A Tribute to Peshawar Martyrs

OF all the evils that befell this nation since its independence terrorism has been the worst affecting people from all walks of life. There never has been eternal peace nor will it ever be but the evil of terrorism seconds none. Terrorists have no religion, nor do they have any respect for humanity and the December 16^th, 2014 massacre of Peshawar speaks volume of the ruthlessness of terrorists who attacked the harmless innocents souls. It was an incident that caused restlessness among the whole nation and for the first time political leaders from government and the opposition alike demanded for strict action against the cancer of terrorism and efforts started to create general awareness in this regard because war against terrorism is everyone’s war and it is the duty of every individual to report any suspicious person or activity around him. It was with the ideal of promoting this spirit for fighting against terrorism and voice our hatred for the terrorist that on December 20, 2014 Pakistan Bikers Club planned a motorcycle rally from Barkat Market to the Liberty Roundabout, Lahore.

I feel great pain in mentioning that despite our general invitation to all for joining the rally and show our hatred for the terrorists only a few bikers turned out. Regardless of whether many avoided in fear of the terrorists or for any other reason, it was a must join rally for anyone who had a soul and a beating heart. Nevertheless, we moved for the Liberty Roundabout where citizens in general had already gathered on their own chanting slogans against the terrorists, with the media giving coverage to the protest. At Pakistan Bikers Club we have been organizing rallies to promote the idea of safe motorcycle riding but this particular rally was one of its kind and highly appreciated by those who witnessed. War against terrorism is not for the government alone to fight, it is everyone’s fight where every individual has a role to play regardless of his creed. United we fight!

Want Peace?

“Ek kunwain may ek kutta gir gya, kuch log is kunwain kay pani ko pak krne k lye Molvi k pas gaye. Molvi ne kaha k 200 balti nikalo, kunwa pak ho jae ga. Mugr kuch din baad pani se smell aane lagi. Log dosray Molvi k pad gaye. Os ne kaha 400 balti pani nikalo to kunwa pak ho jae ga magr pani phir bi pak na hoa balke pani se smell ane lagi. Phir logo ne aik aur Molvi se rabta kya. Os ne pocha, |kunwain may se kutta nikala?” Logo ne kaha “Nahi” to Molvi ne kaha ke pehlay kutta bahar nikalo phir pani pak ho ga.

Moral: Dear Pakistanis! Hamay pehlay kutta nikalna ho ga.

This is the sms of the day that I received on my cell. When I read this sms, the Moral grabbed my whole attention. Well said, indeed, but who is this kutta after all? Before getting rid of this kutta, we first need to realize who this kutta actually is. Is this from among the common lot, or is it from the opposition, or what about the government? Yes/No? Perhaps not. Indeed not. Its not from within the country, its an alien trying to disguise as one of us, chanting the hollow slogans of friendship, all this only to serve its own purposes.

The credibility might be questionable, but I tend to ask why today’s blast in the Rawalpindi masjid? Why when America has increased its number of troops, to FIGHT terrorism? Fight? One 9/11 rocked the nook and corner of America, what about our country where every other day is worse than 9/11. A dog once bit its owner, the neighbour said, “It is not here to protect you from the intruder, it is only living on your flesh and blood, drive this dog outta your house.” Peace!

Shameless

IT is this country we live in. It is unfortunate for our hapless nation to have a ruling class which is without a conscience, indifferent to the pain that the masses are going through. When the masses were shedding tears over the Peshawar massacre, our leaders were busy welcoming Hillary with smiling faces. No matter with what ideals the USA arranged for Hillary's visit, I don't see any positive change in the peace situation in our country as its aftermath. To fight terrorism we need much more than just arsenal and foreign aid be it in any form. Above all we need to realize our responsibilities. A sleeping conscience will never come to know the feeling of pain and would show an indifferent attitude just like our leaders gave example of recently. Answering questions at a meeting she said, ‘This is not your fight alone... You're standing on the frontlines of this battle but we are standing with you.’ Thats wrong lady, the front line comprises only our people, our common lot, our innocent people. 9/11 rocked your nation but the after shocks have put our system into shambles. The unfortunate aspect however is that whereas the 9/11 incident had the Americans up on their toes, we still have not done enough despite going through several tragedies far greater than that one. Unless we act as required we shall not be able to get rid of the sphynx killing the innocent.

