my perception is this, that Indian agencies involved in this incident,it got stronger even further, after IPL has been going out of Indian territory by their government excusing that state election been held on same dates through out India.

I believe lankans were behind the attack on the bus in lahore so that they dont have to come to pakistan again.
They dont like pakistan which is a more closed society, and they like to have a good nightlife which is not there in pakistan.

someone in this thread said “Just imagine the picture of Shahid Afridi and Virender Sehwag going beserk in a T-20 or Mohammad Yousuf and Laxman batting together in a test match, aren

I don’t know which media you’re talking about. It is true that Govt. did say it; you shouldn’t forget the circusmstances under which they did say it; our current government cares a lot about its so-called allies. If I were under so much pressure, i would probably have done the same thing. If some one is bullied into doing something, it does not mean they agree with bully. It just means they have surrendered to demands of bully.
If we were to switch dates of Mumbai attacks with train bombing of Ahmedabad in gujrat. Let’s say that Gujrat train bombing had taken place in 2009 rather than 2002.I can assure you my friend your government would have blamed Pakistan.Oh….sorry, i forgot, India actually did blame Pakistan. The only difference between 2002 and 2009 is that you’ve become more creative with your evidence cooking.

UMAR!!! what world are you living in to say ” (if) those Mumbai terrorists were at all from Pakistan.” ?

Even your own govt, media and people with an iota of IQ have all stated that IT WAS PAKISTANIS! who did it…

how can one have an intelligent conversation with some who still talks like he is convinced that the world is flat.

You are the epitome of a poster child in denial !

It was only a speculative assertion that india might be involved in attacks on Sri Lankan cricket team. I don’t support terrorists; it does not matter where they’re from and whom they are attacking. Jay, I don’t think people in pakistan care at all about muslims or anybody else’s social situation in India, except maybe of Kashmirs . I don’t know what to say about the evidence, it can be faked very easily. I say this because it has happened before. When that train was supposedly bombed in Ahmedabad, and 2000 + muslims were killed in riots afterwards; it was said that Pakistan was invloved in it and some kind of evidence was given, which later turned out to be completely false.
Mumbai attacks were horrible indeed, but they were more of an irritant for people in Pakistan, rather than a source of joy, because Pakistan’s name was used. It is impossible to control every one in a country of 170 million, that is if those Mumbai terrorists were at all from Pakistan. If they were indeed from Pakistan, i strongly condemn them and their actions, and they hurt pakistan more than India.

AOA Everyone, this is the first time I’ve visited this forum, seemed interesting so I started reading from the very bottom. I just came across a comment made by Rehman Sidiqqi on March 4th, 2009 at 18:31. I’m a little disappointed with the way we are talking about Sharia. Why is it so bad to have Sharia, isn’t it the way of life provided to us by Allah. After all Sharia Law is enforced in Dubai, its doing quite well, people have good freedom there, a good life and above a safe and secure society. We on the other hand with our republican law are suffering. What we need to be discussing is who enforced the Sharia, is it going to be a Government with a bright future in view or the Taliban with their fundamentalist view. Thats a point of concern.

Khan,
Why dont you ask the Taliban or Shari law experts you questions.

even the govt people who negotiated with taliban in swat maybe able to answer this.

anyway it is only a matter of 5-10 or maybe atmost a generation, before the rest of pakistan follows swat’s sharia law.

then you would’nt even have the choice or voice to ask these kind of questions.

anyone asking such questions, then would be beheaded for blasphemy against islam

And how is the so-called investigation proceeding? No result, never is. Like everything else in Pakistan. But why people seem to care about judges that didn’t do much when in power but don’t care about this attack which highlights how far the country has regressed is a complete mystery to me. Maybe someone can help explain?

Governer Taseer so proudly today said that he is responsible for the law and order in punjab for the reason this all happening there(Governer Raj and section 144).Not long ago he said he is not responsible for what happened to Srilanka team and he is been made the escape goat.Mr Taseer your days are numbered,resign with self respect and admit your fault in that security lapse.The more you continue to detain people and then cry about the past that he was jailed by Zia,you are going to make things worse for yourself.As history of the governer in Punjab in PPP time’s suggest that sooner or later you will be removed.I again say you have made a mess there in Punjab and I been in Karachi feel for my brothers there and even protest here in the blog.
PPP has made the same crimes done on them on the people of Pakistan,this will badly hurt them in future,Mark my words!

Question: we have all seen and read reports that in NW frontier where sharia law is imposed . women as a pay back for acts demeed as illegal are sometimes raped .

could someone tell me where in the koran is this allowed? how is sharia law that profess itself to follow the koran , allow this?

Attacks on either Lahore or Mumbai they both were cowardly and the people who did this are animals.

In my personal opinion the responsibile are the Govt’s and Army on both the borders as they are the one incharge of security.

Every time some thing happens on either side the Govt goes “THERE WAS A FORIEGN HAND” and they start playing with our minds by new twists and turn every day…. I say thats rubbish there has to be accountability its a security failure, they are charging us heavily in defence budgets and nuclear arms etc why the hell they just cant provide security.

If we the people would have got tough since from the past and held the Govt responsible for security than a lot could have been avoided .

Just becasue those guys are NOT doing their jobs properly we are at risk and we will stay at risk!!

So pps time to get very tough .

Is this Pakistan our fore fathers wanted. For this we part from India. Is this a real islam. Where is Pakistan in world as islamic nation. We are shame to Islam and its decipel. As muslim we are more safe in western country

To Umar Tosseb

the true fight would be to reconize and take back the country of pakistan by its citizens from its own extremism.

The house burning from within and you are bent on ingnorance.

@tosheeb
Stop blaming india and raw now. terrorist were firing for 25 mins and roaming in nearby streets for 11 mins after attack.
not even 1 terrorist got injured. if someone is to blame then blame the condition of your country. half of the country has already gone to talibans terrorist and other half is on the verge of falling. everyday two bombs explodes in pak. whole world is calling the sactury for terrorist. but you people still blaming india. its not your fault you have been always told that india is your enemy and wants to destroy you.
wake up and fight for humanity in country. otherwise pak will be history soon.

Over the years, Pakistanis have been exceptional hosts. They have been generous and kind to Indian visitors. To my mind this would mean there is a large segment in Pakistan for whom peace and harmony within society is important. We Indians would therefore, do well to refrain from commenting on their predicament and inadequacies. I think there are more than sufficient Pakistani minds around for finding soultions within the framework.

Mr. Hasib mentioned about bajrangdal, shivsena etc in India. Please add SIMI also to that list.

umar tosheeb
Atleast Indian media had some evidence to finger point at Pakistan, a caught terrorist, an inflatable boat, a hijacked trawler . . apart from the GPS data, numerous people who witnessed the terrorists, investigation by neutral agencies etc etc . .

What do you want Pakistani media to blame India with? 12 terrorist came, the killed they left (effortlessly walked!!!). . hence they are Indians?

Dear umar tosheeb, why did your government refuse Joint Investigation with FBI? Why did your Investigative agencies clear the crime scene without gathering evidence? Of course you had 6 dead policemen . . but did you ask the question as to what caused them to die? Couldnt the Elite Commando Force not kill or atleast injure 1 terrorist? After all they were shot dead not killed in a Blomb Blast . . If 6 men were dead what about the rest . . what prevented them from chasing the walking terrorists??
Where there orders to let them free? Is that what will happen in a India Pakistan war? if 6 soldiers died, the rest will turn back home?

Come on man, when you point a finger on another, remember there are three fingers pointing at you!!!!

About religion… we dont have to do jehad for any of our thousand gods. . . we still support the muslims who stayed back post partition… some of them consider themselves as pakistanis, speak only urdu, refuse to send their children to schools (only send them to madarassas) support any team that plays cricket against India, however, even with that attitude, they get more benefits than you guys get . . .they can even become the President or Prime Minister of our Country . .

As per Kashmir, be realistic, if you get Kashmir, for argument sake, if the government of India decides to give away Kashmir, do you think within 5 yrs of that Pakistan is going to be a flourishing state like Switzerland??

Religion is not about blindly following what you are being told in your Madarassa or at the mosque . . It is more, you got to understand the core values as to what your religion stands for and applying after knowing the current facts . .

As per your media . . I havnt watched any news channels, but some of the editorials of online newspapers are fairly factual which is heartening to me . . especially The Dawn . .

can u tell me why did the pak team leave few minutes after the lankan team left when the protocol is that both teams leave together.Also why was the security not able to shoot down even one terrorist when tv footage showed that the terrorists literally walked down the lanes after the attack?

In response to Heh,
I think it is very natural for Pakistanis(given the history) to suspect that india would try to sabotage this kind of crucial event in Pakistan. At least people in Pakistan are saying that it “could” be India. We’ve to turn on some Indian channel for 1 minute to discover what kind of media India has. I personally feel that our media is still very soft towards India. Pakistani media should not drop to the level that media across the border has, but our media should be very rigorous and investigative towards India and the menace of RAW.

Bring them to Justice, these brutal cannot be tolerated.

It’s a shame . Everything is measured through the attitude of shifting or blaming India in the Pakistan media. the comments of many within such articles and by politicians, imran khan for example, are not of a introspective nature. Rather it has this underline theme of muddying the waters by invoking India.

Where is the educated class and intellects calling a spade a spade vs diversionary language?

It was not shocking for me that this attack took place. The most shocking this was the amount of security provided to Sri Lankan cricket team. There was one vehicel behind and one in front of Sri Lankan team bus. This is outrageous, given that there was clear danger of an attack. May be Punjab Govt. did not consider Sri Lankan cricket team worthy enough for more protection, who had decided to come to Pakistan, when no one else would come.
It was interesting that Indian government did not want Sri Lankans to tour Pakistan. So, it would not be surprising at all if they were involved in this. We should be ready to expect the worst from indians. My probolem is not if they were or not involved in this, my main concern is the pathetic amount of security provided to the Sri Lankans.

So many intellectual Pakistanis commenting on this story, it is heartening.

A good Muslim can not criticize Taliban. They are keepers of the Quran. Today or tomorrow they will govern us. These sort of small bloodshed is bound to happen to attain greater glory.

Take positives from Lahore attack
- No Sri lankan Cricketer was killed
- Few people died and worst was averted. Allah has given you a wakeup call.
Wake up before entire country becomes SWAT region and you know the meaning

Re-unification of South Asia is a far-fetched proposition. Pakistan has become a failed state. I do not see any end to this anytime soon. Recent killing of Bangladesh army officers in Dhaka is equally ominous. There is a dark force operating from Kabul to Dhaka. India has its own share of dark force in the form of BJP, VHP,ShivShena and others. This three nations must rid themselves of this fanaticsm by a gradual process and it it mainly a matter of the heart and mind for individuals. There is no other way to peace.

From now on, ALL international sports competitions and exhibitions will bypass Pakistan. No sports sponsoring body or team will ever come to Pakistan.

The recent attack in lahore on the Sri Lanakan cricketers is the most stupid cowardly act by a bunch of ignorant idiots who haved nothing better to do in life but to destroy peace and harmony between people and countries. What they did in India was cruel and meaningless and they achieved nothing in my opinion and these people must be stopped before they cause more damage to international peace and harmony.

Today Musharaff while addreesing elite audience in Delhi the meet organised by India Today group said that terrorism could only be defeated by cutting the roots of atree and not cutting branch or leaves.For this Gary Kasparoff the chess grand master said that the vital water supply to all the tees in the place should be cut off to control unwanted trees. he elaborated and said that the funding of Taliban and Alquida militants is something like watering the tree and comes from poopy cultivation which helps the Taliban and Pakistani drug peddlers.The Pakistani Govt and Americans should prevent growing of poopy cultivation and give insentives to afghans to grow food and fruit cultivation instead.The poppy feilds to be destoyed on ground and thro areal spray of chemicals which will destroy poppy shrub.The volume of trade is something like 15 billion Dollars as per Musharaff;s knowledge and as per experts 90% of world supply comes from Afghanistan since other countries like Thailand and Cambodia and Burma all have taken stingent steps to ban poppy cultivation.If the same action is taken in Afganistan militants and Alquida menace can be controlled.

its time to stop blamming anything and everything and for once be a nation and pull our acts together for a future that is better for the future generations!

Dear Pakistanis:

Please don’t use the word Jihad in your comments – because being a non-Muslim, I cannot understand what exactly you are meaning.

Do you mean against Americans? Or Against India? or Against Injustice everywhere?

Even if you use the word sincerely with a good (??) intent – that word is hated by the world. No one will pay attention to what your actual comment is, if you use the word Jihad.

India being a neighbor should try to help Pakistan. And Pakistan should work with India without *any* condition.

First fix the current problems of your youth, corruption, Islamic terrorism – restore the glory of your culture.

Glory of India does not mean glory of Hinduism. Glory of Pakistan does not mean glory of Islam.

Can you work on that basis ?

Practice your religion a million times inside your house.

Dont bring it outside, into the schools, colleges, workplace, cricket grounds..

If these changes can be done by you – and you can forget about your old hangups – India is ready to deal with you.

Indian businessmen are waiting to work with your business men.

As citizens, are you willing to forget the old agendas.

The last thing anyone in this planet should believe in is their countries dirty politicians.

I wish the best for all Pakistanis coz I have seen n met them during cricket Match held at Mohali near Chandigarh, India and they were as good and full of love which is difficult to describe in words.I dunno what went wrong why Pakistan is being used and eaten by some fanatics who are just nothing but power hungary mongers and who have least respect for life and for civilization. World is progressing and these fanatics want to push back Pakistan deep into darkness. Its high time only Pakistani people can rise to the occasion and bring a change for their own bettermnent. Its an old saying PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULDN’T THROW STONES as the loss is to ourself. Bring peace “Tumarhi bhi Jai Hoo Humari Bhi Jai Ho”

TO ALL PAKISTANIS WHO CARE ABOUT PAKISTAN

Here is the deal..

