Adil Najam and Owais Mughal
Enemies of Pakistan are at it again; killing innocent Pakistanis in their murderous zeal. Murder and mayhem by terrorists has hit the city of Lahore second time in four days. This time in the form of a series of bomb blasts (at leastseven blasts today, according to some reports, and counting) that have already left more than 40 people dead (and counting).
At least seven blasts in Lahore have been reported today, at least 5 of them in Iqbal Town, Lahore. Although some of the later blasts were of less intensity, the goal here was to create panic. And it did. Especially because the terrorists planned them right around the time of Juma prayers – these killers seem to relish the killing the killing of Pakistani Muslims. There are also reports that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for these murders:
… The heads of both alleged bombers were recovered from the scene of the blasts while two suspects were also arrested, the Inspector General of Punjab Tariq Salim Dogar told reporters after the blasts… Meanwhile, the proscribed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed the responsibility for twin Lahore bombings. The blasts took place at 12:48 pm within the space of 15 seconds at R. A. Bazar as crowds gathered for Friday prayers. The blasts were so powerful that it caused cracks in nearby buildings besides shattering window panes. “We have collected concrete technical evidence, which will help identify the attackers. Both the attackers were on foot,” the IGP said.
There is little point in laying out the details here (The News update can be read here). The details keep changing. And yet they never change. We keep writing this same post again and again and again. The heart bleeds no less. The eyes swell up as ever. But the killing goes on.
One is tempted to say that the killing is senseless. But for those who kill, it is not. They know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. It is planned murder. And it is planned murder for a very clear effect. It is planned to destabilize Pakistan. Why they wish to do so is irrelevant. That is the effect, and that is the planned effect. But trying to “make sense” of why this is happening is also futile. What we need to think sensibly about is our own reaction to these attacks. Finding “hidden hands” is not going to help since the “hand” is all too obvious. Debates about causes and faults and contexts and history will be important, but right now they are just being used as a device to confuse. If someone can plant a bomb, again and again and again, in the heart of our cities in the midst of our children then at least two things should be clear: one, the enemy IS within us; two, this fight IS our fight.
For those who say this war is not “our” war, we ask: how many Pakistanis have to die before it does become out war! For those who cry about wanting Pakistan to do more, we ask: How many more Pakistanis will need to die before you think we have done enough!
The tragic incidents of Lahore remind us that this war is going to continue for a long time, until we eradicate extremism from our society. This war against extremist elements needs to be fought at various fronts, the prime being the military operation and then countering the ideological misconceptions they propagate, the root causes of extremism however lie in poverty and social deprivation and unless such issues are addressed this menace will continue to grow. The government needs to ensure greater transparency in the areas of social reform such as health and education.
It is time to ignore marginal and delusional people who support extremists. Lets learn to ignore them. Jawabe Jahilaan, Khamoshi bashid.
Our focus should be on healing the society. Regardless of color band they wear, evertime I think of kids who have lost a parent or parent who have lost a child, I shiver. What practical steps can be taken to heal this society.
Not only is this Pakistan’s war now but Pakistan needs to fight this alone. So called American “help” in this war is only making things more difficult for those in Pakistan who are trying to fight the Taliban influence. Having America on your side is now a cost, not a help!
The tactics of the taliban supporters are a little too clear now. Blame it on India. Blame it on USA. If nothing works blame it on Israel.
There is no surprise that Taliban supporters do this. Afterall their purpose is to confuse people and make excuses so that the Taliban they are supporting can keep killing Paksitanis. But what is really sad is how many decent Pakistanis also fall for this propaganda trick of the Taliban supporters and themselves become the propagandists.
While Taliban clearly state that they did the bombing our Politicians are still not prepared to openly take a position against Taliban. I read a statement of one of our national leader who mildly condemed attack (not Taliban) and stated that culprits should be found. I guess he did not learn that Taliban have claimed responsibility. One national leader blamed drone attack without once condeming attack on Pakistani Muslims by Muslims. While Taliban say that they have carried out attacks some political leader are totally ignoring Taliban claims and look for Blackwater or any other ficticous elements. These political leaders are now begging Taliban to spare their interests. This tantamount to capitulation by a section of political leadership. Our political leaders have contracted out fighting Taliban to army and loyal soldiers/officers of our armed forces are dying every day. Our political leaders and vast section of population are living in fantasy land.