What a fitting ending to one of the most tragic years of Pakistan’s short history.
From the Red Mosque siege to the ensuing spat of suicide bombings to the failed military campaigns in the Northwest Frontier to the expelling of the Chief Justice to the hoopla surrounding Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto’s return from exile to the martial law escapade to this latest act of inane violence, 2007 has been a terrible year for the 'Land of the Pure' (translation of 'Pakistan').
I won’t get into all the varying theories of who killed Bhutto and why, I just wanted to chime in on the talks of the near future of Pakistan.
First of all, I’m not clear why the elections are so critical. I admit that I’m very cynical, but I can’t believe that people truly hope for some positive change coming from these upcoming elections. Haven’t the mock elections where Musharraf was elected for President (followed by him dissolving the Supreme Court in order to make sure the elections were not challenged) shown democracy for the sham it has become in Pakistan (as well as the Muslim world)?
Have people become so desperate that they’ve become politically delusional and are placing hope in democracy in Pakistan? That’s some serious grasping for straws people!
Secondly, I get a kick out of all the doomsday predictions of Pakistan spiraling into chaos. Pakistan is not Afghanistan or Somalia or post-Saddam Iraq. Warlords or militias do not run the country. The military is without a doubt in charge, as it always has been and as it always will be. I say that not with any sense of national pride or arrogance, simply as a sad fact of life.
WAW
2 days ago
24 comments:
Naeem, the saddest part is that some ignorant and delusional person actually thought that they would be accomplishing something worthwhile by killing a WOMAN and 20 more or less others. These are the kinds of senseless unexplainable events that make me say "okay, the last days are just at the turn of that corner and I can't even spare the time to worry what these people are doing though they call themselves my brother, I can only focus on helping myself, family and community. The rest is most certainly in the Hands of Allah".
Sahra
Naeem, in your infinite wisdom can you explain why people get into a frenzy and start destroying property and infrastructure when some kind of major individual dies or some other kind of event takes place.
Ripping up train tracks? What's that going to do for the people who need them to travel to work, school, etc? How will that bring the lady back? God rest her soul. It’s not just in Pakistan but all over the worl where there is some kind of unrest people take out their frustration on the same things the need the next day. Can you explain that?
-F
AA- Sahra,
I didn't want to talk about who did it, but suffice it to say that I don't beleive the official story blaming Al-Qaeda - the military establishment saw her as too much a thorn on their side....
Regardless, ignorance best describes the senseless act of assassination. Killing a leader never brings about change.
AA- F,
The entire phenomenon of mob riots happens all over, as you cited, but in Pakistan its been taken to a higher level. It seems that these mobs sit in wait for the next trigger event to let themselves loose on the streets - its really amazing.
I remember reading a while back about the Egyptian government paying young unemployed men to riot against an anti-government rally, using sticks to beat the attendees - seems like a common tactic used by police states.
Not sure if these Pakistani mobs are initiated by the government or not, but it sure wouldn't surprise me.
Typical Machiavellian move: Keep the people in a state of fear and they're easier to rule over.
The west does it through the media, the east does it through street violence...
Assalamu 'alaikum
Having been an avid reader of 'Naeem's blog' for a few months now, i have come to the conclusion that it should be renamed 'Confessions of a conspiracy theorist' :-). I rarely reply to this blog, but being a Pakistani citizen and having lived most of my life there, I felt compelled to reply to this post and subsequent comments.
In reply to 'F's comment about the intent behind the riots - I agree that it makes no sense at all. But, you have to understand where the Pakistanis are coming from - they are utterly and totally helpless. It's not as if they get listened to, and this has been their way of taking out their anger for so many years. Haven't you ever found yourself or someone around you hurling something across the room when emotions take over? It's not the right response, but it's an emotional response when you're helpless. And I know for a fact that half of the people in the riots do not what they're doing there, but instead are just troublemakers taking advantage of the situation, but I wouldn't just 'blame the government' for everything.
As for the 'whodunnit' of it all, I've heard so many different explanations, but i would like to offer one more: maybe it was just an ordinary citizen who felt that the same person who embezzled money and promoted corruption in the late '80s and 90s, had all her charges dropped and is coming back for seconds (teechnically, thirds), and just couldn't take it. Again, an act helplessness - not justified - but i think it's more plausible than al-Qaeda doing it 'just for the heck of it', or blaming the American govt for it.
