By Pritam Rohila (Editor, Asia Peace)
Extremist violence has engulfed parts of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP). It is now spilling into its neighboring areas.
Together with the Jihadi outfits in other parts of Pakistan, extremist violence poses serious threat to the nation’s economy, culture and integrity of Pakistan.
Suicide bombings, and public beheadings and floggings are on the rise. Political leaders, journalists and even guest sportsmen are subjected to murderous attacks. Minorities and women are harassed. Police and radio stations, girls schools, music stores, barber shops are being destroyed. Even Sufi shrines are not spared.
Pakistan Government and Army seem to have finally woken up to the stark reality. After dilly-dallying for months, they appear to have decided to face the menace squarely. Prime Minister Gilani has called the recently launched military offensive against the extremists, “a war for the country’s survival.”
But this military campaign in the Taliban-infested areas, although necessary, has added to the instability of the region.
Innocent residents, already harassed by the Taleban atrocities, are caught in the crossfire. Many people have been forced to leave their homes. The UN has so far registered more than 800,000 internally displaced persons.
Along with the 500,000 refugees, already present in the NWFP, this influx of more people has strained the resources of the region. Soaring temperatures, overcrowding, and inadequate facilities, are adding to the severity of the humanitarian crisis
President Asif Ali Zardari has described the current situation as the “biggest challenge” of 21st century.
But neither the military campaign, nor any amount of foreign aid is going to be sufficient in containing the current peril. Common citizens of Pakistan also need to get involved in a nonviolent resistance to extremism and in defense of the nation.
Efforts already initiated by the Jamia Naeemia and the Sunni Ittehad Council <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6283118.ece> are commendable.
More efforts of this kind need to be launched to persuade citizens to respect the rights of minorities and women, to use their words and hands to make friends with all their neighbors, and to live with others peacefully.
Also, with proper instruction in conflict resolution and peace-building, children will have to be `inoculated” against the virus of hate and violence, and to prepare them for a role as agents of peaceful, nonviolent change.
In this context, with the help of such peace leaders as B. M.Kutty, Karamat Ali and Dr. A. H. Nayyar, we at ACHA (www.asiapeace.org) are preparing curriculum material for use with school children.
All well-wishers of Pakistan must join this battle for the body and the soul of Pakistan. It is not the time for them to wait on the sidelines.
Won’t you please do your part?