Why are they fighting the Taliban?. We created the Taliban and we recognized the Taliban Government in Afghanistan. . Let us recall how America betrayed our trust after the defeat of Russia in Afghanistan. Today our govt. is partnering with America against our brothers. No wonder people call our government spineless. We keep borrowing money and the group “Friends of Pakistan” is a joke. In a recent meeting with FOP they acted like the IMF.

All these troubles because we have a spineless government and its short sighted policies.

Let us not fight the Taliban. They are our brothers. Remember the whole internal war started after the raid on the Lal Masjid.

I am a Pushtun and am absolutely disgusted with the article in general and its heading in particular. With sentiments like this good luck in fighting the Taliban!

We can not accept all the terms ordered by Islamists. The world can not digest severe human right voilations like flogging of women, amputation of limbs, legitimising honor killing of women from their husbands, jehads from non muslim neibours,burning home for not attending the mosques etc. simply that its the part of Sharia

First, to all outsiders; Lay Off. Keep your sympathies and advices. We are one and inshallah will overcome these hickups just as in the past.

And to our country men/women. Long before Partition, Indians crafted this derogatory word ‘Pathan’ which means decoit. Please avoid this. Racism cost us 1971.

Dont blame the writer. Change your perceptions. Dont make Pushtoons Persona Non-Grata. And let me tell you that it is the establishement that has exploited Pukhtoons’ traditions, culture, bravery, and simplicity. You have made him Taliban. Please stop living in fools paradise of Greater Pakistan. Save the one you have.

you have already lost half. Repeating the same mistake will make you more unsafe for Pukhtoon is not Bengali. He is your next door unavoidable neighbour.

By love you can pursuade him to hell and by force you cannot even take him to paradise.

Please raise your voice against those that ‘mislead’ us.

If you still dont understand, read or watch Habib Jalib on youtube.

How do you look at Talibans organising a fashion show in Black viel for women in cities of Pakistan to improve their image in the event and collect funds for helping the needy (or vested interests in making hay while sun shines!!!)in the rural areas?

The sentiments/views/concerns expressed by the citizens of pakistan can be channeled into productive use only if the top political leadership is dead serious to solve the issues and initiate moves to build confidence and trust in the people. Any momentum starts only when the leader gets into action first and lead the crowd from the front. Mere announcements is no good. Actions are the need of the hour.

racism leads to voilence, and thats what ur doing

Well I do not know , why and how people are inspired from western democracy . I just advise them to study Islamic history especially time of four Khalips. You people will find that what is democracy where any ask any thing to head sate even about his personal life. Non Muslim Were part of the Muslim army even there were non Muslim commander leading the Muslim army. Well I just say that we people who lives in Pak and India we think narrow about our religion . that difference feel any one who have been here in gulf .In my point of views some tradition what we have from centuries just following or given cover of religion . like nowadays our so-called Taliban who are trying enforce the their tribal values in the name of Islam.

This racial slur does not auger well for Pakistan. I condemn the heading of this article.

karachi is capital of sindh but different ethnic factions fight for their own interests. is this fair to sindh, we didn’t want the city to be divided between sindh,mohajor ,punjabi,pathan ,bihari,bangli, etc. why so much disturbance in sindh??/

Pashtun is the name of bravery,tradition,honour,hospitality and respect.This is a racist article.

Being pathan, I am appaulled by the story of a “pathan” running into the mall and considered as a suiside bomber. This is just so disgusting for someone to think that way. I am just so offended by the whole story and the racism that will go to this height in my country against us is just ridiculous.

I think Pakistan is going through a period of hightened emotions these days and the air or mistrust is all around. In such a situation using a title which can hurt the feelings of our fellow countrymen should have been avoided. Pathans are a proud people and has a rich history. We should respect it. This Taliban phenomena is a recent blot on the pashtoon culture and we must not mix the two. These Talibans have killed more pathans than any other community. They bombed the shrine of the revered pashtoon sufi saint Rehman Baba. I am not a pathan but an Urdu speaking Pakistani and found the title of the article really offensive even though it was used in a lighter tone.

Some very good comments from a number of Pakistanies near and far. Would also like to thank the Indian friends for valuable suggestions and sincere well wishes – hope our generation see the sub-continent achieve an ‘European Union’ like setup with real democracy, freedom of speach, religious practice and movement.

Comments against MQM were really unwanted – but perhaps their open opposition to the religious parties, Talibans and the Nizam-e-Adl has really disturbed some people. For that trust no one else can take the blame as the recent voilance is also stirred to push the party on the back foot and teach them a lesson.

We Indians are with Pakistanis to root out this menace once and for all!

We should have a world where every morning we think of the beautiful day ahead with friends / family and thinking of sports / movies / dance / humanities instead of having to worry about these anti-human elements and having to live under constant threat.

