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?
Solutions should be sought in accountability, no accountability no way out of this mess.
This is the crux of the matter;
deobandi, wahabi, ahl-e-hadith, jamaat-islami violent and pro-violence ideologies.
Discourage them.
@AlixKhan11: The LTTE were a single group. You knew who you were dealing with when it came to the LTTE.
In Pakistan no one seems to have any idea who the terrorists are.
For instance there is Al-Qaeda which is just an easy label for various different groups. Then there is the Afghan Taliban, the Pakistani Taliban, the Punjabi Taliban etc. You also have our interior minister telling us that the Russian, Israeli and Indian secret agencies are training all sorts of miscreants to stir up trouble. And finally there are the Americans with their secret agencies and “independent security contractors”. So which group is responsible for which attack? Certainly us ordinary folk have no clue. Perhaps those in power have some inkling as to what is going on!
Someone talked about the elephant and the soorahi. Sure that is true. But you do not put the elephant into the soohari in one go. It goes in the same way it came out. One step at a time.
So, here is my strategy:
1. Accept that it is going to be a slow process. And a painful process. And brace yourself and your people for that.
2. Start with the immediate cleanup. Start rounding up the ones we know and start being seen to be hard and harsh and efficient in the police action. So that at least the worst ones are in and the word spreads that we mean business.
3. Only AFTER that talk to the ones who are wavering to win them over. But do not talk to the worst ones and don’t talk to anyone until everyone knows you mean business.
4. Make and implement strong laws against hate speech. including on media and in mosques. Free speech does not mean liscence for hate speech. Put a few Jahil onlines behind bars and otehrs will become seedah very fast.
5. Now start putting the long-term strategy into place. Cleanse education. Lets team them less of dua-i-qanoot and more of physics and chemistry. Also with mosques and madrassahs. Give good education so that madrassahs go. And how many mosques do we really need (does anyone know how many mosques per person exisit in Paksitan!).
Crush them the way Sri Lankans crushed the LTTE. The LTTE were much better organized and committed than these murdering mullahs. If Sri Lankans can take them down, why we can’t do the same.