One of the leading anti Taliban cleric was the target of suicide bombing yesterday and today, there is a general strike in the country. Karachi, the biggest and the most important business hub of Pakistan is completely closed today. Punjab is also closed because the government has announced that today is a holiday due to the law & order situation there.
No question we should all protest against the killings of innocent people, but forcefully closing down businesses is absolutely the wrong approach. The killing of innocent civilians is not carried out by the business community, but it is the work of the terrorists. Yet, when the people protest against suicide bombings, they ask businesses, factories, traders, schools, public and private transporters to remain closed and this does not serve any purpose.
It only hurts the already ailing economy.
If the people sponsoring and promoting strikes are interested in doing anything, they should use their muscle to train and prepare people to not let any propaganda by the Taliban or their supporters affect people. There should be an organized effort to fortify Pakistan’s ideological territory so that forces of evil and destruction are unable to penetrate and inflict harm on the society. Shutting down businesses is actually playing in the hands of terrorists who are trying to destabilize the country be crippling the economy. Burning tires on the streets, buildings, transport and shutting down businesses is not going to convince the Taliban to either give up violence or change their regressive mindset.
Believe it or not, it actually helps them.
Pakistan, the most crucial ally against the Taliban has been the battleground for global ideological struggle for about 35 years, if not more. Therefore, it is very easy to believe in gossip, innuendos and weird conspiracy theories. However, the country cannot afford to lose time and the Pakistanis have to realize that their country is on fire and the fire is spreading by the second. Everyone, regardless of their ideological preference should first attempt to save the future of Pakistan by defeating the nihilists who are systematically targeting symbols of peace and progress in the country.
It literally is the time for everyone to come together to stop the thugs from destroying Pakistan and in this fight, the entire country must back the efforts of Pak Army and the first step against the Taliban is to give a shut up call to those who oppose army’s operation for whatever reason. Enough, no more bigotry should be allowed or accepted by these Taliban apologists. Second, the country should not and nor should we let anyone else mix the Taliban with America’s involvement in the region. These are two separate issues. Pakistan is under attack by the Taliban and the country should keep its focus on defeating the Taliban. The war on Pakistan was declared by the Taliban and now, it is the responsibility of Pakistanis to accept this challenge and crush these hate mongers decisively. And, in this fight, the people should not entirely rely on the government because there is a battle for the future of everyone and everyone must do his or her moral duty to take back their country and their God given freedom.
