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?
Well said Eidee Man.
I like your list.
Stop hate speech in madrassas, mosques and media.
First, we need to decide and establish firmly as a country that we no longer believe in religious trans-nationalism; we have enough problems in our own society, let someone else take the baton of “defender of the faith.”
Second, launch an aggressive effort to identify and seize control of ALL foreign-funded religious institutions. If we have true friends in other countries (yeah, right) let them help our children get better access to health, nutrition, and education; religion can come later. We’ve had a vibrant, peaceful religious culture for hundreds of years, we certainly do not need radical Arabs and Iranians to come here and teach us how to be better adherents.
Third, we need to clean house within the military, including all of its branches, Army, ISI, etc etc. All major players including Pakistan, India, the U.S., need to come together and make a firm international agreement to not support any guerrilla fighters against each other. If our countries continue to do this, people on both sides of the border will continue to be butchered, and one day this might just spin completely out of control into a full-scale war; needless to say, there will be no winners, only losers, which will include each and every one of us.
Fourth, we need to brainstorm on how to launch a serious, legitimate national debate on the role of religion in government. Again, I would point out that we need to re-awaken the original Sufi mindset and trash this Wahabi ideology. We need to be firm about intolerance directed towards minorities in the country, and the courts need to come down hard against any violators.
Fifth, we need to play a strong role in ending the war in Afghanistan. The fallout of this war has been tremendous on Pakistan. So long as there are militants looking for refuge from the assault, we will continue to see them pouring through the border; there is simply no way to stop them from coming into Pakistan, even if we make up our minds to stop them. Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan has been weakened significantly, and now its presence there is to the point that it no longer makes sense to have an active conventional military effort against it; there are probably more dangerous groups fomenting in the rest of the world, in the new fronts in North Africa, in particular. It is quite obvious that the Taliban will have a say in what happens next in Afghanistan; while it is extremely sad that the people of Afghanistan will once again fall into their hands, we need realize that we need to worry about the basic security of our side of the border first.
And last, we need to remember that nations are never destroyed from outside; they always collapse and self-destruct. Sure, we’ve always been under pressure from every possible side, but at the end of the day, only we are responsible for making this country live up to its potential.
More comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “Find a way to ban Wahabi money, and implement it. Terror will finish tomorrow if the money dries up.”
– “If its not Wahabi money then its Shia money..if its not that then its Sunni money.. its not the money..its what’s before that which counts. Dont let the terrorists win by playing into their game of sectarianism. Please.”
– “It’s a societal issue. Deconstruction of Maududi from society would be a start that in the long run will rid us of “holier than thou” mentality that provides fertile ground to hate peddlers of every stripe.”
If someone listening takes my suggestion of removing Rahman Malik, I would say they should bring someone important from a different party to show national solidarity on this one issue.
Here is an idea: ASK SHAHBAZ SHARIF TO BECOME INTERIOR MINISTER AND GIVE HIM FULL CHARGE OF WAR ON TERROR.
I mean this seriously. He is known to be effeceint. He is a great devotee of of Data Durbar. He loves a challenge. He could be very good at this. The only condition has to be that he focus only on terrorism and that govt in Islamabad gives him full cooperation. No dirty tricks either way. And PM Gillani should be the one to guarantee that.
I don’t think they will do this, but it could be just the type of bold move needed in the immediate.