WA
AA- Anon,
"i have come to the conclusion that it should be renamed 'Confessions of a conspiracy theorist' :-)."
Aww man, that's a shot to the heart. Why not just get to the point and call me a raving lunatic?! :-P
Actually, I'm very glad you commented because after I posted my last comment, I did feel that I would sound very loony in placing all blame for the riots solely on the government (I do believe that they are *allowing* the riots as a means of releasing some of the pressure).
I do agree with you that hopelessness is a major reason as is the criminal factor. These are people who are simply thugs looking for a window of opportunity to loot and steal.
Ignorance combined with a criminal mind will tend to that...
Naeem,
That's an excellent analysis of the situation but what suggestions or ideas do you have to change or improve the situation and address the problems in Pakistan and/or the Muslim Ummah. Can you do anything more that just writing a blog about the issues. If you have no solutions to offer, then what's wrong with calling you a raving lunatic. You should use your time a bit more constructively by working on solutions.
AA- Anon2,
"Can you do anything more that just writing a blog about the issues."
My dear Abu, welcome to my blog!! Folks, I would like to introduce my dear father to all of you...or at least that's how he would sound if he ever found out that I blog. :-)
"If you have no solutions to offer, then what's wrong with calling you a raving lunatic."
Wait, maybe this is my father commenting...
Seriously Anon2, anyone not offering solutions is a raving lunatic? Huh?
What's wrong with exchanging ideas, like a group of friends breaking bread or sharing some tea?
I've learned quite a bit in my brief stint on the Web Logging world and I hope that visitors to this site have gained some benefit as well...
And if you are seriously curious about my suggested solutions, my current stance is leaning towards personal edification and rectification.
Once we get our own personal houses in order, the rest will fall into place.
But I must admit, that my thoughts are a work-in-progress. I'm constantly torn between the personal and the political.
Its seems that too many of the legitimate scholars are busy tending to the personal, leaving the political realm for jokers who deserve not an iota of our respect.
I just wish there was a balanced ideology or movement out there...haven't found it yet....
AA
"That's an excellent analysis of the situation"
The rest sounds alot like Abujee, but that opening sentence is an immediate rule-out! :-)
Junaid
Naeem,
Please stop blogging about Politics and that 3 lettered word. Stop embarrassing the family.
Your Brother in Law,
Guess-which-one
AA- Guess which Brother-in-law,
"Please stop blogging about Politics and that 3 lettered word. Stop embarrassing the family."
Hmmm..let's see...a snide remark full of vitriol and ill-will. You could be any of my 6 brother-in-laws! Give me something more to work with bro...
AA, Anon2:
"Can you do anything more that just writing a blog about the issues?"
Have you ever heard that you can handle a situation in three ways 1, Speak out, 2, Use your hands (take up arms, write, fight, etc. or 3, keep it in your heart (i.e. remain silent)… and that is the weakest of faith.
Not to defend Naeem as if he needs defending, but to point out that he, Naeem, is using his hands and mind here. This is an excellent forum for IDEAS EXCHANGE and perhaps lead to some real solutions to some of the issues discussed.
Who know which person reading these blogs can take the info and come up with real answers and solutions? Get with it. Do NOT be so upset.
The real question here is what is your contribution?
-F
Dear Naeem,
I apologise for sounding like your father and I apologise for calling you a raving lunatic (that was uncalled for). You must have had a real messed up childhood if you feel that any criticism of your work can only be linked to your dad. From the sounds of your brother’s comments it also appears that your father has real issues with giving positive feedback. Anyway enough of you family issues, the point I was trying to make was that there has to be more that one can do than discussing current events and politics over a cup of coffee. Are we not responsible (via our complacency and resignation – that that’s just the way it is and will continue to be and then focusing on our supposed sphere of influence such as personal edification) for the current situation in the muslim countries. The majority of us who are skilled, educated or enlightened are living abroad in western countries discussing the issues and conspiracy theories, while the countries we are from such as Pakistan are descending further into chaos and disintegration. It is not as if progress and development are not possible in the developing world, countries such as South Korea and Malaysia have achieved a per capita income almost at the same level as the rest of the developed world. Why can’t we be proactive in working on improving the situation in Pakistan- why can’t we be results focused and goal oriented and get some improvements happening instead of wasting our time chit-chatting.