Pakistan has nurtured this cancer called Mujahadeen/Taliban/LeT/Islamic Militancy/Jihadis/…call it what you want. It has been nurtured primarily for fighting the Proxy War in Kashmir and also for fighting the ‘godless’ communists in Afghanistan. The focus of Pakistan as a nation has been on the Military/Militancy and social/economic development and development of institutions has been ignored. Add to that the weaving of religion into every fabric of Pakistani life and the cancer has now spread to the whole of the country.

The country has a choice. Either it fights this cancer from within ( and making peace is Swat is not the way to fight it) or the cancer consumes the country. It is time – no it is waaaaaay past time – for Pakistan to do something and for ordinary Pakistanis to speak up..otherwise there will be very little difference between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the very near future.

Sad day for Cricket and Cricket lovers

I am a Hindu and Indian. During my teens and the middle years I grew up admiring quite a few Pakistanis such as Benazir, Zaheer Abbas, Akram – though I hated it if India lost a match to Pakistan. I always thought Pakistan had a lot of wonderful people. All that has changed now. I am a moderately religious Hindu and I used to admire the calmness & discipline that people who returned from Haj in Kuwait, where I lived for 5 years, exhibited.
I do not know the origin of religion and the concept of God etc, but I very strongly believe that idea was to make better human beings of us and were given to us by blessed leaders to make the interdependent mankind work more homogenously and thrive, without killing each other.
I some how think the extreme form of religion professed by Taliban is going to destroy the whole human race and at the end we will have a religion with no humans to follow it. Does it make sense at all?
I am sorry if I offended anybody but that was not my intention nor is it to fan any more religious hatred.
Millions of lives were lost in the second world war and the arch enemies in Europe now have a common union. They have learnt their lessons and are thriving.
When are we going to learn them and put the hatred of partition and wars behind us?
How do we stop the sub-continent from getting into a spiral of hatred and killing? When do we stop this meaningless game of one-upmanship and understand that from a economic, social and education point of view we both are way behind and need a lot of catching up to do with the rest of the world?

Some Islamic scholars have called terrorism as haram. If Terrorism is haram then what are terrorists?

Hi,
On the very outset I am an Indian.
I bear no ill will against a Pakistani
I am equally concerned with both Mumbai and Lahore Incidents
I share the anguish of all sane people who have undergone the trauma
I sincerely pray to the Almighty (whatever you may call himin your respective religions)that this scorge of terrorism is removed from this earth.
It is not Gods Will which is the cause of these incidents but mans devious machanisations for his own personal gains which is the root of the problem.
Like we in India abhor the Bajrang Dals, Ram Sene and the likes of the so called Fundamentalists you all from Pakistan should also sideline and isolate those members of society who preach violence in the name of the MERCIFUL GOD
Let me tell you that Indians are not your enemies- it is the enemy within which is doing you the real harm. Stand up and be counted, and if you do not then I am sure that it will take ages to revert to peace and prosperity.

I think the fact that none of the attackers were either caught or killed says it all.How on earth could this happen with a “Preseidential level of Security”.I seriously think there is some kind of a security lapse.Hell with cirkcet or future of the game in the country Iam more than happy and actually “releived” that the Lankans are back ALIVE.We do not want cricket at the expense of lives of the players and that too international players who are high profile people and house hold names.I ON THE BEHALF OF PAKISTANI NATION APOLOGISE TO SRILANKAN TEAM IN PARTICULAR AND THE LANKAN NATION IN GENERAL FOR THE UNCOMFORT AND PAIN THAT THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH BECAUSE OF THE ATTACK.WE ARE SORRY!Please trust us this is not us.We are a very hosipitable nation.These are a handful of IDIOTS because of whom 170 Million cricket loving people are suffering.This is actually a death blow and I feel ashamed.Thankyou Lankans for touring and our due apologies.

Yes i second that… once there’s been partition .. no looking back!

But we r still Indian subcontinent … and anything that happens in one of the countries is bound to affect the others.

Its sad to see that India,Pak,Bangladesh,Sri Lanka , Nepal … every country of ASEAN is suffering from extremist violence…

We need some iron hearted leaders who can take some brave decisions …

Musharraf … though a dictator … was much better !

May we see better times and peace!

Gokul Kenath, Partition was the best thing that ever happened to India and saved India in the words of VS Naipaul “from a fate beyond imagining”. And as for some comments about the status of the Indian Muslims by the for ever grievance mongering Muslims, well if their condition was so bad in India they can obviously vote with their feet and go to Pakistan which was created as a homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.And why are millions of Muslim Bangladeshis pouring into Infidel India?

The recent attack in Lahore is another addition to the heap of problems, challenging the Image Building capabilities of the Government.

Viewing the political situation in Pakistan reminds me of a discarded

How much does it cost to have CCTV cameras/security cameras? To tell you the truth our streets dont have any. Its quite obvious that the Government does get a lot of aid to fight against terrorism and i am sure they include equipments as well. Where does that go? To the ministers’ private homes? or they just sell em to fill their own pockets? The Government needs to get serious on this issue. May Allah be with us all.

I don’t think even the almighty can save Pakistan from the menace of terrorism.

main things count in every country (Ind, Pak, Sri Lanka, bang)—-in–each and every -country/place on earth

1. Food/clothing/house for everyone (no one is hungry)

2. Education (scientific/ modern)——-no religious (hindu, islam, sikh, christian)

3. Free Media (to expose corrupt politicans)

You take anyone out anarchy/dictatorship will come in

Lets dont ask questions as Pak, Ind, Bang, Srilanakan, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, christian

if we cant provide 3 above things to masses/our people,

NO religion (hindu, islam, sikh, buddhisim, christanity )can help us

its NOT like Hindu’s havent killed other hindu’s

Its NOT like Muslims havent killed other Muslims

Its NOT christians havent killed other Christians

No religion tells any individual to kill/harm any other individual (who ahs a different religion)

It is our elders, myopic beliefs, narrow minding thinking that puts us in grave danger

What does Ind-Pak-Bang-Srilanka have in common

(Tea, Music, cricket, kite flying, most intelligent brain as doctors, engineers)

but in reality what do we have now

(Mistrust, living in an illusion, do not accept any responsibitlity, hunger, uneducated, poverty, political corruption)

Thats all we (1.3 billion people of Ind-ban-PAk-sl)do—- is BICKERING, COMPLAINNING and finger pointing

WHILE the whole world is going forward——-no where in the world from Europe, Middle East, America, AUS—are killing one another as we are———I mean NO-ONE

Hi everyone. i have read and watched several news channels of Pakistan over the days talking about 5 policemen giving up their lives for the sole survival of the guest Lankan team. having read and said that, has anyone focused to the core/nerve point of all this mishap? all we are doing is doing a tit for tat media warfare which our neighbor is numero uno in defaming Pakistan- as always.
We should enhance our tactical forces and gear them up as per the norms and standards that are deemed internationally. we talk about- war on terror!!! has anyone seen metro police fighting a war on traffic bikes and pick ups??? what do we expect from these officers??? the answer is law and order “ONLY” and nothing more. there are 2 options to handle Pakistan’s current turmoil, either we train and equip our police forces to the standards of army or handover the job to the army itself. the morale of our forces is draining day by day. there is a tremendous buffer of communication within the law agencies. i have seen the chief of police smiling and defending his wisdom of shame on international televisions by saying our 5 jawans have given their lives. he did not think that, why they had to give their lives on the expense of failed planning. i as a Pakistani DEMAND from our GOVT. to intervene promptly to handle this shameful situation within our borders. i heard one of the politician giving some random views on the situation saying: we should be one step ahead of these people- imagine that!!! we shouldn’t be steps ahead dear politician, we should be miles ahead of this virus. it has spread in all corners of the country due to our lack of will tackle it and constant internal feuds. we should wipe all these verticals at any cost.
I dont want to stretch this out more, but all we need is a charter that is air tight and no exceptions and guessing on terror should be tolerated. its our war within and on our borders, so draw down a thin line with all the logistics required and take out a major chunk of our fiscal budget to expedite your coordinated mission.
We were always poor and it wont make a difference to spend more on our forces to wrap this up.
We need peace not politicians with their own party agendas.
Peace…..Hussain

The Bus driver could be an accomplice. This cannot be ruled out at all. As it is the terrorists wanted to send a signal of bellicose defiance to coincide with the India-Pakistan visit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Robert Mueller. This driver

What is evident even to the layman from the botched assasination attempt on the brave Sri Lankans, is that these were not hard core trained militants otherwise there is no way that they would have missed such a large, slow moving bus with a rocket launcher not to mention the un-primed grenades thrown. There was no concerted effort to continue with the cross fire established in the trap. Although it is true that the high explosives missed or did not explode to set up the kill zone, but all this seemed like some rudimentary instructions were given to people comfortable with using firearms but not much more!

Hi Ashish,
I don’t have an answer to the multitude of conspiracy theories raised by you … but I do have suggestion for you. Get your resume and post it to Geo TV . In case you never heard of it , its like Zee News in India. Both are anti Pakistan , both are pro India since they want to appeal to 1 billion population of India but best of all both are experts in weaving out conspiracy theories after an event happens. Some other questions you can ponder are , why the driver went to toilet in the morning and delayed driving the bus? Why it didn’t rain in Lahore that day whereas it was raining in Auckland ? Why … oh why?

We do not need analysis by political Pundits to find out why Sri Lanka players were attacked.
There is only one reason: They were Non Muslim Infidel in

Lunatics are everywhere (whether it is India, pak, bangladesha nd srilanka)——it depends/differs upon how many in numbers and what for causes. Shame On India, pak, ISI, RAW, Bangladesh and mostly shame on India-Pak Politicans/media—will never work for support to each other or everyone—The whole world lives peacefully——(souht korea vs N. Korea), (japan vs China), (China vs Russia), (US vs Russia). Only shameless subcontinent people fighting like stone -age fols–every there is prosperity except this sub-continent—no-one wants to realize their home-grown problems, no accountability, no duty, no sense of duty, no sense to do and stand up for the right thing,

Sub-continent is the only place where now people have more chance/odds to kill each other rather than HUNGER, flood, natural disaster.

50% of problem solves if ISI work with RAW on continous basis
45% of problem solves if IND_PAK military works together

but until unless STUPID_STUPID politicans work together —–nothing will happen

ALL white countries (US, UK, NZ, CAN, RUS, AUS) make fun of subcontinent–poverty, iliteracy and on top to kill each other in name of stupid stuff. If we are not killing each other, then killing our own.

Your Govt said ” the investigators involved in the probe believe that the attackers got their commando training in the camp of Lashkar

After 911 everyone in the US was one. All politicians were one. Is it because the Americans love their country more than you Pakistani citizens?

I see complains about security from Pakistanis here- But no mention about needing changes, in the what seems to be a cultural attitude of accepting terror camps that breed these jihadis.

I see your politicians playing politics instead of uniting as one and against these terror loving extremist characters . I see your fringe politicians still supporting these jihadis and or your ISI which finances them.

You may hate America while asking for billions in aid. But geez , when a crisis hits them; they seem to have more of a country first attitude. More of a patriot.

Well said bharani, we India are better off after partition. Though we are stuck in the middle of “ring of fire” aka Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka. They spoil all the good image about South Asia that India builds up. It’s a real pity.

WHAT? terrorists escaped on bicycles and rickshaws. That would make a great movie – imagine the terrific chase scene – terrorists on bicycle and rickshaws running through Lahore galis and the Pakistani army on foot right behind them. Superhit movie. will beat the chase scene of Matrix.

Hello,

Pakistan is getting in trouble for what they did to Afghanistan with US and that is why we are paying price for it. India will eventually pay a heavy price for it if they don’t help Pakistan get rid of such terrorists. Maybe we call them terrorists but its all a reactionary response to what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan or maybe people in Pakistan dont want any western influence at all. It is ok. But I see a very strong Hindu extremists India coming up in 5 to 10 years.

Pakistan is self-destroying itself.The very essence of its existence is based on hatred and destruction of its neighbour India which is a thriving democracy and an emerging economic power.Religion can not be the basic tenet of your national policies.Look at all the Islamic countries where poverty and primitive life style reigns.
I appeal to my fellow Pakistani brothers & sisters to reject Islamization of their country and adopt modern progressive attitude towards conducting their lives.Reject old primitive dictums and pursue the path of ‘LIVE & LET LIVE’ and not elimination of non-believers.

Vijay Bee
Sydney, Australia

People of Pakistan should visit Swat Valley and places where Law of land is being overruled by guns.

You don

While reading through the comments I found a lot of advice to Pakistan to curb extremism. I have been to India and have some great Indian friends with whom I had a wonderful time during my studies abroad. Lets not forget that current unrest, suicide bombings etc. in Pakistan are due to funding and logistical support by foreign elements present in Afghanistan. Tehrik-e-Taliban’s monthly budget is several hundred million rupees. Where are all the weapons, satellite phones, land cruisers etc coming from? What are Indian consulates doing in all the cities neighbouring Pakistan? What is the number of Indian consulates in other countries with almost same population as Afghanistan? Who is providing training to the terrorists and suicide bombers in different training camps in Herat, Jalalabad and Mazar e Sharif?

If you look for answers to all these questions you will get the root cause of so called foreign sponsored extremism in my dear homeland Pakistan which used to be a very stable country just a few years ago when India won its first away test and one day series away and Pakistanis cheered Indian team and enjoyed the fireworks in Qaddafi Stadium Lahore, where Sri Lanka won the World Cup and South Africa won the Golden Jubilee Birthday of Pakistan trophy.

Overcoming the local elements is easier but the foreign intervention to destabilise the country is difficult to counter as there are different resourceful intelligence agencies with short and long term objectives in the region.

Taliban and all the enemy of humanity with their evil designs will be routed out same as hitler was in WWll.

Harish civil society in Pakistan demanding it on the daily basis and the government of Pakistan aware of the threat.

Gokul Kenath Who’s dream are you talking about?.I urge you to read history and ground reality with more understanding.I reject any such sentiments exist in Pakistan.

Firstly all my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the Lahore attack and also to the citizens of the city of Lahore.

