Adil Najam
This graphic video of the brutal murder of 19 year of Sarfraz Shah being confronted and shot dead by Rangers – supposedly because he was a robber refusing to surrender – is only the latest in a string of state and societal resort to violence that makes one wonder if we have gone totally mad: Lynchings in Sialkot, disappearances and killings in Balochistan, shaming of protesters in Rawalpindi, vigilante justice in Karachi, shootings over load-shedding in Multan, bombings of shrines in Lahore, slaying of a woman Minister in Gujranwala, slaughter of a Christian Minister in Islamabad, and a culture of anger and a validation of violence everywhere, including and most horrendously by those who are supposed to be the custodians of our safety and security.
We are including the graphic video of the brutal murder of Sarfraz Shah, but after the ‘fold’. Reader discretion is required. But if you can bear to watch it, then do so. Because it is well past time that we stop ignoring the rot that threatens our every pore.
What can one do except hold ones head in shame and sadness, and ask oneself: Have we gone totally mad?
Despite the anger and angst that swells within each vein, I would like to believe that we have not. I still believe in Pakistan and Pakistanis. Maybe I do so because I have no option but to believe so. But more than that I do so because I know that even though the insanity is all around me, there is even more disgust and dismay at this insanity. But it is no longer enough to show disgust and dismay. We must speak up – as so many actually are. And that is because I believe that we still have it within ourselves to rise against and reject this violence. If we do not, then who will?
We are not even human being and we are worse than animals. Even animals has some rules and regulations for their lives but we are just worse than them.
We are calling us Muslims but it actual we are not even human being. Islam teaches us peace and tolerance but what we are doing. What kind of Islam we are practicing and also where is the law and order of the country and where is that MF Rehman Malik. His job is just making money for him and the bigger MF Zardari.
Man! these so called leaders (kanjars) have to work on these stuff and have to maintained the law and order otherwise they gonna be the part of the statistics and no one gonna even pray for them. WAKE UP ZALEEL HUKAMRANOOS
I am not going to watch the video. Call me a weak-kneed liberal if you wish. As you know, every ‘Bakra Eid’ I come here to protest the public killing of sacrificial goats.
Anyway, the fake-gun and the ‘majboori’ parts of this event most probably point to the guy being not an innocent person roaming the streets.
Should the Rangers have shot him like that then? Are the Rangers so threatened, so afraid for their own safety that they are becoming jittery and trigger-happy?
During my last trip to Karachi (November 2009) I was told that the Rangers at various checkpoints have become extremely anxious and fearful because of the rampant suicide bombers targeting security agencies in Pakistan.
This sad incident reminds me of what happened to the 5 women and children (Chechens?) killed by the security agencies a few weeks ago in Quetta.
Most probably both of these incidents could not have happened had there been relative peace inside Pakistan. But, as of now, upward of 34,000 people, including security agencies, have been killed inside Pakistan because of the WOT.
Please keep believing in Pakistan. Even thought this incident is HORRIBLE, SAD, SHAMEFUL for all fellow Pakistanis, such tragedies happen elsewhere, too. Non-violent ways are needed to educate peace. Violence does beget violece. Pakistan is going through a difficult trial. But the Quran reminds us to not give up during difficult times: Inna ma’al Usri Yusra. God willing, better times will come.
A good beginning would be to punish the ranger(s) involved and their bosses and educating restraint to law enforcement personnel. I agree with those who are saying that robbers are callous people. But no matter how bad a person, executing him, letting him bleed to death just while he is begging his killers for help, has no place in civilized society.
Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast. People do this in extreme anger and confusion. Some of the drone victims probably bleed to death, too. And, take a look at this sad video about sectarian violence in Indonesia, allegedly a result of government sponsored propaganda: It’s graphic parts are blanked out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3b4b0eiYvU
ThankGod this time someone can’t blame TTP or Talibans to hide reality.
@Monano: And Rehman Malik Replied,”Humay In kay Baray me Pahle se Khabar Thee” :-)
Just received a masterpiece sms
“BREAKING NEWS
Rehman Malik k ghar beta peda hua hai…. Taliban ne zimmedari qubool kar li”