Adil Najam
Ms. Asiya Nasir – Christian Member National Assembly (MNA), elected on a reserved seat from NA-322 (Balochistan-III) on an MMA (Mutihada Majlis i Amal; a coalition of religious parties) ticket, interestingly with JUI(F) affiliation – made this hard-hitting and courageous speech on the floor of the Pakistan National Assembly on March 4 before leading a token walk-out of minority and other members from the Assembly on the issue of Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination.
The speech should be listened in full, not just for its heartfelt passion and its cry of pain, but also because no matter how much you think you know about Pakistan, you are bound to learn things you did not know. Asiya Nasir speaks to us not simply as a Minority or Christian MNA, but as a Pakistani. And it is as a Pakistanis that we must respond.
The 30 year old Asiya Nasir – wife of Nasir Masih and mother of a son and two daughters – has much to say and ask that we really have no response or answers to. But we should all be grateful to her for raising her voice as a Pakistani and asking questions that we have ignored – indeed, hidden – for too long. We are better off today because these questions have been asked.
She spoke well!
I am glad more and more women are coming out in Pakistan and speaking up and are not hesitating to get attention.
I dont care which community they belong to, they are shaping up a very backward country (No thanks to Mullahs), taking charge, improving the image and pushing back the ‘domination’ of the special interest, whether it is West , Saudi Arabia, Politicians or of their own Tribal men.
Literally my head was hung in shame and had tears in my eyes while listening to her speech. I wish I was there in person to say sorry to her and through her to every other Pakistani who feels insecure in their own country be it Muslim or Non-Muslim.
I’m not surprised by Asiya’s daughter’s reaction. My cousin had the same reaction when he was released recently from kidnappers after two weeks and payment of ransom.
As Adil mentioned, there was a lot to learn too about our own history which has been conveniently taken out of the curriculum.
Yes, what she says is right. But the question is now WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT
That is th question and I am despearately looking for answers.
I am glad that she pointed a finger at the govt and their inaction after Taseer murder. Govt and people reaction to that has made things worse.
She’s a courageous woman — I can’t imagine how awful it must be to be a minority in our Godless country.