Anon2
Dear Anon2:
If you look at :-) sideways (which I added to the end of my comment), it looks like a smiley face, which means 'I was joking'. And I think Naeem added one of those to his comment as well. So please don't make judgements about our father based on some facetious comments we are making to lighten up the mood a bit.
Junaid
AA- Anon2,
"I apologise for sounding like your father and I apologise for calling you a raving lunatic (that was uncalled for). You must have had a real messed up childhood if you feel that any criticism of your work can only be linked to your dad. From the sounds of your brother’s comments it also appears that your father has real issues with giving positive feedback."
Wow, such passive aggressiveness...tsk, tsk...
I'm gonna have to prescribe for you some medicine for your uptight-itis, take a chill pill 3 times a day for the next 50 years...should help you with your unflattering attitude.
AA- Anon2,
About your other more relevant comments:
"the point I was trying to make was that there has to be more that one can do than discussing current events and politics over a cup of coffee."
Of course. I suggested in previous comments (as well as my Bandits and Lizards post), that Muslims need to take this fight inwards. Taking personal responsibility can go a long way towards helping the Ummah.
"Are we not responsible (via our complacency and resignation – that that’s just the way it is and will continue to be and then focusing on our supposed sphere of influence such as personal edification) for the current situation in the muslim countries."
Not at all. I don't have the arrogance to believe that my action or inaction plays a role in the situation in Muslim countries. I affect my circle of influence and that is restricted to me, my family, and my social circle. To think otherwise is quite irrational.
"The majority of us who are skilled, educated or enlightened are living abroad in western countries discussing the issues and conspiracy theories, while the countries we are from such as Pakistan are descending further into chaos and disintegration."
What do you suggest? Unless we are willing to pack up and move to a Muslim country to help them out (like a few brothers I know, including my own younger brother, who moved back to help spearhead a project for low-income housing and his wife, who is working for an international NGO in Pakistan), I don't see much assistance we can provide.
"Why can’t we be proactive in working on improving the situation in Pakistan- why can’t we be results focused and goal oriented and get some improvements happening instead of wasting our time chit-chatting."
Don't let your anger control you, young Skywalker.
Like I said before, improve the situation within yourself, your spouse, your kids, your family, your local society, etc. and then let's talk about Pakistan, Palestine, and the rest.
And please don't assume that all bloggers do is chit-chat. Many of us lead active lives outside this virtual reality, full of family obligations, social activism and personal education.
Dear –F,
“The real question here is what is your contribution?”
Granted that an individual cannot make a difference on his own, thus it is essential to work collectively as is clear from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet s.a.w.—We have tried to follow this.
Our group has achieved the following:
- Brain Gain/ Reverse brain drain – Leaving the luxury of the west and six figure salaries to come towards uncertainty and hardships is indeed a difficult task, but by the grace of Allah, a group of doctors, engineers, businessmen and social entrepreneurs have taken this step. Working in conjunction with the local professional community, we have launched the following programs within Pakistan:
o Health – Free clinics have been established in two cities for the poor under the supervision of foreign qualified physicians
o Housing – Low cost housing developments with a focus on community building for those earning $4.00 a day or less.
o Education – An education complex with an estimated cost of $100,000.00 is being established in a rural area, using cutting-edge technology and teaching methods with a focus on tazkiat-un-nafs.
o Poverty Alleviation –
- Food staples for the entire month of Ramadan supplied to hundreds of families.
- Monthly zakat stipend established for handicapped /widowed families
- Karz-e-Hassana – Interest free micro-finance loans
- Vocational training – especially for females to learn skills that can be used to start small businesses
o Justice and Peace – Committee of lawyers established to help poor fight for their rights free of cost.
o Da’wah/Tabligh – Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly gatherings held to disseminate the message of our Deen.
o Water/Environment/Sanitation – Providing access to new low-cost technologies for water purification to the poor. Low-cost sanitation for rural areas. Solid waste management programmes based on zero-waste model.
Obviously this is only the start and has only involved a small group of people but it is indicative of the progress that can be made with the potential talents of the many more like-minded people.
We invite your comments, feedback and participation in this humble effort.
Sincerely,
Young Skywalker!