Many people have tried to draw parallels between this attack and the Mumbai attack. But there seems to be too many differences between the two for them to be considered in the same light. Its true that both had commando style operation with advanced weapons and granades, but the similarity stops there. Mumbai attacks were fidayeen attacks with the terrorists trying to maximize the killing on innocent citizens and creating a sense of scare in a city. But in Lahore things are very different. It is very apparent that this attack was not “fidayeen” and the terrorist did not want to wipe out the sri lankan cricket team (god forbid that should ever happen with any sporting team). The purpose of this attack was not to brazenly kill innocent people and take a city to ransom. All they wanted is a statement to the Pakistan government (and the rest of the world) about who is in charge there. I feel that this would be more of a handiwork of the people who are opposed to the current war on terror being carried out by the US and the Pakistani army which should be the Taliban or someone rather than groups like Lashkar that are being suspected for Mumbai.

If the terrorists had shot on the buses of both team and taken hostages or killed sportsmen at the expense of their own lives then definitely there would have been a close resemblance between Lahore and Mumbai. But this is very different….

Mr.Kush, you are completely wrong! You guys are getting completely a wrong education about India and now it’s a time to educate yourself! You had seen the Pakistani media and your politician

Given what has happened in Swat, it seems Pakistan will be divided once again. Shame on our Army that claims to be prepared for India but couldn’t even fight 3000 Talibans at home.

Think about it. Talibans are establishing their rules in Swat right now. The national government is leaving the space. What comes next? Demand of independence. This is not far fetched. Lets say sometime in the near future, truce is broken and the govt. wants to reclaim the area and establish law and order their. That will threaten Taliban’s power in Swat and they will declare independence. When this happens, international community will support independence because for them it will be much easier to raid Swat and destroy Taliban . Pakistani’s can’t claim then that their sovereignty is being attacked and UN can have a full scale war in Swat aka Afghanistan. But before there is an international raid, Baluch and other areas would have declared independence too encouraged by Taliban’s in Swat. Thus northern Pakistan will be divided into tiny countries that can be easily subjugated. Curiously, this will be the best outcome for everybody. We will loose the area where our Army built the terrorist infrastructure and hopefully rest of Pakistan will learn a lesson and become a peaceful country. The new countries will act as a buffer between Afghanistan and (smaller) Pakistan. Afghanistan will be more powerful and they can exercise power to stop terror flowing into Afghanistan. For India, smaller Pakistan will act as a buffer between India and the terrorist infrastructure. It will become difficult for them to infiltrate into India.

Chicken is coming home to roost and look at the irony. Pakistan wanted Kashmir because it’s a Muslim majority state. We lost all conventional wars against India so our Army trained terrorists for a gorilla war. The final result would be that instead of gaining Kashmir, we will let go of the Muslim areas in our own country. I don’t know if I should laugh or cry at this irony. Our Army has ruined and divided our country.

Hi Nasir,

What is stopping the Pakistani Govt from a strong crackdown on all the militants in various parts of Pakistan ? Why the govt is not asking the civil police take stringent action against the militants ? Do the militants also get support from some quarter of the public ? Is the police incompetent ?

hy,

Its shame that men kills men to show the strength, First Mumbai then Lahore,Its base less to point fingers at each other. Point finger to those elements who dont know religion.

may God jii bring peace in Both countries and may peace be the real winner. kill the hate, not innocents.

One world, one religion : MENHOOD!

You reap what you sow. Does this apply to Pakistan today? The education system in your country by and large obsolete. Is it fair to say that most youngsters are a misfit in today’s global world due to poor education system and end up as terrorists?

Pakistan has been for years been accepting Zakat from the Saudis as part of the attemp to spread the Wahabi brand of Islam from Saudi Arabia. Well, common sense will tell you that you reap what you sow.
With the thousands of madrasas that have sprung up from the time of Zia ul Haq what does one expect.A society of brain washed fanatics. Given what lies ahead for the people of pakistan many of the moderate muslims of pakistan escape to places like canada, the less fortunate suffer at thehands of the taliban

I have been reading many different Pakistani Blogs following the attacks and to my horror all the comments posted simply blame the Indian intelligence Agencies for the attack; this by citizens of a country that has just recently ceded some territory to the absolute monsters that achieved their aims by public beheading and school burning. And to add to this mockery a large number of blogs threw the Jews into the fray to complete their fantasy of the large Hindu-Zionist conspiracy against them. If this idea is so deeply embedded in the computer and English literate populace, we can just imagine the prevalence of such notions in the vast lesser learned population of Pakistan.

Though one can empathize with the cricket loving Pakistanis; no one can help this nation as long as they live in this parallel universe where India and Jews are responsible for all their ills while at the same time ignoring the fact that the monsters that were created by their state establishments are today wrecking havoc not just in Pakistan but the entire subcontinent.

No merger between India , Pakistan and Bangladesh because the ruling and the majority of Hindus in India would never approve. The reason being that if we all merge the Muslims will be a very big pain in the butt for all the Hindu population. Its a thought, nothing against any race or religion.

It is strange that successive governments in India and Pakistan fail to understand a simple fact. Indira Gandhi nurtured Bindranwale and prabhakaran. While Indira Gandhi was killed by a sikh terrorist, Rajiv Gandhi lost his life to a LTTE suicide bomber.
The British left Afganistan as bitter losers. so did Russians. Yet, the US government is failing to see light in this issue. Rather than gracefully exit afganistan, they have spiralled a violence that is now threatening to swallow integrity of Pakistan.
History has time and again proved that any individual or organisation that has nurtured terrorism is ultimately consumed by the same.
Successive Indian and Pakistani governments for some reason are failing to see this simple logic.
All the islamic militant group that the ISI nurtured is now coming back at the innocent civilians of Pakistan

I am an Indian working in Morocco. I, as millions of Indians are doing at this point, pray that the beautiful country of Pakistan finds peace and stability. I share the grief of all the families of the brave police people who laid their lives to protect the life of the Sri Lankan criketers. It is the common people who are worst hit in these difficult times. May the future be free of war and civil strife.

@Kenath – No Indian in their right mind would wish a merger of Bangladesh and certainly not Pakistan (which is worse off than Bangladesh, except for the useless nuke) with India. India has enough problems of its own and we are starting to win over most of them. We do not need two dysfunctional states to drag us down. Its like asking an American if they would want to merge with Mexico. We neeed to learn the best practices from China and the US, and implement them at home… rather than wasting our time on Pakistan. We Indians wish Pak well and can only hope that the youth of Pakistan will have the courage to change things. I hope they don’t have any expectations from their politicians or their army.

I read some of the comments above and all good. I agree with one individual that lets no turn this into a political issue. I only believe in one thing, capture these criminals in lynch them in public. No religion or culture believe in killing or hurting innocent people. Pakistani govt – have some guts to fight these terrorists.

Pakistan is ruined by donations and aids. 1)Aids by Arab mercenaries for a Jihad. They have made their own countries as hub of trade and business and they aid pakistan for jihad .
2) Aids by America : America has ambitions to keep south and center asia in control.It would have been costly to fight russians in afghan so it aided Pakistan for a jihad in Afghanistan.
3) Aid by Dawood : Dawood is addicted to power and easy money. He has to run his mafia and drug trade , so he aids the correct system and also finances the Jihad against common enemy : India ( read Hindus ). In return he gets a safe shelter in Pakistan( Clifton Karachi to give you some more specific coordinates).
4) Aid for Kashmir : It had been a common site people asking for aid from common Pakistan People for Azaad Kashmir , for muslim brothers in IOK(Indian Occupied Kashmir), so Jihad is a largest Industry it seems in Pakistan.

As some one said at one of Dawn’s blog. Stop taking short cuts , stop being greedy. This aid is actually a sort of AIDS for Pakistan.
a true well wisher and friend of Pakistan.

It is high time for Pakistan to take propper action against the militants. Now they have got Swat (wonder is that 20,000 strong pak army could not do anything against 3000 militants there). Now attacked the Lankan cricketers. They are going to capture the whole Pakistan. Then what will be the fate of the big Nuclear arsenal that Pakistan has piles up? What India and remaining nations will do if merciless militants use the N-arms?

We need to understand that the majority of youth in Pakistan is not educated, and have no opportunities to get a good education. This situation provides a fertile ground for terrorisim and other such problems to grow. We will keep having these problems in our country until there is a concerted effort to provide education and opportunities to youth. Unfortunately, it’s a vicious circle because lack of eductation leads to an elected leadership that has no vision, has vested interests and is not motivated to pay attention to education and providing opportunity. The only hope in this situation is from the civil society, media, and people themselves. Since there is a lack of sincere leadership, youth of our country has to unite and begin their struggle against extremeism of all kinds. When the common person on street will begin to realize that extemisim is not the way, only then we can expect change.

Terrorism in Pakistan is a complex subject out of the scope of a blog here. And yes; majority (>90%) Indians do NOT want merger between India and Pakistan. Atleast NOT current Pakistan. 50 yrs ago maybe yes but not now.
What surprises is the lackadaisical attitude of Pakistan as regards security of guests or ambassadors who chose to travel against all odds and who were promised top class ecurity. This should never have happened especially in that light of background when 5 countries had already refused to travel to Pakistan for playing cricket ( West Indies, England, Australia, Newzealand, India). It was thus imperative upon Pakistan to provide top class security as it was indeed a question of their reputation but lack of political will and high complacency ( that cricketers can never be attacked- again a denial mode among Pakistan polity and average Paksitani that all is well in Pakistan in terms of terrorism) resulted in this situation. The videos tell a sad story when you see the terrorists roaming around. Not even one person out of 12/14 attackers were either killed or apprehended live or even injured. Ironically, Pakistan is getting into blame game with umpires instead of saying sorry to them and analysing what went wrong. Typical “DENIAL MODE”. Even if the said umpires may have, I say may have exageratted the claims of they being sitting ducks, this is not the way you react to your own failures blaming the sufferers. The way Pakistan is handling this issue is equally damaging as the sorry incident. I feel sorry for the lives of Pakistan Police and 4th umpire and would shower high praise on the driver who put his life up to save the dignity and honour of his nation. This was the only silver linning in the whole issue; a hope that Pakistan can and will definetly survive the crisis if Politicians and the governemnt act with similar or even 50 % of the samaritan values as the srilankan convoy driver, since they are the custodians of the nation. But if the fence starts eating into the field, what can be the future of the crop??

Greetings from Delhi. Some Indians are in obsession to unite and wish to (get) merger Bangladesh, Pakistan into India. But, I as Indian, do not wish such merger. We wish to live in peace. We are happy sans Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their problems should be confined to themselves. Though we feel sorry for them but the truth is that we do not want merger. Indians should not crave for merger but wish them well. Once the partition has carried out, it should be treated as final.

Indeed, players are the Ambassadors of peace. They need to be given high class security. Any security lapses may not be compromised at all. Those who remain inefficient while performing their duties may also be taken into account. But for God’s sake, there is no need to politicize the issue. Be it the sitting Government or the opposition parties.

Good idea from Gokul.
We have to include Bangladesh too then no one can terrorise us.

its high time for pakistani youth to stand up against these talibanis and other extremists other wise pakistan will become another afghnistan soon. i think we should do what really god would like us to do in this situation not any book or some fanatics.

There is more to this incident than meets the eye. Why was the route changed at the last minute, that too in response to an anonymous phone call? If the route was changed at the last minute, how did the terrorists know when and where to strike? Is it really so difficult to blow up a stationary bus with grenades? It doesn’t appear from the footage that there was any firing back from the police because the terrorists did not bother to duck or hide. Why was there no return fire? Why did the police back-up not arrive even after 25 minutes? Why were the Pakistani players delayed? How did the news of the firing reach them ostensibly faster than it reached the police?

Kenath seems too naive to acknowledge certain facts: that if India couldn’t tolerate some crores of Muslims, already leading miserable life, as reflected by the occupations they have been forced to adopt, how could they tolerate another 16 crores who can at least choose their occupations according to their choice and capabilities; they are being harassed, threatened and killed by their fellow Indian Brethren cos they are Muslims.

Kenath, what we need is tolerance and the courage to acknowledge the right of coexistence. That’s the fact which the likes of Alqaeda and the RSS/BJP need to consider if we want peace and tranquillity in the region and beyond.

Running a terrorist outfit of such reach and lethal sophistication is possible only with very organised set up,heavily invested in training assets,very substantial funding on ongoing basis, expensive arms, ammunition and communication gear.

Such an outfit can not be hidden and therefore easily staved,withered and finally uprooted for ever.

Let us not waste time in inquiries and investigation,end the patronage.

Why civil society of Pakistan is not making this demand?

Pakistan’s Government needs to restructure the security policies! Also motivate civilians by awarding them incentive or appreciating their cooperation, by participating every civilian can make major reduction in crimes. Instead of arresting or bothering people who come forward to help the police, just like eye witness rickshaw driver who has been taken in custody for two days.

Hey come on, if east and west Germany can become one Germany, why cant India and Pakistan re-unite?

See, actually we were not two, but, one for the major share of our History. Some nasty myopic political leaders from both sides for some rotten political gains divided us, amply supported by the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy which was followed by the British then.

But, why on earth should we bear the brunt of it even now? Come on all my brothers and sisters of the subcontinent, let us unite, let us grow, let us prosper. Wake up, just realize, our lives are not to be spoiled by sowing and nurturing hatred in our hearts and minds.

Just imagine the picture of Shahid Afridi and Virender Sehwag going beserk in a T-20 or Mohammad Yousuf and Laxman batting together in a test match, aren’t these a soul pleasing sights? Now, youth of the both countries, work towards it, direct your youthfull exuberance and energy towards it so that we can actually turn this dream into a reality; it needs to be done as a vision without action is just hallucination.

Regards,
Gokul Kenath from Vengody, Palakkad, Kerala.

Khhuda Bacchaye teen balaon say,
Hakim(USA), Vakil(Pakistan), aur Hasina(Taliban) kee addaon say.!!!!

Hi all,

I think blaming India without any proof can harm more than attack on Pakistan Cricket because Cricket lover in India are angry with the attitude and they don’t want their team to tour pakistan.

Our country is full of terrorists. God save us. Every one in this country now hates the other religion. If this continues, Pakistan will be converted to hell in next 2 years.