We are certainly against Taliban and their brutal act of violence and disrespect for humanity. Killing of innocent people and forcing self-made Islamic principals under cover of Islam is purely Haraam. They should better read & understand the message given by our Prophet (MPBUH). Taliban is like cancer for our society eroding tolerance and promoting arm culture. If our youth get united against then I am sure it would be a big blow for Taliban, we need to tell them that we are against them & do not support their criminal activities.

Dear all, please be sure that Taliban is a big reality and they can disturb state laws and state system if they are allowed to organize. What we have to do is discourage their way of Islam and instill true Islamic values instead. God Bless Pakistan.

My mother used to say back in the 70’s that her mother used to say “Pakistan is pak (clean) of everything good” and today I realize it that how politically correct she was.

We are living in an entirely different Pakistan, wrecked by violence and bloodshed. Tariq is probably living in Utopia… Visiting Pakistan only once in two years, or so, can not give you the flavour of the present day society we can hardly breathe in… Understanding the existing Pakistan is not hard…It only requires one to be around to see how and what the common folks put in to be living the natural life span… Mahmood

@Isha
I grew up in Pakistan and in my younger years (not too long ago) I talked a lot against some Islamic principles I had a problem with. No one ever shot me. Even now, when I visit Pakistan every two years or so, I ask a lot of hard questions all the time from people from all walks of life, but haven’t been beaten up or shot dead yet. I know some people in Jamia Ashrafia, Lahore and other such institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and I even ask them tough questions. Yes, the Mullas themselves. They always answer very politely and try to explain things in as much detail as they can with as much patience as one can have. I am still alive as you can probably tell. On TV, I also see all those so called journalists and analysts and experts and alikes always saying things about Islam that Mullas would probably not like to hear or would have a serious problem with, but so far I haven

Come on guys

Just live the life big. If earth flip flops all so called Taliban, Muslims, Hindus, Pakistanis, indians US jewsm Christians, Sikhs, Israelis, Palestinians all become no more. So stop thinking about Taliban and all other things live whatever way you want. Taliban and all these extremists don

@ Akbar from USA,
Exactly its called freedom of speech which is the liberty given in non-muslim democracies. Dare and say any word against Islam in any Muslim country and you wont see the light of day. Its the freedom of these democracies that ppl like u enjoy and then support the organization that are hell bent on destroying it!! U should be thrown out of USA ASAP!

Saf says:
April 26th, 2009 at 23:52

Zakir Khan says:
April 25th, 2009 at 19:12

Hi Zali,

I guess you fail to see the humor in the title. The author is trying to outline a rather grim situation in a humorous way – Just because a Pathan ran into a building, we assume he is a terrorist.

It was in fact this title that drew me to this article.

I believe that while we take it for granted that we are all tolerant since we are educated, we do not act so. This is evident with attacks of “Akbar from Utah”.

All that gentleman is saying is :-

1. Islam is tolerant and protects right of non muslims. I am not a born Muslim but I assume that for a religion with more than a billion followers, this is factually true.

2. Taliban has implemented a harsh version of Islam in their region. This is a fact.

3. Muslim scholars must get together to implement proper Islamic laws in Pakistan.

The last point is up for debate and this is what the discussion should be about. I do not agree with this view because I believe in separation of religion and state but I do support Mr. Akbar’s right to hold this view. I saw some posts offering other solutions too and this solution should be treated the same.

His holding this view does not give us a right to make personal attacks on him suggesting why does he not live there. He is not even saying that Taliban is right.

We must focus on the issue as raised in the article – all Pakistanis are living in fear. This article is simply outlining incidents to support this view.

It is trying to point people to the fact that being paralyzed with fear, we are willing to believe all rumors, do not check facts and instead of getting together to fight this curse, we just indulge in propagating rumors as shown by the ladies in Karachi.

I believe this oppression by religion is just another form of colonialism and must be fought by the same tools that Jinnah and Gandhi used and later used again so effectively by MLK.

Our biggest enemy so far has been the idea of life after death. Every one in this country is over obssessed by this idea. Every-body is so concerned about life after death. No body takes care of life on this earth. The result is simple. We have turned this country into an intolerable place.
Except for a few liberals, every one in this country is too religious. Every one has an interpretation of the religion. Every one wants to impose upon every other his or her own interpretation. The result being we have turned this country into a battleground for sectarianism unleashing rampant bloodshed and carnage all around us.
Space is limiting for the few liberals. I wish to live my own life with the condition that your life is not interfered. This doctrine does not have much room in this country now. Taliban’s main emphasis is upon beard and veil. They are never heard raising voice against fuedalism or sardari nazam in this country. They never talk of land reforms or fair distribution of wealth. They can always be seen unleashed against common men in this country who are forced to grow bears and keep thier women behind veils. We see them flogging innocent women. But they can never be seen lashing a sardar or feudal lord for inflicting oppressive system upon the innocent people of this country.

