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?
I like banjara’s list. second message. no laanat or malamat from me.
Here is what I would add. Remove Rahman Malik as Interior Minister.
No, I am not a PPP or Rahman Malik hater. Actually, I think he has been remarkably good in this job given all the difficulties. And he has usually done the right things to the extent he could.
But we need to remove him because he is personally so very unpopular that he takes attention away because people just really dislike and even hate him with a passion. Remove him and bring someone who can command some respect, or at least does not gather so much negative attention.
For same reasons, PM Gillani needs to make this his cause and keep President Zardari away from this. Again, because Zardari is so hated personally.
…oh, btw, this is what i think needs to happen.
– the govt. of pakistan should completely disengage from gwot (no matter what the cost)
-drone attacks must be stopped; if necessary, the pakistan armed forces must combat the drones.
– all political parties absolutely, without any reservation whatsoever, commit to fighting the militancy and extremism in pakistan. there must be no negotiatin of any sort with the animals who are creating this murderous rampage. militancy must be put down completely, no ifs and buts, at any cost.
– fata must be properly integrated into nwfp.
-all parts of the country should be brough into the 21st century, by force if necessary.
now i am ready for all the lanat and malaamat ….
birbal was once complaining in the court about how impossible it is to deal with irrationality of children. the emperor akbar claimed that he could pacify any child throwing a tantrum. with his permission, birbal started to play a tantrum throwin child. this is roughly how it went:
birbal: oonh, oonh … i want an elephant
the emperor had an elephant brought to the court.
birbal: (still pouting) but now i also want a suraahi
so the emperor ordered a courtier to bring birbal a suraahi.
birbal: (by now jumping up and down) i want the elephant put inside this suraahi
i guess u get the picture …
adil’s post claims that we must have a national consensus to successfully put down this madness in our midst. personally, i couldn’t agree more. without consensus we are doomed.
but achieving such consensus is easier said than done and i am not very optimistic that the national conference can work out that is practicable. we have the secular forces on one side — pppp, anp, mqm demanding all out action against militancy everywhere. then we have imran khan, ji, jui-f equally vehemently demanding that we dissociate with the us wot, stop the drone attacks, and negotiate with the militants. the leagues of all variety have a foot in both camps and can’t make up their mind.
to further complicate the situation still, if the politicans do come to a unanimous agreement (not very likely), it is not worth the paper it is written on unless it is also acceptable to the armed forces and the security agencies. this is the dark horse which trumps everything.
should the military be included in the peace conference?
or, should the politician thrash out an agreed upon a strategy, then let the national leaders (pppp, pml-n, etc) to negotiate with the military to accept it?
is all this do-able. you decide.
(p.s:- personally i don’t hink we can put the elephant in the suraahi)
This will sound extreme, but it is not. Give religion a break. Lets stop trying to figure whose ‘faith’ is right. That is not our job or the government. NO MORE MADRASSAS. No official religosity. Take religion out of the constitution entirely and put it back where it is supposed to be, in people’s private lives.
This is not an easy question. It it were someone would have done something already. Nor can it be a fast process. The fight will be long and will require patience. And that is what we do not have. As you rightly say, there is no national consensus on even what the problem is. There are still people who are convinced that the problem is America, or Afghanistan or India. And others think the problem is Zardari or Nawaz or the CJ or the Army. And the most dangerous are those who are fighting only for their sect and think that every other sect is the problem. And so we all keep fighting each other which is exactly what these extremists want. Because they think we are all the problem and so no matter which of these forces lose, they win.
So, what do we do? I don’t know.
Maybe we start by stopping lying to ourselves and accept that there are no quick fixes.