The only solution for such problems is the eradication of this corrupt democratic capitalist system from our lives and to replace it with sincerely guided Khilafah State. Indeed it will be the Khilafah State which will unite people of the world under peace and protection of Islam

A.R.Rehaman the Indian Music Director in his acceptance speech at the Oscars said he choose love instead Of hate.
People all over the world should ponder over Rehamans thought provoking words.

My sympathies to the Srilankans and not the least, to the security forces who laid down their lives to protect the guests of Pakistan. Here we say Atithi Devo Bhava,meaning that guest is equal to God. The Pakistani security has saved the gods by laying down their lives. I salute the brave soldiers. Till these brave soldiers are in Pakistan, it need not bother about Taliban.

My Thinking is that by doing this dirty crime, the terrorists who ever it may be wanted to send a strong message to Pakistan Government that after swat and malakand, they are present in Punjab also. My request to Pakistan Government is that please pull up your socks and eliminate them before they run over Punjab.

Dear Pakistan and Pakistanis,
Please join and let us fight a bloody war in ourselves to understand what is Jihad and what is crime? Please make the ignorant understand this that what they did is a crime and we should implement this strictly that any event which reflect bad to Pakistan or Pakistani image the accused and suspects should be hanged till death. even it is stealing a book outside Pakistan or event like this. Why these Pakistanis make less crimes outside Pakistan because there is implementation of laws, but here they are free to do all. from top to bottom every one is responsible for this. Please save our Pakistan, stop giving news and support to this so call Islamic Taliban. They even do not know ABC of Islam and they showed while destroying girl

when rulers are either crooks or ignorants,and every body is to himself,and the police and the army feels they should not be the sacrificial lamb,and to top that there are more arms in the hands of anarchists, and ignorant mullahas,means this incident is nothing more than a pin prick,one does not have to be a rhodes scholar to predict what is going to eventuate in that land,assure you that it has not been the will of the almighty but result of our deeds and denying ourselves the abilities we are born with.i feel probably musharaf was miss chance to be a benevolent dictator like lee kuan yew mao or kamal ataturk.i cant see any saviour on the horizon,the system created by the almighty is in place,may be the last chance is to rise and buldoze the evil forces with in the country,it may take few generations to put people and the country to a success road.we should not worry about the world politics just mind our own business and spend all our energies to do the right thing to ourselves our families and nation,bravo

Thank God no indian hand found by Pakistani authorities in the recent carnage on srilankan cricketers otherwise the already embittered relations might have gone to its nadir. Although both countries have enough enmity yet no one in India would like Pakistan become a failed state. We are two estranged brothers caught up in a family feud, the day will come when we may reconcile again.

Interesting comments and reactions. I admire Punjab Governor, Khusro Parvez, who admitted security lapse, leading to the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team.
CCTV footages shown on various TV channels leave nothing to imagination. Some politicians have, unfortunately,tried not-so-vaguely to implicate India in the massacre.
But one may ask: Why didn’t the Pakistan police captured some of them, instead allowing them easy escape route? How come Pakistan police became so-called terror-friendly from across the borders?
This is time to gain confidence of the people of Pakistan, restore internal order and restore normalcy. Irresponsible talks and allegations will not solve the problem. Pakistan hasn’t tackled the terror by horns. It is now trying to control it by tail. The results are obvious. The Frankenstein has started taking his tolls.
We want Pakistan well. For that very serious determination to crash with iron hand the terrorist infrastructure is warranted. Pakistan must rise to that occasion. Else Pakistan will, I am afraid, lapse into another phase of dictatorship by the army.
Sanket

It is really good to see Pakistani people coming out against the denial mode and “India did it” game.

It seems it is very easy to blame the neighboring country even without a shred of proof and absolve yourself from looking at the problem within

Just as world markets are not showing any signs of a bottom, the terrorism incidents seem to scale new depths everyday. Pakistan’s inablity to crack down on LeT/Taliban is puzzling. Your country is at the verge of collapse…religious extremism has always destroyed countries, root out these mullah’s who propagate the hate ideology, start from your local mosque if you find him preaching that, do not sit silent. If do not speak out you are condoning terror and maybe the person next to you will pick up the gun and kill someone someday.
Unfortunately India is also showing growing hatred and violence perpetrated by Bajrang Dal / Sri Ram Sene goons, but at least these terrorist organizations do not have any institutional backing like Pakistan. If that is not the case then why can’t you root out the training camps whose only purpose is to destroy India. Remember “saanp ko doodh pilana…”…..act now before it is too late!!

Its a welcome remark from Mr. Rehman Malik that RAW is not involved in the attack. The time is slipping out from Pakistan hands, they need to act fast to curb the menace of extremism , or else Pakistan would become another tribal country ruled and governed by 12th century laws and thinking. This is really a crisis situation and deserves the solution of the same magnitude. I wish Pakistan supports US in demolition of terror infrastructure in its own country, because Pakistan by herself is incapable of handling this threat. Don’t think what US would gain out of it, think what Pak would gain. May better sense prevail among Pak Politicians.

Amit Kansal

Without pointing at any particular group; history shows that such attackers are politically oriented. They have a deep seated resentment, hatred and disrespect for law and order/government developed over the years for some actual/perceived injustice carried out against them. We are all bewildered and not able to comprehend what is going on in the country. But the answer is looming there right in front of us. The political leaders should stop lying to the masses and engage themselves honestly and selflessly to the affairs of the country. It is just like unhygienic conditions lead to cholera, typhoid or bird flu. Dishonest and immoral leadership in the country for years and years are ideal conditions for terrorism to flourish. Now the virus has grown very strong and is by itself a force to be reckoned with. The foremost blame goes to us and then to all the forces in the world which have supported/rewarded dictators. You would think that intelligence means that when you know the reasons for your destruction and demise you would address it with highest priority and set your house in order. How is the country wilfully going on the path of destruction? It is a time for soul searching for the entire nation.

It was heartening to read these comments…. In these awful times if people can still use their heads properly – its heartening. Thank you Pakistani friends…
Today, I sit here far away from India (I am an Indian) and Pakistan, in a classroom… taught by a Pakistani and I can’t help but appreciate his knowledge. We discussed this issue… and we agreed on one thing – we, the common people of the two countries need to stick together and shoo away all who are against this idea…. Lets live peacefully and progress together…. amen.

what has been happening in the valley of swat and the rest of the Pukhtoon bult, one might guess that it is yet another drama to attact foriegn funds. who knows

Dear Friends,
As a fellow south Asian, I share the pain and agony felt by everybody in Pakistan for this shameful act of extremists. Hope this incident ignites outrage in the youth of Pakistan to root out all forms of extremism in their society and make them work towards the Secular, Islamic, Moderate Pakistan your founding father M.A.Jinnah envisioned. Please work towards empowering institutions like Dawn and other civic organizations which are doing great job in trying to transform Pakistani Politics.

Thanks

This is really sad and black era for pakistani cricket but we should not isolated pakistan from international cricket, also we srilankan, pakistan and Indian should be united to root out trrorism from our soil despite our differences, religion and ethnic,

We all talked about the “strategic/political” benefits to India of Mumbai attacks. Lets now consider Lahore shooting from the same point of view:
What is the impact of Lahore shooting on the following events
1- Governor rule/PML(N) issue
2- Long march
3- Swat peace accord
Not difficult to guess considering Mr Malik is Interior minister and US is not happy with Swat settlement!!!

So many comments from Indians and very few from pakistanis. Beside the occasional LONG live Pakistan mantras.

Nobody seems to be talking about how the govt of pakistan has allowed its military and itself to accept and even pr0mote extremism thoughts and class among them.

where is the educated class in this country. I mean the country is being called a parriah by the international community.

I was shocked to see the attack in broad day light in Lahore, shooting was going on for half an hour and then the killers escaped. None of the terrorists were killed or hurt, where was the help and was there any chase.
I was watching a tv show today and I was disgusted to see Imran Khan and some other newa-media personal defending Taliban and other religious extremists.
GOD help us.

From where I stand on the evidence of the images released it is reasonable to assume. Someone knew it was going to happen. They delayed the Pakistani coach, they failed to take basic precautions and “allowed” the assault to take place and the attackers to “escape”. I think you should look long and hard at your own authorities for the genesis of this attack.

Amitabh Anand, Thank you for your support.

I believe Pakistan’s worst enemy is its geography – so called strategic location next to China, India, Afghamistan and Iran. Socondly CIA, Mosad etc are involved in lot of things inside and outside Pakistan. No one really knows who is doing all this. Taliban and Jehadis mostly do suicide attacks. This shoot n run kind of attacks are a new phenomena and has definitely some forign linkages.

Perhaps the single most senseless incident in recent Pakistani history. Not that Pakistani history makes much sense anyway. I am pretty sure the attackers will not be caught. Going by the ease with the which the operation was conducted and the obviously relaxed manner of the assaillants,as if they had nothing the fear, it is clear that they have extremely powerful patrons, whoever they may be !?

The stark fact is that Lahore attack is security collapse. Meager security was provided to the victim team. Those attackers continued attack for the great length of time yet no body came for their rescue. It must be know straightforwardly acknowledged that security loop caused this shameful incident

Everybody is talking about security, and all such other agencies involved and nobody is ready to talk about the root cause and that is fundamentalist terrorism. Either the comments have not made in this regard or the editors are scared to publish them. Pakistan must get rid of people who are thirsting for blood in the name of religion.

From the stuff they left behind that they came assured to take people hostage and bargain for the release of somebody already behind bar. It is those people who were expected to be released can provide some real clues. It is high time Pakistan hits at the solar plexus of these networks and save Pakistan from further damage to its international image.

I am pakistan and love my country to death. I am from lahore and i am in shock that how could this happen in lahore and specially by liberty roundabout, which is one of the most busy area in lahore. I feel so much sad for the families of police officers and the driver who was killed in brutal act of terrorist. These people are not pakistani or indian and does belong to any faith because killing of innocent people is not allowed in any religion.
And at the last note govt of punjab(Grovernor) should take the responsibility for not providing good security of the Sri Lankan team. If our Govt is not spending too much effort trying to provide security for political MPA’s and MNA’s then maybe police can do its work. My father is in police so when i say this i know that the police is not used for the right purpose but use to politicians to make them feel like they are important and stand infront of their house for no good reasons.
Police is there to protect the people of pakistan and its guest not to stand infront of someone house to salute them and their family members so they feel like they are the most important people. So i beg the Govt to let police do what they are suppose to do.

Do u really think we are different except our religion. I always thought religion is a tool to keep us nearer to the supreme power, in my opinion its very personal thing. It has nothing to do with civilization or country boundary. Following a Sharia or what ever rule should not affect anybody personal/public life. At the end of day its non-evitable that every one has to go through hard grindings to earn daily bread and butter. This is the foremost religion, our karma.
As far as my knowledge goes, we have no reason to live like enemies. We have more common things than the differences. May be some day we can think of uniting both countries and believe me it will be treated in history as a home coming of two lost brothers, nothing else. If Germany can unite why cannot we. Lets forget the past and we youth try to unite both the countries. Our every problem will get solved. Even after fighting for 60 years we have got nothing, history is an example when two brothers get separated they always end up being a loser no matter for how long one tries to dominate other and nothing, just nothing, can stop their journey to great future if they decide to face the future hand in hand, 60 years of enmity cant weigh down 10000 years of our common existence.
Leave all the difference aside, at least for some time, and think. Onus is on us, we young people, to create new Pakistan and India. History is calling with pen in its hand

As per TV reports there were only two mobile police vans protecting the bus carrying Sri Lankan players and umpires, one from front end and second at rare end. In front of the two, a traffic police sergeant was on a motorcycle. A number of terrorists, probably eight, were standing at the three sides of round about and moment the bus had reached the turning point they started firing at the front Police van & the bus. Probably the firing went on for 10 or 11 minutes (8:35am till 8:46am)

With first burst of fire on front Police van, those policemen sitting on front seats had received the bullets without getting chance to respond including the traffic sergeant who was suppose to clear the way for players bus. Policemen sitting at the back of same van responded the terrorists attack however as they were surrounded from three sides they couldn

It is vey simplistic to look at these events in isolation. As long as there is bloodbath going on in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanastan, reaction against the corrupt regime, sometimes misguided, will continue.

March 5 News headlines:

- Taliban blows up 16 music shops in takhtbhai town.

- Pashtun poet Rahman baba mauseloum bombed.

- Javed Naqvi, in his Dawn column, extols virtue of Talibans, comparing them with current regime in Iran which overthrew Shah.

As long as there is support for extremism and people like Javed who have a notion that true Islam does not support sports like cricket and arts like music and talk about how there is nothing wrong with Talibans are the real enemies of Pakistan and if not addressed at grass root level, more and more Lahore like incidents will happen in Pakistan.

This was certainly a very sad event.
I was very upset by the video of the attackers. However have taken that video should be asked, did they call the authorities and try to help them. As a citizen everybody of us have the responsibility to help the authorities in any way we can, not only by taking a video. The incident took about 15 minutes in such a busy place and anybody at least could track where the attackers are going. Our people are getting so insensitive that they leave all the security to the authorities. If the citizen of Lahore can these attackers with so much ammunition they could report them to police.
IT IS TIME FOR CITIZENS OF PAKISTAN TO STEP IN SAVE PAKISTAN AND REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS OR ACTIVITIES AMONG US TO THE POLICE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COUNTRY REGARDLESS OF OUR POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS.

Where is the National Unity gone?

In response to this unfortunate attacks in Lahore, I would just like to raise an issue on just one thing, about National Unity. Mr. Zardari and Mr. Sharif(s), they were very quick to point out national unity for Pakistan, our nation, a year ago when they wanted to remove the then President Musharraf. Where is that particular national unity gone now? Had there been that unity for the nation of Pakistan, we would’ve been more concerned in improving our economy, educating our youth, and removing terrorism rather than fighting for national power. It is absolutely absurd how our so called “president” is so quiet over Lahore attacks. It’s been 3 days and there is still not a single apology for Sri Lankan cricketers. Moreover, how absurd is the opposition of Sharif brothers. Everyone know they’re the ’sultan of Punjab’. They at least could’ve halted their ridiculous and illogical protest until the test match ended. I am very disappointed in our President, Prime Ministers, Opposition and Politicians. It is high time that they should bring Pakistan to prosperity rather than a fight for national power. I still believe Pakistan was great under Musharraf.