Zakir Khan says:
April 25th, 2009 at 19:12

“I have not an iota of doubt that Taliban will be contained and defeated as they have got zero public support.”

Lets be pragmatic and set our priorities straight.

You know its not true, and just pure rhetoric, when you say the Taliban have got zero public support. Just read these forums. Clearly you’re not paying attention to the sympathizers around and people who pass remarks and excuses that lean toward religious Wahabi extremism in our social circles.

Hey!That was a very unthoughtful title. Just because someone clad in his native outfit entered the building was labeled a ‘Pathan terrorist’

The majority of humanity has come to the realization that religion and politics should not be mixed and that it is not right for a State to define religion or take sides in religious matters. It is time the Muslim world come to terms with this philosophy.

I would also strongly caution against regressing into the argument of who does or does not represent true Islam since it is this thinking that has created the problem in the first place i.e. each individual or group trying to define what ‘true’ Islam is

Liaquat Ali Khan, via the objective resolutions introduced in 1948, with its refrences to the Quran & Sunnah later included in the constitution, opened up this pandora

Not sure what this writer is trying to say.

It is befudling to read commets like that from Akbar from Utah. An individual sitting in a place with all rights guaranteed preaching Sharia to those in the line of fire. Well, Akbar from Utah since you are so bent upon preaching Taliban Sharia how come you don’t move to the Swat region? Pakistan and Pakistani’s are suffering enough, spare us such talk!

I have not an iota of doubt that Taliban will be contained and defeated as they have got zero public support.
Karachi biggest problem right now is MQM.military need to check the advances of this ‘political party’ in Karachi and the grave danger it pose to this metropolis.

People like Akbar are Hippocrates. I know them very well as I my self have lived in US for 16 years. They like American dollars but don’t like secularism or democracy. If they like Talibanic Islam, why don’t they come here. They take pride that they live in West but are against their system. They don’t want to come to Pakistan because there is no electricity here. They actually face identity crisis.They will criticize Pakistanis and our politicians but don’t do anything to contribute to the society.

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08

“Pakistan should not act as a slave and make its army fight their own brethren in NWFP or FATA. The attack in the inner cities such as suicide bombing etc is in the retaliation of the killings done by the army in those areas. It

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08

“Anyone who says the rights of non-muslims are not protected in Islamic Sharia is totally ignorant of the glorious Islamic history and needs to take Islamic history 101 course.”

There’s a difference between Islamic history and Pakistani political-Islamic history. Extremists Salafists/Wahabis/Deobandis weren’t controlling the world and there were many liberal knowledge inspired Muslims back then. There’s the unjust Hudood ordinance, women abuse, discrimination of minorities and sectarian intolerance, etc, are just some of the things hiding in our Pakistani hearts done hypocritically in the name of religion, and get away with it.

Also realize Islamic Sharia needs to be implemented by good people. There have been many abuses and plunder by so called Muslim kings on both Muslims and non-Muslims, but are unwittingly labeled as ‘good Islamic’ rulers. A prime example being Aurangzeb that did many intolerant things yet claimed to be religious.

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08

“Pakistan is a muslim country and Islamic laws of Shariah that protects both muslims and non-muslims should be applied to all parts of the country.”

Pakistan is a Muslim country, yes, but it wasn’t created to be an Iranian style theocracy. This wasn’t Jinnah’s vision.

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08

“If you do not like the harsh interpretation of Taliban than the best option is for the Govt to use the Islamic resources and qualified Islamic scholars to put together correct form of Islamic Shariah and abolish all forms of secular laws and judiciary system that the country inherited from the colonial rule of the British.”

The government interpretation of our ‘Islamic’ Hudood Ordinance is messed up and really not Islamic Don’t even get me started on how the blasphemy law is abused.

The Judiciary is flawed and corrupt, yes, and I want an overhaul too. But scraping it is naive. We need a system. Not courts being run on dogmatic whims. Consider how Pakistani Muslim scholars are still illiterate and behind the times on things such as Stem Cells, Cloning, Copyrights and other new ethical issues its folly to bring them in. Just because someone can scream Allah’s name the loudest or regurgitate Verses and Hadith doesn’t mean they have high ethics or intelligence without obvious practices of fairness and ‘Aql’ (intelligence). Unless I see a hint of that, you can’t be seriously supporting a change yet.

What is the ‘correct’ Shariah form? Right there is a clash in interpretation.

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08

“This is the reason country has seen injustice, crimes, immorality such as world infamous gang-rapes (Mukhtaran Mai stories and the likes), social and moral corruption of the youth. What have the country

Akbar, Utah USA says:
April 24th, 2009 at 8:08
comment-top

“Taliban are no devils. Watch what you say. It is time that Pakistanis change their ways of life and follow Islam. Taliban have implemented Sharia in a harsh way. But what has Pakistan not seen before: dictatorship, corruption, feudalism, hooliganism by corrupt leaders, secular laws??”

