The most inhuman terror attack on a school in Peshawar, which claimed about 150 lives, mostly of innocent children and teenagers, has exposed the reality that Pakistan is sucked in a vortex of deplorable violence. Words fail to describe this atrocity and one becomes speechless while condemning this most insane and shameful carnage of the unconnected innocents. The people and groups who are behind this brutality and the mentality which prompts such mayhems and massacres are sure to destroy the country sooner or later.
It is strange that such things are happening in a country which was carved in the name of Islam and which swears by the Qur’ān. The perpetrators of this barbaric crime against humanity do not deserve to be called human beings. They appear to be the worst of the creatures. Doesn’t the Holy Qur’ān declare in unambiguous terms that “he who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder or spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind (Al-Quran 5:32).
Why is it that the world is constantly watching in horror that people in Pakistan are given to extremism, sectarianism and violence in such a large measure? What happened to the Islamic teachings of brotherhood, kindness, cooperation and tolerance? Why groups are at daggers drawn at each other and ready to spring upon each other’s throats at the slightest provocation? Is this the practical example of the teachings of Islam which Pakistanis are demonstrating to the world? Has it not painted the image of Muslims as a trigger happy and terror loving people?
Pakistan needs more than any other country, the large-heartedness, forgiveness, peaceful thinking and reconciliation. The kneejerk reaction of Pak army chief is equally unfortunate. He has reportedly twitted that from now onwards four thousand terrorists would be killed.
It is high time that the Pak government, political and religious parties, Ulema and stockholders put their heads together and devise means to put an end to violence and terror. One step in this regard would be confiscation of all illegal arms. The minds of common people and a firm commitment that total security would be provided for people and no one breaking the law would go unpunished.
The army should rethink its scorch-earth policy and drone attacks in Waziristan and other trouble spots which have resulted in about two thousand deaths in which most of the victims are civilians, including women and children. Pakistan should appreciate the solidarity the Indian Parliament showed in a resolution of sympathy.