangsters are stealthly and overtly pushing Republic of Pakistan into a civil war. Pakistani citizens, a majority are moderates, will not be able to stop these suicidal death worshippers. America is the only factor that is holding Pakistan together. These satanic devils are after power; they care less about Islam or Muslims. They want to burn the spiritual message of Islam and in its place they want to introduce throwback Arab desert culture. Islam is a universal religion, which hapened to arise in Arabistan. Smart Turks and Iranians keep these devlis at a distance. Do not ever let america leave Afghanistan/Pakistan. American take over of a country is not a bad thing. Take the case of Germany and Japan, the countries that were levelled to ground, benefitted from American occupation. Those people skillfully adopted American technology. Pakistan need not worry about an Indian attack in the presence of Americans. Just spit at Arabisation. Embrace modernity.
But you will have to admit, Punjabi speaking Kashmiri-Lahori-Sunnis are the best.
Seriously, as long as there are those who believe (and are in power) that a “degree” can have a qualifier of “assali” or “jali” and there are those who believe that their god (with a small ‘g’) is “assali”, what is the point?
Do you think they understand “Equity and Justice”? Do you think they can relate with concepts of Rahman and Raheem?
Do you believe that they will stand up for adding 10,000 new judges for the lower courts? And revamp the judiciary?
Do you think they will do something about clean water, means for literacy, electric power, basic healthcare for every Pakistani as a “right”?
Do you imagine they will declare their assets and income and come clean? (We have some of the “poorest” people on earth with the most expensive ways.)
Or do you think they will work up more mayhem because it serves their “pockets”? There is money to be made by “them consultants”. Never in the history of mankind have private folks made so much money for public service!
Or do you think they will work up another long list of toys for big boys for “our” safety and protection? There is money to be made in “them contracts” too.
Or do you think they will even hold this APC (APC sells UPS, but that is another blog!) in a non-air-conditioned room just to relate with a common man? BTW, most of these parties are parties of “1”. And all of them never had a intra-party election either. And none of them have their funding sources ever declared.
Or do you think they will “uncover a safe-house” with large amounts of “stuff” to prove their diligence?
Or do you think they will drink the same water that Mai Jori Jamali drinks? (Hmmmmmm, is there a doctor at the APC? Bottoms up for the mullah may have a new meaning.)
Oh, btw, we have had our turn with the Turkish speaking guy already. He will be remembered for holding (and keeping) world record in superior court judges resignations.
Me? I want to go back to Ava Gardner posters. She defies gravity and no wonder Moieen Qureshi fell for her.
Ava? Where are you?
(My lovely and sage wife…, well, sush; this is between you and I.)
oh yeah…one more thing…all those fat nanis, dadis, phuppos, khalas, mumanis and skinny nanas, dada’s, phuppas and khaloos and other buzargs ( who can be both fat or skinny) dont always know their crap and arent always the smartest people on the planet., but they always think they know who is doing all the bad things in the world…..so dont always listen to what they say….do you know research and use your brain.