Lately no news coming out of Pakistan seem to be good news. This afternoon I started writing about Benazir’s return in lighter words focusing on hilarious statements coming out of our politicians on her return and then this horrific news of scores of people dead started coming in. My lighter mood vanished totally and now I am left wihout words and more questions like, Why? Who? what now? etc.
The headline news on CNN reads as follows right now:
An explosion near the motorcade of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto killed at least 110 people and injured 200 more, officials say. Bhutto, returning after years in exile, reportedly was unhurt.
While we are glad that she remained safe, our sincere prayers are with those innocents who lost their lives.
zabt laazim hai magar dukh hai qayamat ka
zalim ab ke bhi na roay ga to mar jaaye ga
All signs of conciousness are dead in the hearts and minds of people who dwell on conspiracy theories. Facts are before you, people dead all for being in a procession. My sympathies with the victims and their families and my curses to who ever is responsible. Instead of playing the game of blame let us try and help those effected and push for a legitimate investigation into this matter. Leave the drama for the movies and your tears for the people.
I haven
raza:
you say we should condemn this attack and the attackers…yes we should…but what good will this condemnation on the web would do to alter the situation on the ground there except perhaps to placate ourselves a little?
yes the attack was dastardly, regressive, un-islamic and disruptive and could have been carried out by the militants, pinky’s political opponents, agencies or some aggrieved person or party
and it was acoming
she knew it…the government knew it…the media knew it
what did they do about it?
* she inisted in not delaying her trip because she gave out her “word” ( let us see if she gains power again what her words to provide ‘roti,kapra, makaan, and kaam’ would stand the scrutiny)
* the government warned her, passed her intelligence and provided as much security as it could ( of course there is never enough security that can be provided)
* and the media – well they were out in full force covering the ‘tamasha’ for their viewers
For my mourning brothers and sisters in Pakistan, please feel free to ignore the following. I thought I needed to clarify myself.
May the souls of all who lost their lives rest in peace.
@ Anil :
“On another note – Snigdha – i am doubly appalled that you chose to use this day to raise what are untimately facetous questions.”
Anil,
a) If you had read the note with an open mind, you would see that I am just as appalled at what happened in Pakistan. Without a doubt it was a day of mourning. I mourn the day as much, and I did not expect anyone to get to the question of female leadership until much later.
(and this is exactly what has happened. People have ignored it for now, and I am totally cool with it).
b) The question I raised was on my mind way before the incident happened. Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, what happened in Pakistan did not trigger the question. But ATP is one of the best forums I could raise this question at.
This is a technical “networking” question. No emotions attached.
c) “…what are untimately facetous (sic) questions” —I wish that were true, brother, but unfortunately, it is NOT. This is a huge issue in a large part of the world (Ms Bhutto herself mentioned it in a interview on CNN before she left for Pakistan, so obviously, it is an issue).
Which is why I wasn’t really interested in what just about anyone had to say. All I wanted was references to female Muslim bloggers (particularly Pakistani and South Asian). I need to know what the ladies have to say, not you in particular.
But your suggestions are welcome.
—-
Raza Bhai,
Just read back at all your comments, I echo your fine words about mourning the dead and not playing politics with yesterday 110%.
On a different note I recently wrote my newest post titled