Tahira Irfa
“As per fatalities taking place at festivals, rituals and special occasions, it seems that if not taken necessary measurements than one day (God forbid) our over-enthusiastic and impatient people would be recalling these days by the causalities took place rather than the sacredness and historical background attached with them”.These words from a venerable made me feel the ground slipping under my feet as, much we analyze ongoing situation, more it appears to be true. The conflict, chaos, conspiracy and crises created by sectarian and religious extremism have made the world a vulnerable place to live in. The bigots and evil minded selfish people are behind this abhorrent act who for their vested interests has cost lives of millions. Unfortunate is the fact that most of these evil acts are carried out in the name of Islam and Muslim world especially Pakistan has to bear its burnt the most. Islam which is the religion of peace and tolerance, tells its followers to respect the rights of not only Muslims but Non-Muslims as well. Sadly, different elements mostly foreign funded locals are trying to malign this peaceful religion by flaming issues of sects and prejudices. The development of sectarianism is widely attributed to be a result of Arab states and other outside powers inside Pakistan having provided millions of dollars of funding to fundamentalist networks. Some allege that Persian Gulf Arab states are exacerbating tensions by funding radical extremist Sunnis. Nevertheless, whoever is behind this, they are trying to destabilize Pakistan by dividing it’s people in different groups, manipulating the mind of several with lavish offers and implanting prejudicial opinions about other religious, ethnic and sectarian groups. According to a study, over 2,000 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in sectarian attacks in the past five years. Pakistan surely is facing war like situation not only at borders but also internally. Security has always been a misunderstood and misplaced issue in Pakistan and the real threat here emanates from this Sectarian violence and religious extremism. Someone has rightly said that the greatest danger to Pakistan comes not from without but from within the form of religious extremism and sectarianism. Surely, sectarian violence in Pakistan is a recent phenomenon and that for most of the country’s history; people of different sects have co-existed peacefully. Every Muslim regards and pays homage to the martyrs of Karbala. Not only this but they also used to arrange eateries for the procession which truly depicts brotherhood Islam preaches. However, mayhem reported from past few years is the result of lethal propagators by some obnoxious elements in a trial to destabilize us due to our involvement in war on terror—?The Express Tribune, 2012 quotes well as,“A fact recognized by all in Pakistan is that the people of the country are not sectarian-minded. Before jihad took hold of Pakistan and extremist clerics became threatening, there was considerable harmony between the sects. Muharram was not the season of sectarian violence and mayhem”. With the start of new Islamic year Muharam-ul-Haram the chance of rifts also increases which need to be carefully handled by both Government and people of Pakistan. Luckily enough our government in Punjab has sensed the fragility and taken notable steps timely to ensure full security of masses and avoid any expected inconvenience. In this regard, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzar surely deserves a vote of appreciation who himself is monitoring law and order situation and security arrangements for Ashura. He has directed to ensure implementation of security plan evolved for the protection of life and property of the people during Muharram-ul-Harram and ordered crackdown without any discrimination against those involved in provocative speeches, publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred. Special police forces are deployed at sensitive locations like Imam Bargahs, Aushra processions route , and other worship places and to and four tier cordons are established around them. Along-with this, the most important step is the legislation which was badly needed to curb this menace. Worth mentioning is the ban on loudspeaker and provocative literature inscribing objectionable graffiti. Most importantly religious leaders, members of peace committees and elected representatives are involved for promoting religious harmony and utilize all their capabilities for maintaining the environment of brotherhood, accommodation and tolerance.. Cabinet Committee on Law & Order had paid visits to monitor the arrangements of Muharram-ul-Harram throughout the province and review implementation of security plan. Awareness among folks is nurtured through seminars to create sense of social responsibility among them and encourage them to keep a watch full eye on anti-social elements. Undoubtedly these internal threats have always hindered its way towards progress and prosperous nation. We need to understand that some people were conspiring to destroy Pakistan and need of hour is national unity which will help to overcome these challenges. Let’s try our best to be united for making the country a heaven of peace and foil the nefarious designs of the enemies while maintaining unity in its ranks. By spread words of peace and joining hands with government we can show world true face of Islam that how much harmonious and respectful this religion and we Muslims actually are.
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