Where is humanity?... By Afsheen
07 March, 2013
Islam is a religion of patience and harmony as it tells us that "killing one person is like killing the whole of humanity". How many parts of our humanity have been slaughtered and are being assassinated in Pakistan? Our children are living in an environment of trepidation, uncertainty and terrorism. They move with panic due to fear of being targeted. Pakistan, the first planned Islamic state, appeared on the world map with unlimited expectations. It was envisioned as an inspiration not only for the Muslim ummah but also for the entire humanity. Currently, Pakistan's repute before the world is that of an unsafe place where the survival of minorities has been threatened. Terrorists are the opponents of Pakistan as well as humanity and it is in our mutual interests to confront these immoral powers. Three provinces in Pakistan are facing absolute confusion with an increase in riots and Shia killings. Why has our country become a sufferer of such serious troubles? For a remedy to these problems, we have to evaluate the history of our society and by that we may judge that our collapse was initiated in the 1970s and got an immense boost during the 1980s. It was the era when mullahism was forced onto Pakistani society. Islamic teachings are based on care, love and friendliness but the mullah's description of Islam created hatred and divisions within society. Intolerance is the strongest foundation of sectarianism. Diversity of opinion always proves to be a healthy and positive element of society but here, in Pakistan, it is subjugated so as to multiply hate by utilising it as a weapon. Humanity is fading at the individual as well as collective level. Other outcomes of this disintegration are in the shape of apathy and egotism. Corruption has become a mechanism that is putrefying the general ethical spirit of our people. We are not prepared to confess our own faults and flaws but involve ourselves in a blame game. We should encourage interfaith discussions to highlight the common foundations of beliefs instead of pointing out differences. Political parties, media personnel, the government and civil society have significant responsibilities when it comes to encouraging religious freedom — they need to live up to those roles. AFSHEEN ZEESHAN
Islamabad
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