The first two days both teams travelled together in the same bus to the ground. Nothing happens.

Third day teams split. Srilanka takes the first bus, Pakistan delays their bus (unscheduled) and the Srilankan bus is targetted.

Does’nt this say that there is an insider passing information?

On a different note — Seven innocent people have lost their lives. Would it have been a totally different world, were terrorists were not supported and encouraged by pakistan establishment?

A friendly advice is not to be carried away by Inida bashing sentiment. The reality, I belive is, the attack was carried out by the same terrosist group that was involved in Mumbai attack.

There is no reason for India to retaliiate using the same modus operandi on a friendly Sri Lanka.

Nasir, two lions cannot live in the same land. They cannot have a peace deal?. Dont you think one day pakistani military will have to standup against these militants and terminate all the terrorist organizations?

I am seeing Pakistan slowly getting into grip of Taliban like groups. Don’t know who is the leading/guiding force. It may become another Afghanistan? There seems grim future awaiting for all of us.
Still hope for the best.

It sanity, prevails then we may see US, Pak and India coming together to eliminate these extremist. But first, Pak leaders, must accept the reality.

the only way we can now watch live cricket is in the ipl in india. i hope the indian govt does not cancell it and gives us visas for this !

It is a shame act. Our prayers go with fallen police officer. Pakistan now should invest in education to eridicate the issue of extremisim. Killing terriost will not solve this problem. We have to kill it from the root cause.

I was watching a report on a tv channel and this very pretty female anchor dressed in western clothes and makeup was analysing the attacks and the possible perpetrators. She was very keen and aggressive in pushing forth the idea that this was an Indian staged affair (similar claims were made during the Mumbai seige).

I found it very ironical that the very people she was unwittingly protecting and willfully ignoring (Islamic fundamentalists)would likely have her head on a plate for working outside her home, showing her face in public and wearing western clothes and makeup!

When will the regular Pakistani wake up to the fact that the way of life that they have enjoyed for 100’s of years is under real and present danger of being changed forever if the Taliban, the Jehadis and the fundamentalists have there way.

This is not about India v/s Pakistan anymore.Because after they have Talibanised Pakistan they will turn there full attention on India.

We are all in it together.

when I left pakistan years ago, in Sindh we had kidnappings orcherated by the goverment and the Hathora group, we progressed from that to the Taliban, to Suice bombers to this , I am very confident that this country is not going to last another 10 years if it continues to go in the direction it is goings and yes both the army and Punjab and the politicians are to blame look at Bangla Desh yes ! they left us , they have problems but they will survive as a nation. Pakistan will not Mark my words.

sir,
when the Mumbai attacks took place we heard Pakistani administration saying that the indian govt was covering up its lapses in security and blaming pakistan. this was inspite of one of the terrorist being nabbed and 9 other killed. in lahore all the terrorists have walked out and the pakistni govt did not do anything and started blaming India. now let us ask the same pakistani authorities whether Pak is covering its security lapses by blaming India.

Dear friends
This cowardly act was clearly an attempt for further de-stabilizing the grave atmosphere in the sub-continent. The perpetrators have successfully created a situation, where they hope that the govt of each country (Pakistan, Sri-Lanka and India) stat pointing finger at each other and further deteriorate the peaceful relationship among us. The deadliest weapons used by the terrorists, whether in India/ Sri-Lanka/ Pakistan, is not AK’s but creating a mistrust.

People from all across the SAARC community must realize that all of the nations here are stacked as dominoes. If one falls (fails), it will take down the rest of us too.

Since all 12 attackers escaped without anyone chasing them, suggests that police / army / ISI were aware of this attack and they guaranteed safe exit for attackers.

Governor Taseer comments today were so rubbish!.He is the one of them who is responsible,should resign and let people who have a bit of understanding and common sense take over on his behalf, it’s above his pay grade and wisdom.

I urge all to learn from mistake but with it all people resigned who failed to take measures for securing that no tragedy like this should have taken place.This time will pass by and dark days left behind but it’s essential to do it the right way,learn and re-emerge.

Mr Taseer let me assure you the political Mayhem known as Governer Raj is responsible for this tragedy don’t fool yourself as no one is buying that!

No doubt terrorism exists everywhere in the world and home grown terror too exists in every country. But the difference between other countries and Pakistan is that Pakistan doesn’t only have home grown terror but is an active exporter of terror. The monster it nurtured has become big enough to swallow the state and yet the Govt or Army is unwilling to take any credible action. In contrast, India which also has home grown terror makes sure to keep a tab on it if not completely eradicate it. Pakistan lives in a fool’s paradise wishing that the problem will just go away. It is utterly carefree about the magnitude of the problem and expects the rest of the world to fight the frankenstein monster that it has let loose.

I think we must praise the presence of mind of the driver Md Khalil who was swift enough to save the lives of the Lankan cricketers. This subcontinent has to stay united against terrorism, extremism. I think people power and good sense will prevail in the subcontinent. Sports is a very good way of bringing together people. And good people far, far outnumber the bad ones. It’s time we proved that.

In response to Aurangzeb comments below….
my dear friend, that is not the end of the story…I was in Lahore a few months ago and the driver that was taking us around told me that he is from Kashmire and his house was destroyed in the big earthquick. He was promised to be paid..let say X amount. Now here is what I think the only thing the pakistanis are good at: how to pocket money….so the govt. put him on installments, meaning that he will receive 20 percent of his X amount now and then the rest every few months or so….now here is the catch…he never got anything else other than his first installment so he probably only received 10 percent of the X amount. The same thing is going to happen to the family of the poor police officers here.
Here are my thoughts on why the police from the near by police station didn’t respond and/or chased the attackers:
1. It was early in the morning…most officers weren’t in their offices because they were still at home.
2. If I am a police guy, why should I risk my life just like the other six police officers for a nation who is so deep into corruption that only Taliban…can save it.

Yes, I said it, Only Taliban can save that nation, no other pakistani…if its sindi, balochi, punjabi or from NWFP. The corruption has to be removed from the blood of this nation. peace.

Pakistani government in compensation for each soldier killed has announced rs 500,000/ approx

What a shock it was and still is. I cried for the death of so many people, their families, the cricketers, the umpires,and their families. Please, do not allow cricket to die in Pakistan. All together join efforts to bring our game back to life in Pakistan. Support the Pakistani Government and Cricket Board. We must overcome terror. May the Almighty and Merciful God help us to win!

Just preceding the nightmarish attack on our Sri Lankan friends, senior policemen were dismissed and new officers assigned with the click of Salam Taseer’s fingers.
The new officers were far from appointed on mertit.
This is what happens when the police is used for horse-trading and blackmailing politicians, rather than doing their duties with professionalism.

Taseer needs to tender his resignation immediately.

This happened only 200 yards away from where we live in Lahore. No one in Pakistan supports terror in any form (state terror by India in Kashmir, terror by internaional forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and northern areas, terror on civil society and freedom fighters etc). As an investigator and researcher, you always should conside who is the main benificiary of an event, specially a fata event. Like who benifited from the death of Benazir etc. Who would benifit from bringing shame to Pakistan and to the sport of Cricket in Pakistan, who went to stop Sri Lankan’s from visitng Pakistan for this last minute tour etc. Not pointing all fingers to external hands, there definitely was a lack of security in this event…. but can we just get away again by saying that these were Taliban, Al-Qaida or related group and not put the pointer in the suspected directions and explore all options.

Dear friends in Pakistan, kindly mobilize the public opinion against any form of extremism. Extremism in any form in any society is harmful and it eats away the vitals of civility. INDIA never wants to see a destabilized Pakistan, a weak Pakistan is a dangerous situation for INDIA and and the region. We, Indians want a strong and united Pakistan – strong from within. We wish Pakistan to tide over the present situation and come out stronger. And, Pakistan shall understand once for all, that a strong INDIA is in their interest and in no way INDIA is a threat to Pakistan.

I feel this is wake up call not only for Pakistan, but for entire world. All sane people in Pakistan, India or whichever country on this planet, should join hands to fight these insane people. Nobody wants terrorism. World is slowly drifting towards disaster.

WE can only pray for the souls of the dead and hope the Govt of Pakistan does something about state or no-state elements in pakistan which might one day bring pakistan to its knees and also put it in isolation from the rest of the world. As a cricket lover i am sad at wot the Pakistan team will have to go through everytime they play any nation.

something needs to be done … that too desperately… The strange thing is that no one was caught live or dead.

Nasir, let’s be honest here with reality, no matter how many lives are scarificed or how much security is beefed up….this will continue to happen…..as I see it, there is a bit of concern for few weeks & then we all will forget until the next incident.
If you ask me there is no cure to this madness unless this planet dies out.
just hope that we are not next.

Guys,

All the people in the subcontinent must understand that “god also helps them, those who help themselves”

We have to help ourselves, by valuing our people’s human life. I think the basic problem is no eyebrows are raised if couple of people die, we take it in our stride and forget it.

And, this time i felt seriously that in many aspects we have to learn from citizens from US, UK and other developed countries and help ourself.

Otherrwise, our gods will also give up

We were back in the office within an hour, i was an hour late since the shooting started at 8:45 and i live in liberty.
people were concerned especially about the pakistani image,the cricketers and the overall global criticism that Pakistan will now face.
Sadder still that after such a long time we have not been able to counter this problem.
We are deeply hurt by the day to day situation of our country,surely we want hope.. and PEACE.. definitely.

i am so upset by this whole event. this was an extreme incompetence on part of the security agencies but then may be its not so unusaul in that part of the world. having recently returned from a trip to Peshawar, i felt so much fear and uncertainity in that city- its beyond belief that this lovely city has changed so much in the last 10 years. i must say that in my work abroad i have some of the good friends from India, Srilanka and Bangledesh and i wish that people in subcontinent can develop the same spirit and friendship which keep us togather.

I have gone through the comments and respect the views, but what I feel is that every one is talking what has happened and why not find out the root cause of it all. We are such a cricket loving ppl that we will storm even the local city cricket team, forget any international team whatever country it belongs too. I am sure, these ppl werent the fans. Why dont pak gov starts a fresh new day tomarrow and pledge to clear the menace once for all. Clearing one group a day will make pak a peacefull nation in few days. I am really feeling very sad about ppl of pak where all those groons holding the mike makes statements and in a way support the menace. Everyone wants peace and the normal ppl are suffering. Whenever I watch tv, I feel that there is a sense of hatred that these nonsense ppl wants to create for the ppl. Tell me who doesnt want a great peaceful life with no hate and all love for each other.
Well, peace everyone but I feel that you lose your blood if you hate someone.

Pakistanis that I have met are so intelligent and articulate… They have a very clear perspective just about everything..and Urdu is such a great language and it is so nice to hear a Pakistani recite a couplet or two of the great poets…but the way things are going there…the lunatics are having a greater say than the common people and thats the shame. Pakistan deserves better.

We in India have our share of lunatics and fanatics…but to a large extent they are despised even by the rightist politicians…and shunnned and condemned to a very large extent..Unless Pakistani politicians and the civil society does the same these guys will continue to be emboldened..

Maybe the reason why terrorists succeed in India and Pakistan is because India’s defence is against ISI whereas ISI’s defence is against RAW. Which is why a 3rd party goes unnoticed?

Do you seriously think ISI can go in India and do terror attacks in Mumbai, or RAW can come in Pakistan and do attacks in Lahore? We haven’t done this in the last 65 years and we do it now? Terror attacks have killed far more Indians and Pakistanis than the wars between the two countries have.

Time for both countries to cut down on defence on spend more on police. We should be ashamed of ourselves. 65 years is a long time for two twins to be each others’ enemies, isn’t it? Can’t we channel our energies and resources into something more constructive?

I think terrorist attacks on cricket are actually attacks on India. Whilst Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also co-hosting the World Cup, I think the main host is India. This proves that someone somewhere is not happy that India succeeded in winning the bid for the world cup.

Secondly IPL has seen much success in recent years, so this could be an attack on IPL, which again is an attack on India.

As the Prime Minister of Pakistan, I request India to look objectively at the recent Mumbai terror attacks. Just before the attacks senior Indian cricketers had been threatened too.

As for Pakistan, we should do all we can to support cricket and IPL. We may have many grievances against each other, but when it comes to cricket India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are united. We must do all we can to protect cricket and ensure we all host it in 2011 as planned inshAllah amen.

It is indeed sad that such an event occured.
There is need to combat the situation. The way things are moving may lead to imposition of martial law in Pakistan, then it would be a defeat for democracy in Pakistan. Democracy is the best form for civic society. It is now challenge for the pakistan society to decide what they want or .

Nasir,

Thanks for your response. I assume the fact that the gunmen are still out there may scare some of the people away from Mr. Sharif

Every Pakistani condemns this cowardly attack on Brave Sri Lankan Cricket Team

This for all Pakistanis…..

Wake up from your slumber before your country slips away from under your feet! Stop this denial mentality that these people were from outside Pakistan. Start accepting that there are extremists who were born and bred in Pakistan. This is a necessary first step before you can even begin to tackle extremism. Make a resolution today that in every which way, I will isolate and exclude people with fanatical mentality! Shun those leaders who glorify killing! For God sake, this is not Islam!Live and let live….that is Islam. Try and change people by example and persuasion, not by threats to snuff their life.

I have heard people in Pakistan bewildered why this is happening in their own country. It is because you have left it too late! It is beacuse the peace loving majority are silent bystanders and have let the violent minority take over! Stand up and start protesting to these so called leaders that ‘YOU ARE NOT US’! Educate your fellow citizens to what is real Islam and not what these so called Islamic leaders tell you. Use your God given brain to see through what falsehood they are teaching you. Don’t follow blindly!

There is still time before the end game begins. Swat is only a warning!