Dear Anon2, AKA Young Skywalker:
Thanks for your feedback on the contributions
you have made. May Allah bless you and your effort?
I myself have done some good work and am continuing to do so but will not go inot it here. Since I put the question to you “The real question here is what is your contribution?” and you have now answered it. I will put it to rest there.
But as Naeem said: "please don't assume that all bloggers do is chit-chat. Many of us lead active lives outside this virtual reality, full of family obligations, social activism and personal education."
So it’s quite evident from this last go around that some of us are doing more than just chit chatting.
This is a great forum to vent; exchange ideas, and jut have fun. Recognize it for it is and take Naeem’s advice take the "chill pill." But I think by now you know what this is all about and will not have to do so.
Keep well Young Skywalker.
-F
Dear Young Skywalker,
"Health – Free clinics have been established in two cities for the poor under the supervision of foreign qualified physicians"
But I hear that half of the qualified physicians (the younger, more technology-savvy half) have returned back to the US - how do you plan on coping?
"Housing – Low cost housing developments with a focus on community building for those earning $4.00 a day or less."
How long have you been doing this? And how many houses have you built so far? Cause I bet my grandpa could do better than that... :-) (look sideways)
Do you guys have a website I could have a look at? Or at least a blog???!!
-WA
Darth Vader
AA- Young Skywalker,
Very nice to see that you've put your money where your mouth is - a rare trait in these times. Its indeed very inspiring to read about the efforts that so few are undertaking to help improve the society in which they live.
I too would like some more info on the group you are part of.
My only question is how do you see your efforts as being different than those of groups like Jamaati Islaami (Pakistan), Hamas (Palestine), Ikhwan (Egypt)? These groups have initiated grass-roots efforts, but have failed to change society.
That is why I believe an essential component of any movement is to place self-reform at the top of the list.
Why can't a group like the one you subscribe to join efforts with a sufi-styled group? IMO, that would be a perfect symbiotic effort.
A joint effort would be lovely, but then again people have to eliminate the urge to become arrogant over one's personal efforts and the desire for fame and glory. The "putrid politics of Pakistan" is a nice, comprehensive description but there is one more addition that we as an Ummah have failed to intergrate in our quest for the so-called utopia of human existence: purification of the soul. The reason Muslims in this day and age are being disrespected, humiliated and criticized is simple - we have devalued the way of the Sunnah and Allah, subhanu wa ta'ala has in turn allowed our respect to diminish in the eyes of the nonmuslims. There was once an era of history when a nonmuslim would prefer to do business with a muslim, especially after he had completed the Hajj. Why this type of distinction? Because it was said that once a muslim had performed Hajj that person was sure to never be dishonest again.
We've come a long way since that era and now exist in an era where we are just managing to stay afloat in our own boat. These are the times of not just working on ourselves, but honoring and implenting the Sunnah and the ways of the auliya who have already passed before us. When we do this, Allah subhanu wa ta'ala will hopefully once again restore the respect and fear of the muslims in the heart of those who are astray. And the seed of all this is complete submission to Allah, outwardly and inwardly and striving in His path. An intense love for Allah and an unshakable desire to emulate our Nabi, sallahu alayhi wa sallam, with no compromise must be the dominating, formost thinking of our hearts.
Man, I leave for a week and a fight breaks out, lol. Dont worry Naeem, this guju from jersey got your back, lol.
Try to read two article in the daily Nawaiwaqt.com.pk of 10th and 11th Jan under todays col. Naqshay Khayal. Article's heading is Urdn Tashtar 1 and Urdn Tashtry 2. FLYING SAUCERS
AA- Olive Tree,
Thank you for your well-balanced thoughts.
"...but there is one more addition that we as an Ummah have failed to intergrate in our quest for the so-called utopia of human existence: purification of the soul."
I posted on this exact subject in a recent post.
"These are the times of not just working on ourselves, but honoring and implenting the Sunnah and the ways of the auliya who have already passed before us."
Your statement seems redundant. Working on oneself can only be done by honoring and implementing the Sunnah, no?
"And the seed of all this is complete submission to Allah, outwardly and inwardly and striving in His path. An intense love for Allah and an unshakable desire to emulate our Nabi, sallahu alayhi wa sallam, with no compromise must be the dominating, formost thinking of our hearts."
Well said!
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