Under Attack

MARCH 3, 2009 would be written among the long list of the darkest days in the history of our country when a foreign cricket team was attacked by terrorists killing members of the escort and injuring six players. Whereas the incident itself is pathetic having no precedent in our country’s history, what makes the situation even more pitiable is how our leaders have responded to the situation in a shameless manner. Incidents like this fall heavy upon governments and are usually followed by resignations of certain officials who having admitted neglect of their duties step down from their post, something which was also witnessed in the neighbouring India in the recent Mumbai attacks. On the contrary, in our country we have leaders with complete absence of sense of responsibility. Whereas the situation demanded his resignation, the wearer of black glasses proved his inability for his post by commenting straightaway that the terrorists were the same as involved in the Mumbai attacks. Someone please tell this man the meanings of responsibility toward the state affairs.

And if this stupidity wasn’t enough it was followed by another one commenting that the terrorists were the Tamil Tigers. Earlier it was America and now it is India that we feel difficult to look into the eyes, have we really degraded to a level when we should feel hesitant in calling out RAW as being responsible for the tragic incident? By naming Tamil Tigers, are we not trying to make new enemies? Why has sanity turned a face to the approach of our leaders? When, if ever, would this nation and its leaders wake up from the eternal slumber?

Equality

And now Asif Zardari has a threat to his own life. Earlier it were the common masses who were the victims of terrorism. Now, however, everyone is getting equal treatment....no prejudice.....same fate....death....when and where, which corner of the street or which market, none can tell. Unfortunate that equality had to prevail in such a disastrous form! Silence!!!!

Hush the Barking Dog

‘Barking dogs seldom bite’, but seldom they do bite. A sane person would never suggest taking a risk, so better take precautionary measures while you come across a barking dog.

History speaks of the plight that the allies and friends of the US of A have met. The USA has been directly and indirectly forwarding threats of attacking our homeland_ attacking an ally in the war against terrorism. The USA has made its intentions pretty clear. That they have the same policy on cards for Pakistan as is for Afghanistan should serve as an eye opener and make us realize where we stand. Our previous governments were subdued to the pressure exerted by the USA government and in utter allegiance gave it the status of the sacred cow. If standing tall against the USA was never advisable then where do we stand now having rendered all the services? Or, again, would it make a difference if we kept on cooperating with them and would it ensure peace, stability and respect for our nation?

General Kyani has finally broken the ice and has made it clear that no foreign aggression would be allowed within the Pakistani territory. If Kyani be resolute in his stance, the government would be left with the choice of either siding with the army or the old friend. I would leave it for the readers to make their own perception of this situation but I hold the view that it is always better to die with honour than live in utter disgrace, that it is better to die once than dying every other day. In the words of great Tipu Sultan, ‘A lion’s life of one day is better than a jackal’s life of hundred days.’

Enemy at the Gates

Bertrand Russell, the great philosopher, in his essay ‘The Future of Mankind’ mentioned the possibility of a unification of the world under a single government, possessing a monopoly of all the major weapons of war. Today we can assume that we are heading almost towards the same end. He talks about one world government which should be formed by the United States since equality would uphold unlike in case if the Soviets governed the world.

Russell’s views could have been agreeable and correct about the United States of his time. But today the proceedings show how values change with the passage of time. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Some people live for themselves and the same is true even for some nations, the USA being one of them.

It is amazing how you strive to ensure global peace while going at war with different countries. What a stupid idea! They haven’t done with Iraq yet; they are still hunting for Osama in Afghanistan; they have their eyes on Iran (not to forget their oil) and now they are knocking our doors too_ an ally in war against terrorism. War against terrorism? What a gimmick!

And just when their army begins to line up at our gates, the tribes have vouchsafed to join hands with the army should the situation demand it. I would rather consider it good enough for one to differentiate between friend and foe. Time to wake up form a prolonged slumber.

The Enemy Within

With an ally and a friend like the USA there for us we don’t need no enemies. But one might question if it is solely the USA that should be held responsible for our predicament. Today, many blame late Liaquat Ali Khan’ tying the friendship knot with the USA and refusing Russia’s offer that was also prior in time to that of the USA. The questions is, would we be in a better position today had Liaquat Ali Khan made friends with Russia instead of the USA when the opportunity was there? I highly doubt that.

No one can blame the faults of his own. Our country is our own responsibility. No doubt, the peace situation has suffered turmoil at the international level but what to speak of a nation at war with its own people at the pretext of eradicating terrorism chanting the slogan of ‘Pakistan First.’ No one has harmed us more than our own leaders over the years_ Mir Jafirs and Mir Sadiqs within. And just as our so-called friend watches us with delight as we are trapped in the eye of the storm swinging in the whirlpool of misery, I wonder how much we have striven for our own safeguard.