And please remember, all the people of the Subcontinent are really from the same stock. If you line up people from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal etc, you will strugle tell the diference about their origins. It is time to think South Asian!

Long live Pakistan! Long live India! Long live Bangladesh! Long Live Sri Lanka!

Rise up the South Asian man!

Stand be an be counted!

I am a Pakistanai by the way, if you are wondering!

For attention of Indian Media:
It is very disturbing that Indian electronic media as usual has started Pakistan bashing after the attack on Srilankan cricketers. And the media is just ridiculing Pakistani police on the secuity lapse and not mentioning any thing about the barvery of those who sacrifised their lives and saved the guests. Please remember six Pakistani policemen and a driver sacrifised their lives and others got wounded or put themselves in front with clear objective to save the lives of guests.

Imagine about the feelings of families of those slain police officers, if they watch Indian TV channels. You are directly stabbing in their hearts. Please do away with this feeling of old animosity and hatred against Pakistan and our countrymen.

It is OK for us in Pakistan if you don’t say any good about Pakistan or don’t comment at all, but atleast don’t say bad about my people and my country. This is not going to help in reconcilation and relationship building in future.

this is not the time to talk against nations. this is the time to act against terrorism. most of the politions and public are responding against other nations; that is what the terrorist also required.
So please dont talk against other nations, try to wash out terrorism from our own family. it will create a good society, good nation.

I hope this will ignite hate for extremism.
Cricket in subcontinent is not only a sport but it also connects the people. IPL-1 was famous in India/Pakistan/Sri-lanka/Bangladesh. It

Discussion isnot way for terror.Harsh action needed to prevent terror attack.

As I said yesterday be clear hearted and say enough now.STOP supporting terrorist.

You have to decide now where you want to live i.terror or peace.

Get united and fight terror.Public can fight terror before govt.takes action.

thanks

Hi Nasir,
I am wondering as to what is the state pakistan is in right now. I keep reding all sorts of things in newspaper but what is the ground reality?Are things really going from bad to worse? what is the mood of teh pakistan public? Is religious extremism truly growing and overtaking the country? I am an Indian a cricket lover , this has been heartbreaking to read and boy do we love to defeat pakistan but now we just want the country to recover!!!! I always wanted to visit pakistan in my lifetime and now I am wondering if that is at all possible…

I pay condolence and salute Lahore Police men who sacrified their life for claiming the reputation of Pakistan and saved the life of their guest.

It

Hi guys our heartiest condolences to all those bereaved families.
Gruesome acts like this in any part of the world is abnoxious and greatly lamentable.And the only way to stop these things happening again is to educate these misled youths that there are many other noble ways to highlight their grievances rather than killing innocents.Anyway all of us should understand one thing very clearly that violence will only breed more violence.Anyhow I am sure all those intelligent people out there will come together to bring these misled youths under their wings and to direct their dyanamism in a more positive way for their own development and for the future of their family and society

Amitabh,

You have written to Damien what I myself wanted to do. Damien should remember that had not his country’s then President not asked the IPKF to go back, LTTE would have been vanquished more than a decade back and we lost our beloved youthful Prime Minister and hundreds of our soldiers fighting their battle.

Also during the Tsunami our navy, soldiers and doctors worked round the clock to help their distressed people with food, medicines and other supplies

To Damien:
I agree… Long Live Cricket, Long live Pakistan… I would also like to add, Long Live SriLanka, Long live India, Long Live Bangla Desh… every country in the subcontinent.

I am from India… And I just sensed that you have some grudge against my Country… Just a gentle reminder, we lost out Prime Minister because we stood by SriLanka. We have also lost our soldiers fighting alongside yours. We both – India and Pakistan – had come to SriLanka when all other countries had refused to play Cricket there…

I just wish that our leaders had the foresight to resolve the existing issues and work jointly – Just try to imagine the kind of synergies that we can build!!! This region has the potential to become most prosperous and most powerful region – but maybe that is not what our political class wants…

Long Live Peace…

i think its high time pakistan should take action against the terror outfits with in pakistan,as its just a begining of the terror attacks around the world.

the attackers fled freely without any sense of urgency. this clearly shows that there is some conspiracy behind the attacks. a police van crossed the attackers but they didnt stopped them.

What is your opinion on the analysis which many strategic analysts have given on diferent discussions forum that it seemed to be an Indian backed Tamil tigers’ attack on the Srilankan team?

Thats why they have promptly refused FBI help . . to prove a point that India, has a motive in destabilising Pakistan . . .
Why should India, for that matter any country in the world try to( need to) destabilise Pakistan. It has its great politicians, the Kashmiri freedom fighters . . Pakistani Taliban, Al Qaeda, LeT, JeM, dont forget its Army and the ISI . . who can (and are) doing a great job at that . .what more do you need to destabilise . .
As far as India is concerned, they dont even care about Pakistan. India cares more about its financial independence (India doesnt live on American money) , thriving as a developing nation with a wealth of educated and vibrant middle class (do remember India’s middle class is several times that of Pakistan’s population as well as the Indian muslim population is several times that of Pakistans, and the percapita income of an of an Indian Kashmiri Muslim is more than that of a comparable Pakistani). India is at the moment trying to compete against the developed countries with its might of the educated middle age people, who fortunately dont have to resort to terrorism for a livelihood . .

rajeev menon says:
March 5th, 2009 at 10:15
If pakistan wants clear result of this they should get help of international agencies like F.B.I. immediately.

Hi Nasir,

its pretty surprising that tv channels showed the terrorists walking freely on their bikes and we could not see a single policeman around. There was not even a single common man. How can be the streets so deserted inb a city like Lahore ? Is that place a very very secluded place where nobody is going ? It is very obvious that the policemen escorting the cricketers were very few in numbers-may be only 5-6 who all unfortunately got killed without getting any chance to retaliate and may be they were not sufficiently equipped with helmets and other protecting devices.Else, at least one terrorist could have got at least injured, if not kiiled.

As a Sri Lankan I wish to sympathise with the families of the policemen who sacrificed their lives to save our team. Please look after their families.

As Sri Lankans we NEVER forget that it was ONLY pakistan who helped us when our soldiers were cornered in Jaffna in 2000. Pakistan gave us multi Barrel Rockets from their Kargil front. At that crucial hour India only offerd evacuation help. Had we taken that we would have surrendered as a nation to the terrorism. Thanks to the ammunition LTTE was defeated in that battle.

We Sri lankans do not take crap from terrorists. We Sri lankans dont forget who helped us when we were in dire need. Dont be surprised if Sri Lanka sends a team there before everyone else. LONG LIVE PAKISTAN CRICKET! LONG LIVE PAKISTAN

In the matter of tackling terrorism, Pakistan must give up its POLICY of running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. Only then will it be able to eliminate the scourge of terrorism which threatens peace within itself, its neighbourhood and in fact the entire world.

The political analysts, the media particilarly the electronoc media and the so called ‘civic society’ have all gotten it wrong. Pakistan is reaping a bitter harvest from the seeds of an incredibly myopic policy of ’strategic depth’, motivated by a hopelessly pathological obssession with Kashmir pursued by every single leader who ruled after the fateful departure of Ziaul Haq to the other side.

All leaders including Musharraf who ought to have known better coddled the Jihadists and Taliban with the intent and purpose of using them in a proxy war against India in Kashnir. Taliban in Swat and the NWFP could easily have been contained five years ago but were deliberately allowed to run amock. Now the Frankenstein which the ISI created with the support of the ’strategic depth’ doctrine supporters stands with its jaw wide open to devour the entire nation.

Appeasement of evil never pays. The government has to act with resolve and strength to eliminate this menace. This is not the time for getting emotional about the issue of sovereignty. The government should request additional help from the US government in the form of drone attacks targeting the Taliban leadership and illegal radio stations in Swat again and again. The very existence of Pakistan is in doubt certainly not helped by squabbling incompetent, power hungary and unpatriotic national leaders.

If pakistan wants clear result of this they should get help of international agencies like F.B.I. immediately.

What is most puzzling about the Lahore incident is why were the terrorists not chased when they had finished firing and got rid of their extra weapons. It is clear from the vidio clips that they dispersed in the side lanes without undue haste. Does it not reflect serious lapses?

Leslie says: March 4th, 2009 at 16:54 ‘Copycat Mumbai ?? Are Pakistani youngsters inspired by it ?’

Are you so naive? We are not inspired by any Mumbai, we were ourselves there, too! It is not Pakistani youth, it is our ‘mature’ elders who are behind all this. The youth has ‘just’ been manipulated into this for the ‘greatest reward’ of all the ultimate 72 ‘virgins’ in the Paradise. Remember?

Believe me, many indians are as shocked as pakistanis. The reason, we knew that fundamentalism is thriving in pakistan, but never could imagine that cricketers could be attacked. Indian team when visited Pak, were welcomed so much and with so much love that indian newspapers were praising like anything. So we are sympathetic to you as well as srilankans. I think the govy is irresponsible in not providing gunmen or any kind of security. Look at the vehicles for umpires, they were just abandoned !! Pathetic.

Hi Nasir, I am curious, I am an Indian and the image we have of your country is of black turbaned bearded youths out to kill kaffirs especially us, Indians. Is there really a mass hysteria against your neighbour. We dont hate your country as it is but we feel pity that your politicians made the truce with the devil and poor girls will no longer get education for quite some time in a large area of your country. I have always felt that the South Asian countries should be one becoz basically we belong to the same culture and share a common history to a large extent except for the last 60 years.

Sad part is that the attackers are still at large and it means that they can come any other day to create another mayhem…..I hope they don’t get away with it.

I think, both in India and pakistan, No democratic party and leader thinks about the security and prosperity of people. They are too busy in their own greed of power and position. This results in –>
1) Only knee jerk reactions after any terrorist attack.
2) trying to get cheap political mileage after every such incident, resulting in blame game, but no substantive step is taken.
For example, this mindless talk about India behind lahore attack. How can any person in their right mind, without seeing any evidence talk like this. This defies all logic. All terrorists after attack, just walked around without any hurry and disappeared into thin air. Let’s wait,what investigators say.

How sad it is!!! Guests do not deserve bullets!! Look what this so called war on terror has brought to Pakistan!!!!

It’s truly a pity to hear such terror activities are happening everywhere, esp a lot in South Asia. Why can’t these youngsters who are misguided…think of advancing their country’s prospects? How could they be so non-patriotic?

I’m an Indian and we stand by Pakistani people on this sad event. There is a lot in common with Pak & Indian culture and sports. What do these terrorists gain by destruction/attacks? And finally they name it in the name of Allah. They will be punished in heaven finally in God’s court.

Pak and Indian Governments should stop blaming each other; Infact they should share intelligence and root out terrorism totally.

Police and investigative agencies – Wakeup and do your job the right way!!

It is sad to see innocent people die in terrorist attacks but this is the law of nature you cant escape it for a long time. These terrorists were used to make life hell for the people of Afghistan and India but now it is Pakistan’s turn.

What happened in Lahore is a symptom of a state in collapse and moral and intellectual bankruptcy of its rulers. While Pakistan entered the most crucial period of its survival fight NS along with his unelected bunch of politicians were planning their assault to further damage the country and bring it near to collapse and potential breakdown.

It was an accident waiting to happen. It was never a question of if, just a question of when.

Only thing I can say is — the accident happened without any loss of cricketers lives. Thank the God and move on.

As far as Pakistan is concerned — cricket should be secondnary in their minds, fix the situation there. Do whatever you have to do — and I mean whatever — to get rid of those fundamentals. And this will require the citizens of Pakistan a realistic assessment of the whole situation in the country and take action.

There are no good terrorists — so stop supporting them. I mean this is a country where Airline hijackers, Masterminds of major terrorists attacks all over the world roam around freely, and most of you all turn a blind eye to it. It is only a matter of time before they point the very same guns at you, which is what is happening right now.

The biggest worry at this point is that the perpetrators are still on the loose.

There are a number of possibilities as to who might have carried out this attack.
Taliban,foreign powers,Tamils, whoever it was, it was some group that got through our “tight security”,attacked a whole team and got away.
Pakistan is on fire these days. Before blaming any party we should see where we stand, and where do we see ourselves in 10-20 years. Unless we come up with a viable solution for this war on terror we have been fighting, we will be giving other forces in the region all the reasons they need to come in and exploit the situation.

Too bad, politcians are too busy in fights for their Posts now use this incident for themselves. Nawaz Shareef did not say a word. I know what will happen now…”NOTHING”. Where are the cluprits for Banazeer? No one even suspect for Karachi Bomb blast when she was returning. So India will get the blame and life goes on.

I am saddened by the news. I have lot of friends from Pakistan. Once I had a romemate from Pakistan and shared lot of stories from Pakistan. It is sad to hear that even sports are not being spared by these lawless entities within the countries. I have friends who don’t wast to visit there own country due to fear of terror. It appears that these groups are so powerful, have access to all sorts of weapons, cash and above all they control politicians. Unless there is a will within the political parties it will be absolutely impossible to get rid off.

Unless the public within Pakistan rise up and demand enough is enough, these politician will not do anything. These is so much corruption in the country. These groups have Military, ISI and politician and Government in their Pocket. They can buy anything with money or by force.

General Public have no security.. It is really sad. I wish all the best for the people of Pakistan. Please help these ordinary citizens to rise up and take their country back.

I don’t understand why the religious leaders are letting these people taking over their religion and government letting these group taking over their country. Sad Sad Sad.. Shame on the leaders of this county.

this is a work of politicians who lost power wanting to settle scores. Put blame on the ruling party and the Govt after doing the killing. I hope you all understand

Born 25 miles from Pakistan border in East Punjab in a Sikh family and living in USA, I always wished peace, prosperity and happiness for our entire Punjab. Things are not looking good at this time. The Lahore shooting on Lanka cricket team is very shocking but I am still hopeful of better days in the near future when I will visit Pakistan. Let all of us be part of the solution.

It is sad to see a country and its people with such potential had been hijacked by few fanatics. Its time for the government to use the IRON fist to crush this before it is to late.
Asghar Anwar USA

Cowardly attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket team speaks volumes of the madness going on in this part of the world.

This attack could have been catastrophic but for the bravery and presence of mind displayed by the bus driver Mohammad Khalil, who despite of coming under intense fire, sped the bus carrying the Sri Lankan team to safety. Also, the

In a country where 60 odd judges can be sent packing with stroke of a pen and an elected state government can be brought down by banning its leaders from holding elected office, shocking incidents like this should not be surprising at all.

An investment in CCTV (Close circuit TV) technology for all major cities in the metro areas is called for at this time. The technology will not prevent but will certainly discourage these mindless attacks. City of London has one the best leading edge CCTV systems in place after the terrorist attacks

Hi Nasir,

Post Mumbai attack/while it was still happening, the Indian government pointed the finger at LeT/Pakistan based terrorists, however they had some evidence, a beached inflatable boat, hijacked vessel etc . . besides Pakistan Govt finally was forced to accept that the plot was indeed planned by LeT.

Why is it that now, the Pakistani ministers are saying that since instance was carried by very trained people, hence, they argue, it has to be an outsider job (from India)… When there are highly trained and motivated terrorist organisations in Pakistan, who hold regular public rally, issue regular press conferences, on whom the government doesn’t issue any censorship, why doesn’t the establishment consider them as at least suspects???

Why is it that, the so called high level security accorded to the Sri Lankan team did not have any back up arrangements??? Thankfully the terrorists themselves decided to walk away rather than kill the stranded umpires/officials . .

The Mumbai attack was different in nature as highly trained terrorists went on rampage in area were there was virtually no security presence . . . but still the forces killed most and caught one alive . . Even then there were lots of political casualties, from Chief Minister of the State to the Interior Minister . .

Why isn’t there any acknowledgment of security lapse or acceptability of responsibility?? Aren’t people asking about those questions as well?

Are people raising the possibility of Pakistan Military/ISI operation to portray the failure of the civilian establishment to retake the administration??? After all none of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan has ever been investigated to even name suspect or at least an organisation.

Although I live in Canada but this event is really unfortunate. I am a cricket lover. I was glad when Sri Lanka took this bold step by coming to Pakistan when everyone refused to do so. Now my head is all bowed down in shame that we cant even provide security to our guest. I am sure that now no one will be coming to Pakistan in years to come. I just wish Sri Lankan squad a speedy recovery and appologise on behalf of my nation for this event.

I want to ask our religio-political leaders who can bring thousands of people out on the street to protest, where are you now,i guess cricket in particular and Pakistan in general, doesnt mean anything to you, just a formal regret and thats it. I ask Qazi Hussain and Nawaz sharif and Altaf hussain and Zardari, isnt it time to come out open to protest against those terrorists, look what the indians did after bombay attacks, they gathered in support of their city and people, to show solidarity. We all need to come out and show the terrorists that we are against them. People please come together, organize a peace march and tell them that cricket is our love and we will not allow you to take it away from us. People, shun those coward leaders who don’t come out and protest. Tell the imams in the mosques to that they need to condemn these acts from the mosques, 5 time a day. Please wake up people otherwise these terrorists will take away everything from us.

I am at loss of words to say anything,i just want to ask the guys who did that, dont you love cricket, isnt that our passion in Pakistan and around the world? what are you doing? just for a lil amount of money how can you kill and make millions of pakistanis loose the opportunity to see the game we love.just reflect back on you actions and cant you see what have you done to us.

Yet another set back for Pakistan. I don’t what government and law enforcement agencies are doing? We literally have suicide attacks and bomb blasts everyday all across Pakistan. The government seems helpless at the hands of terrorist. What we need right now is unity among all factions. Put our differences behind and stand up against terrorism and extremeism – That is the only way we can survive.

Our Pakistan is slowly dying…we have to think broadly and have long vision..which is not based on religion alone..but development with sharing and peace..let us be friendly with our neighbours and peace loving countries and people…only then peace, prosperity and happiness shall prevail..hatred and jealousy and religious bigotry with only bring division and misery..

Pakistan should now take steps to throw away terrorists from their country.Otherwise Pakistan will be finished and the whole world will be in danger.
Please wake up and save the world.Erradicate the fanatists !!

What are the rumour mills saying? Who is responsible? Why did the government turn down FBI’s offer to help?

It is very disappointing that again terror attack took place in Pakistan. Nothing new.
Thanks to the bravery of policemen who saved Sri Lankan Team and sacrificed own life.

But point is when all this will stop in Pakistan. all Pakistani need to come out of street with clean heart and say enough now. STOP supporting terror.

When terror attack takes place in other part of world, MAJORITY OF Pakistani people became happy inside but now they need to be clear themselves otherwise they will loose their identity in the world..

In a civilized society terrorism has no place, a good person, who ever it is either a christian , hindu or a muslim will not support such killings of innocent people. We should salute to the sincere police officers who laid their lives in thier service and ignore about the politicians.

The world of terrorism should realize that most of the world has become freedom loving. The violent approaches of the past will not accomplish any motive.

We must resolve the issues in a non-voilent way. The lobby of peace loving people that condemn the killing of the innocent people, has become stronger compared to past.

Shame Shame Lahore police.You have helped to put the last nail to the coffin of Pakistan Cricket.

You have to choose between tourism and terrorism buddy!

1st of all i want to say that Pakistan didn’t give any importance to most of sports in the country so now say byebye to all sports in Pakistan. Now we got only Ludo to play at home.

As you sow so do you reap. Is Pakistan reaping the results of nurturing terrorism and militancy.

i think whatever happened on 3/3 is not only an attack on the life on the brave city of Lahore but an attack on Pakistan…and i thought Lahore was safe…the only solution to these talibanised characters is to kill them wherever they are..so that they don’t turn up on civilized societies and impose their form of mindset.

Lahore attack is the most despicable incident I have ever seen because it preyed on the guests of the nation. The attackers couldn’t possibly be Muslims because they underscored one of the most important tenets of Islam – make your guest as comfortable as you can as a host. The Pak nation has to rise against this evil and deranged maniacs. We have become a laughing stock of the world. To the Pak government, all I can say is don’t hide your defiencies by saying all attacks are planned are delivered from India. Even so, it is a poor excuse. Your job to is catch culprits and that’s what has not been happening for a long time. If you do catch them, make punishments examplry.

AOA to All
I know this is tough time for us, we might have the feeling who did it or who is taking advantage of the situation (not rocket science), but we know for sure no Pakistani is capable of doing this. But above all this is the time for not only Lahore but whole Pakistan to stand together, so next time you see these so called terror attack do not run, face them. If our women can climb the buildings to raise the Pakistani flag, we can take these terrorists down right there and then, yes without a weapon.

As an American who has worked in Lahore and who might come there again, I am saddened by this senseless act. I enjoy Lahore, enjoy working with people there, and very much want Pakistan to succeed. I hope Pakistani people can stand up to terrorism and continue to work for a peaceful society for all.

Well , a deplorable incident . The Lahore mayhem may be an international conspiracy but it can also be by the extremist elements in Pakistan , who want to prevail on the whole Pakistani society . Well i have no words to condemn it . Even if it’s an international conspiracy , the local groups should be held responsible for and should be got rid off , who operate across the border, the ramifications are then bound to be felt. For this I hold Gen Zia responsible. He is the one who destroyed the Pakistani society and handed it over to these extremist elements. Now we are bound to put up with these. May God save Pakistan.

The army (defence) gets a majority proportion of the budget. So one should assume that Pakistanis should be able to live a life of peace at least!

Is there a religious angle ? to kill the Kafir

My fellow Indians and my neighbors. Let us all think and work in a manner to let these murderers not succeed in their motive of bringing hatred to each other, bring the two countries on the verge of war. We created two countries so that we can live peacefully. Let’s bring all those responsible, for Mumbai, Lahore and other terrorist attacks, to justice. I am sure we all can work on it and get rid of this fanaticism and radicalism.

These terrorist came with plan to create damage and loss of face for Pakistan and they succeeded in it. Imagine if an Indian team was visting and they were attacked and a few of them are killed. There would be a war, no doubt. Somebody must take some responsibilty. Some heads must roll

Would the authority wake up now? Pakistan needs to show that terrorists can be arrested, tried and punished.Or It is not only good bye to cricket but good bye to everything,investment jobs and what not.

I think Dawn should raise issue of how much each soldier’s family is been rewarded.
Pakistani government in compensation for each soldier killed has announced rs 500,000/ approx

After Lahore, People should force the government and military to get rid of islamic fundamentalism and hating non-Islamic cultures. This will give a breathing room young generations and they will bring the life to Pakistan.

By adding Kashmir into Pakistan would not add any value to the life for either Kashmiris or Pakistanis. All the cultural and religious and spiritual goals can be achieved without a bullet and without changing the maps.

The focus of Government , Military and people should be in violence free Pakistan.

This will further bring the peace to the world and fame to Pakistan.

Hello Mr. Nasir
To-day saw the clips of GEO tv on our Indian channels. The attackers seemed walking leisurely with their AK-47 after the attack and then escaping on a motor bike with someone waiting for them on the corner of a street very near to the site of attack. There is no body on the street but the traffic seems to be normal with other motorists driving by with out being concerned. Any comments from You.

This is war between evil Mullahs and Pakistanis.

I think leaders of both the countries India and Pakistan need to put the ego aside, stop blaming each other and work together to overpower this disease from whcih citizens of both India and Pakistan are not safe anymore.

Many in India have reacted to the Lahore attack as ‘Pakistan got taste of its own medicine’ or on similar lines. But as a concerned Indian, I feel both countries will have to face this monster named terrorism for quite some time in future. Your President has on one occasion said “We know we have this cancer among our midst” He is very right. The earlier the politicians on both sides start taking the issue seriously, the better for the people in this part of the world.

This is unfortunate event. Terrorism is engulfing every day normal life. I hope the Pakistani security forces get to the bottom of this, find, and punish real culprits. There is no place for mindless terrorism in a civil society. It is tragic that some in politacal circles are prematurely pointing fingers to India to cover their short comings.

Pakistan Police and security should be ashamed of themselves for not giving proper protections to their guests, they knew the dangers were lurking.

Also, I must add another thing, Pakistan Police chief and Intelligence chief must resign immediately. But such things dont happen in Pakistan. They will continue to do NOTHING. Talking about incompetency …

As an admirer of Lahore and Lahoris from the other side, felt sad after hearing the news.
On reading your blog, felt relieved that people have not been swept by the opinions and expressions of politicians.
Finally, curious to know how come a video camera could capture footage?

In these days of struggle in Pakistan, we Indians commiserate with our next door brethren. Let us hope that this bad phase for the country soon passes. Here’s hoping for peace, justice, egalitarianism, tolerance, prosperity and democracy in Pakistan. No more military rule or Taliban influence- let’s save the rich culture and liberal Islam of Pakistan. The success of political governance is crucial at this hour, may they have the good sense and will to navigate Pakistan out of this downward spiral.

I think Salman Taseer, Rehman Malik, Sherry Rehman, Ch. Mukhtar etc. etc. should be replaced with more sober people and let Gilani take the charge so that some sanity could return to our country.

Pakistan is fast heading to becoming a failed state like Somalia. The people of Pakistan must not be frightened of these terrorists and pander to them by signing treaties to appease them. They will destroy your country. What is the point in blaming India? This self denial and readiness to blame everyone else is part of the problem. Someone has to show courage and leadership and overcome these terrorists and not be frightened of them. Wake up Pakistan and reclaim your country from these idiots.

Pakistan insulted Sri Lanka with this level of security…
With the entire harp that Pakistan made and ridiculed India on the security apparatus in Mumbai, does this attack on an invited team not look stage managed? With 12 to 15 people moving about as if they had come for a picnic onto a busy roundabout go undetected and then manage to kill eight armed policemen and then move within the market streets as if the area was specifically kept clear for them says a lot. A horde of arms and ammunition along with dry fruits kept behind intentionally also tells a lot. Either Pakistan admits that it was stage managed or they have the worst security apparatus on earth is now well illustrated. Could they not kill or injure some of these amateurish looking henchmen. . who have really tried to imitate the Mumbai attackers. Pakistan seems to be a universal studio with so many non state and now state actors.

It is so frustrating that the educated class are sitting on there butt and not taking active part in demonstrating agianst there rights as Pakistani to live in free and safe enviorment.. Where are those educated and civilzed class of Pakistan why are the taking this all lying down.. The can have long march for some judges that got there butt kicked out of a job but nobody can march for those Pakistani whow want to live with there families in there country with peace and dignity.. WAKE UP OH THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN AND FIGHT FOR RIGHTS…

Sri Lankan cricketers and the people of Sri Lanka please accept my apology for the incident and I think that the government should offer a public apology as well. It is the least we can do.

You wanted to remove Musharraf and bring back the old croons who looted this country for years. Well, this is what you get! I don’t think Pakistani are educated enough to vote in their country. They don’t know what’s good for them and shouldn’t be allowed to vote or protest for any Govt. positions.

It is an unfortunate day for all Pakistanis, I don’t take sides in the political debate, but it paints a sorry picture for our collective conscience. When a political leader gets an adverse judgment it takes only a few hours for his supporters to come onto the streets and torch cars and businesses belonging to innocent Pakistanis. While it has been a no. of years when these terrorists have been defacing our religion and we have not seen a single demonstration from the Pakistani civil society condemning these ignorant mullahs and their lashkars.
The first step in solving a problem is acknowledging that there is one, but without an investigation there are people in the media that want to blame other countries for this. As they say “The chickens have come to roost”. The pakistani government supported at times by other powers actively supported these illiterate and ignorant mullahs to support insurgencies in Afghanistan and Kashmir, we produced a generation of people that did not know how to do anything but fight with weapons and now we are in a on again off again half-hearted attempt to rein these elements in.
We have seen many “peace agreements” collapse and still we haven’t woken up from our sub acha hai sleep, within a week the latest “peace agreement” with the Mullah in Swat is showing cracks, with kidnappings and killing of Journalists by the terrorists. When will we realize that these “Peace treaties” are just attempts of demoralized Taliban to regroup and re accumulate weapons when they are on the defensive.
The popular media is also to blame, whenever anything bad happens the media is quick to point to an angle however slant and distorted that the government or the security forces engaging the extremists are at fault. And when it is clearly the work of these terrorists they paint over the barbaric acts, to lessen the gross factor and somehow justify the actions.

The politicians are coming out with the usual excuses and describing that the Sri Lankan team were promised and received ‘Presidential Level’ security. I heard this line yesterday from the High Comissioner to UK on TV News. Also we heard comments from another that India was behind this attack.

Will the Pakistani people swallow these lies yet again? The politicians in Pakistan serve no ones interest but them selves this we know . The country is at war , and in the time of war we need a leader who knows how to fight a war , Come back Musharraf all is forgiven. I knew Zardari was bad news but I could never have imagined it could get this bad this quickly.

Never in my life I felt so ashamed and sad when I saw the morning news on local BBC about assault on Sri Lankan cricket team. The people of Lahore known for their hospitality must be feeling very ashamed. No Pakistani would have ever expected for terrorist to strike on the most favorite game which loved almost 2nd to the religion. Its hard to imagine the shame and disgrace these terrorists have brought on all the cricket loving people. I sincerely hope the politicians will stop bickering about who gets which ministership and focus on getting Pakistan out of this turmoil.

Indians on this forum sympathising with pakis shame on you. these are the same guys who planned numerous attacks on us and are still blaming us for the recent attacks. its just a show by them to garner sympathy. are you so dumb to realise that not a single terrorist was killed or captured at the scene. just take figures into account, in 26/11 we lost 300 ppl because of pakis, let alone all the other attacks by these cowards and you come here and sympathise. have you no shame left in you.

My concerns and worries arise for Pakistan now – my sympathies. I am also worried for my own country as cricket will not be the same in India too – lot more security would now have to be provided.
Pardon me for ignorance – but what is the voting age in Pakistan – it must be made 18+ (if it is not) as youngsters will more open for new political experiments with new parties and people.

I am ashamed to call my self a Pakistani. I live in the USA and each day my American friends ask me something about my country which is negative. When will all this change? I sincerely hope the government and the people do something fast.

I’ve read through most of these comments and I can’t believe what I’m reading. Pakistan has a militant, Taliban, terrorist problem and no on especially wants to talk about it as far as I can see.

They seem to want to isolate Pakistan, to have you regarded as a terrorist state around the world,

and eventually take all of Pakistan. After all, there are Pakistan’s nuclear weapons to think about – or not?

The day of the attack. 3/3/09, a sequence of
numbers that won’t show up again for thirty years.

Isn’t this playing with numbers an al Qaeda sort of thing?

When will we all just wake up…

I want such things conducted frequently by the culturally superior Pakistanis to prove the world. My yesterday’s comments was not published by this Jinnah founded newspaper. The day is not far off when the public and the political parties will invite India to rescue them from their Army and of course from the religion imported from Saudi Arabia.

i questioned myself… is Pakistan a failed state?

What peace deal? Criminals negotiating with Criminals – that peace deal?

Oh by the way fellow “muslims” according to sharia cricket is unislamic so we have allowed Sharia so now why are we surprised about this act? did we not read the Sharia Law before we signed the “peace” deal with the murderers? Or maybe we cant read as the schools are all blown up?

Now is it time to cut another peace deal with murderers and maybe impose sharia in Lahore as well? It will make things better right? Maybe we can request the terrorists to exclude cricket from Sharia for a certain sum of money.

Wake up Pakistan!!

This is a sad day. I salute the brave policemen and the heroic Sri Lanka Team to come to Pakistan against all odds.

Shameful for Pakistan and how do we reward these brave soul’s but cutting peace deals with terrorists and criminals.

May I say why are we all so surprised now since we have Sharia now and I believe cricket is not allowed in Sharia right?

Planner of such atrocity could’nt have picked a worse time as all the fingers are pointing in just one direction, and to further make it obvious comments from our neighbors are boldly saying “guess who did it”.
I feel a lot speaks of our disjointed leadership, of which everyone is taking advantage of.

Nasir–You know its well documented in the international community that the terrorist in Pakistan – don’t exist without the blessing of some fringe intelligence agencies or politicans.

do you think this incident will make the central govt take a more aggresive stance or what I personally think — give it 2 more weeks and everybody will forget this happened. It’s just a part of the sad life and times in pakistan.

I am sorry Sri Lanka!.I want the head of the Governor of Punjab(you were suppose to safeguard the pride of the nation not endorse civilian martial law in Punjab to make a breeding ground for these terrorist events), people who were ignorant to analyse the ground realities here in Pakistan (head of security officials.) Head of the ministers who failed to provide the promised security,heads of all those who committed this crime, funded it, masterminded it ,all elements who directly or indirectly the one for this dark day in our history and provided the slap on our faces and pride which was barely hanging by the thread.

I want to clear the air: Taliban does not represent Pakistan militarily, politically, culturally or even traditionally. Nor were we the only sole owner of it

the only thing that matters is that the whole episode has happened and that also in the heart of lhr…no excuse as to terrorist being well trained or having foreigner hand in it can make the authorities less accountable (I felt so strange that Indians were satisfied when their authorities shrug off the responsibility by pointing fingers at pakistan in mumbai attacks)…there has been lapse of security and that is the only truth..there was no back up plan

Hi Nasir

When Mumbai was attacked we the people took the lead and had peaceful candlelight vigils to express our solidarity behind the human beings and take the pledge to defeat the terrorism, you must try to do the similar kind of thing in Lahore as it will help to rejuvenate the mood on the street.

Hello Nasir,

I am an Indian who reads Dawn regularly. happened to see your blogs. Why cant we all stand together and prosper ?? why do we want to fight in the name of some materialistic things where we cant take any of these when God calls us to Him ? why cant we think about starting a movement or something like that to unite the two brothers – India n Pakistan ??

so Nasir should we be thinking that Gov let them go free to scare ordinary people to go out and protest for the free judiciary? After all this is Gov’s responsibility to protect its citizens, if it fails to do so, then who is to blame?? I dont see any patching up by these two. even if they resolve issues lawyers will go on with their long march and sit-in, so should we fear something worst in coming days (GOD FORBID)

Nasir,

Thanks for your response. I assume the fact that the gunmen are still out there may scare some of the people away from Mr. Sharif’s march.

It would be great if Mr Zardari and Mr Sharif could work together!

International cricket will not be returning back to Pakistan for a very long time now. Even if government succeed in arresting those criminals, the lives lost and embarrassment faced by Pakistanis all over the world can’t be repaid, We might live without international cricket but with humiliation, and ashamed souls, i don’t think so!! I’m sure this must be a hard and embarrassing day for most of Pakistanis working abroad, I had a hard day sadly.

Thank you, Shyema, for the giving me the opportunity. I think people are angry because the authorities have failed them many a time in the past; they are frustrated because they don’t see any improvement in the situation in the foreseeable future. But will they come out on to the streets? I dont think so.

Nasir, thanks again for joining us and for your time. As we end our discussion here, can you tell us what can we expect in the days to come? Should we expect the anger and frustration pouring out on the streets or more tension..?

I think that story has fizzled out, to a large extent…

Thanks Nasir, I do believe youngsters both in India and Pakistan want a good life of peace and harmony with neighbours.

It is the misled among these that we have to worry about, A larger movement is required from the Peace loving Muslims to reach out to people and educate them on the true tenets of Islam… Just my feelings… A concerned Indian neighbour

No, not really. Although some Lahoris interviewed by our TV channels suggested that, and many of our analysts, newspaper columnists and politicians tried to sell the attack on the Lankan team as a retaliation by the Indians, but they could not convince many or stir anti-India feelings on a large scale.

Condolences to all those killed. I was in Lahore last year and I am very saddened by such a beautiful city being caught up in this senseless violence

Nasir, Is this attack stirring anti-India feelings in the average Lahore resident?

Leslie, No, not at all. Our youngsters are normal people. They love all good things in life. How can a terrorist inspire them? They have better role models to follow. The tuesday raid appeared to bear some striking similarities to the Mumbai attacks, but it is premature to say whether it was the work of the same people or the Lahore attackers were copycats. We dont know yet. Maybe the police probe is able to find an answer to this question in the days to come.

Now the second part of your question, Anita: I think it is not wise to talk on a hypothesis. Although the PMLN says they would have successfully foiled the attack had their government not removed, who knows?

No terrorist attack of this scale took place when Shahbaz Sharif was chief minister. But it is no guarantee that this one wouldn’t have happened either.

First about resignations. I dont think we have a tradition of ministers or officials accepting their responsibility in the past whether it is a railway accident or collapse of a newly-constructed overhead bridge or terrorism. So I don’t expect any one from the government resigning for their failure to protect the Lankan cricketers and letting the attackers slip away without any problem.

Copycat Mumbai ?? Are Pakistani youngsters inspired by it ??

Would the resignation of officials in the board or even the Punjab government really help in any way? Would this attack have been possible if Shahbaz was in charge?

It is premature to say that. Lahore and some other cities of Punjab voted for Nawaz Sharif in the last year’s elections. Now Nawaz is supporting, or should I say leading the long march… it all depends on his ability to mobilise his supporters and voters in Lahore and other parts of the province for the march.

The attack on the Lankans will not keep those away from the long march who want to join it.

Pakistani government in compensation for each soldier killed has announced rs 500,000/ approx

Looks like a drama to divert the Nawaz and Zardari Tussel.

How might this attack impact the long march… will security fears keep people away?

Also the PML-N claims that the incident would not have taken place had its government not been removed. But i have my doubts that the incident happened largely because of lethargic attitude of police and their performance could not have deteriorated in a few days of governor’s rule. But at the same time i must clarify that we cannot support governor’s rule in any province when the assemblies are intact and when there was no crisis.

Yes they are but to some extent. There haven’t been any protest on this account. Actually the incident has been used by the PML-N to allege that the PPP was more focused on breaking away its legislators in the Punjab assembly to win over their loyalties for forming its own government in the province.

Are people angry with the Punjab Government and PML-N for tussling over politics at the expense of security? Have there been any protests of sort?

What is your sense, who these terrorists might be?

Or is it just a case of copycat? Some young people trying to copycat Mumbai?

Rauf, it was cordoned off, but for only a few hours. I think that is a change, for good. If you remember, police washed the area and evidence in no time after Benazir Bhutto was slain in Rawalpindi in Dec 2007. But I agree that they should have taken care to place cordon around the area to collect evidence but at the same time we should remember that police are not trained for following the criminals on the basis of evidence.

It is either wild luck or some informer that leads punjab police to the criminals.

Sajid, Lahoris are very resilient people. They have never let such events to interrupt their lives in the past, nor would they in future. The street cricket is an integral part and parcel of lahori life and I dont think our boys can be cowered by the terrorists.

It is just a flawed security situation. I would like to Thank the Sri Lankan cricket team and authorities who spoke well of Pakistan security after being hit by this.

I would like to ask one question. The attackers were walking like they knew they are not being watched and they knew they wont be hit and would run away. Is this some kind of game being played with the ambassadors of peace?

The attack on the Lankans is of a quite different nature and is part of the series of attacks lahore experienced a year ago and which are going on in other parts of the country.

I dont think, and we should hope so, that this event will not change the urban culture of the city. Lahore is very proud of its liberal and progressive cultural traditions and people will not let any one spoil it.

Any word on why the area leading up to the Gaddafi Stadium was not cordoned off as is the standard procedure?

I dont think the yesterday’s terror attack was in any way related to the WPAF. that took place, if I am not wrong, in November.

We saw a couple of crackers fired a day before its conclusion but that was the work of some rightist people campaigning against what they understand as obsenity.

In Pakistan, everywhere you see boys playing cricket on the streets. Is it still happening? What I really mean to ask is that is there a spirit of defiance of what the terrorists did among Lahori boys?

This attack comes soon after the attack on the World Performing Arts Festival. How do you think Lahore’s urban culture will change in coming months?

Why has the India bashing started immidiately? How can people jump to such conclusions. Do Lahoris also feel that India might be responsible?

Everybody in the neighbourhood heard the explosion of rocket launchers. How come the police didnt?

There is a mixed feeling about the possibility of the actual attackers getting arrested… many are sceptical because it is difficult to understand why no reinforcement reached the place despite the fact that Gulberg police station is located just a few minute’s walk from there.

It is difficult to say if the actual attackers will be arrested or not.
But police are making an effort and claiming some progress. So we would have to wait for some time to see the outcome of the investigation.

Are the people feeling somewhat confident that the actual attackers will be caught or do we see the general state of apathy again?

That also shows that all or majority of the attackers could have been Punjabi.

The government has also reproduced the images of two assailants in the newspapers and announced a reward of Rs10 million or $1250000 for those who could provide the authorities some information on the attackers.

Police are hunting for the gunment across punjab and our sources tell us that they have detained a number of people.

At least two people are stated to have been arrested from Rahim Yar Khan a town bordering Sindh. According to police the two mobile sims that the attackers left while they made their escape good were registered in their names.

And what is the status like on the investigations? Is the stadium area still sealed?

Well there is a kind of fear or you may call apprehensions. That is natural when you have 12 or 14 terrorists who had left behind large cache of arms and ammunition and were able to slip away unhindered. The general feeling is that some of them might still be somewhere in the city.

When and where do they turn up next, nobody knows.. so that was one of the factors which compelled many parents to keep their children at home for a day or two. But i would still say that the people of Lahore took the whole episode very bravely.

How are the Lahoris reacting to how none of the attackers were caught yesterday?

But at the same time we saw people putting up a large portrait of a traffic cop, Tanvir Iqbal, who was also killed in the shootout with the assailants.

There are fewer people on the streets today, traffic is thinner than usual, school attendance dropped significantly.

People were actually shaken by the nasty turn that the final test betwen Sri Lankans and Pakistan took after the terrorist attack on the guests’ convoy.

Hi Shyema: the mood in lahore is quite sombre and it is not unexpected after
yesterday’s gruesome events.

Hello Nasir, thank you for joining us at Dawn.com. What can you tell us about the mood on the streets of Lahore right now?