How are the Mormons treating u, Akbar? Are they forcing you to accept their religious brand at gun point? Because the Taliban sure are doing it to ALL Pakistanis who don’t follow their twisted interpretation.

Taliban aren’t saints, by blowing up a Sufi shrine, blowing up Masjids, blowing up funerals, attacking a church and targeting Shia Muslims. Harsh? I don’t know, the Saudis and the Iranis are ‘harsh’. These guys are more like…oops I should watch my words, wouldn’t want my tongue get cut off because of a difference of opinion.

We’ve seen dictatorship, corrupt leaders, etc. And you know what? We didn’t like them and guess what…we don’t like this either. So, NO, this isn’t acceptable.

Akbar, Utah USA,
Really surprised that people (educated?) like you talk like people, who use to talk few hundred generations ago. Still in illusions? First we are humans, give the values to the human life, then give the importance the country, where you born (nationalism), then next in line is religion, which give you peace of mind(if you fallow properly). Think what you can do to make humans happy around you, then think what you can do to your country. I mean how can you improve your country by doing some kind of service. Do you think Suicide bombing culturing is Islamic? Do you think Beheading the people is Islamic? Do you think flogging the girls, restricting the women as they are not human being is Islamic?

Do you have mother and sisters in your family? Sit with them, ask them what they are thinking about. If they are not known what is happening in your home land, then explain them or ask them to read the news. Then ask about their opinion. If my kids talks like this, I never and never accept, I will explain them and try to convenience them. That

Hey Dudette – Joy:

Didn’t European nations travelled to the Asia and Africa, occupied and blundered its resources. Were they invited? So according to your understanding these Europeans had right to occupy America and annihilate the native Indian population but now people from other lands do not have the right to stay in America or Europe? What kind of logic is that?

Everyone is entitled to analyse the situation in their country regardless of where they live. It’s called free speech.

I am sure you are familiar with this famous limerick written by Anon:

“There was a young lady of Niger
Who smiled as she rode on a tiger;
They returned from the ride
With the lady inside,
And the smile on the face of the tiger.”

Any guesses who is the Tiger?

To
Akbar Utah (US),
Why are you living in US if you prefer Taliban rule in Pakistan? Thoughts of people like you does more harm to Pakistan than Taliban/US/India. Yes it is and Islamic State mindset is responsible for Pakistan’s destruction. Secular democracy is the way to go. Show me the single example in the world where religion successfully governs the country with freedom. Religion is not meant to run the country. Islam is a great religion as in India we have more Muslims (Shia and Sunnis) than Pakistan and live peacefully and progessing slowly but steadily along with other faith.

Akbar from Utah USA is trying to implement Shariah in Utah USA as well . Beware of such Akbars in USA and Europe. If allowed, they will implement Sharia in USA as well.

Every state in our region needs to understand and internalize the European (and Afghan and African) lesson, which has been learned after innumerable massacres and the destruction of their populations, cities, heritage and national treasures. There must only be one government, one power, one military, one justice system in charge. There are dozens of groups in our area (Maoists, Hindu groups, Taliban, tribal groups, regional groups, etc) who try to set up parallel structures. Every one of them wants to take control and provide a “cleaner,” “less corrupt,” “purer,” “more ethical” system. They never do. Never, ever. They start off by murdering their opponents, and they sustain power by murdering everyone that disagrees with them. And, in the end, it all boils down to a handful of strongmen. They are all dictatorial cults in disguise. Oppression, conflict and death follow anytime they are able to seize control anywhere.

The government of Pakistan is lawfully established. It is the only legal government. It should have a legal monopoly on the use of violence (that is how states are defined). If someone is to be hanged or an international arrangement to be made or a war to be started or a nuclear test to be conducted – the government and only the government should be able to do it.

The history of our subcontinent for 5000 years is that when central units fall, decades or centuries of misery and infighting, and open interference and colonization by external powers, follows. And there is usually a cascade effect. If Pakistan fails, India, Bangladesh, etc will all feel a domino effect and sink together. We are tied together, whether we like it or not. This is way too dangerous and cannot be allowed to happen. This is the kind of process that leads to millions of deaths down the line.

It really doesn’t matter who did what and when. Today, Pakistanis must close ranks and be united, regardless of ethnicity. One government, one army, one nation, one system, one parliament, one state, one law. Zero tolerance for anyone who tries to setup parallel systems – religious or separatist or militant or whatever.

I can’t believe things have come to this point, but it is clear as daylight that India’s future tomorrow depends on your ability to reknit a strong country today. We’re all standing at the edge of a very deep cliff.

Hello,
Iam from India and wish Pakistan well.
Regarding the growing talibanaization a few things are to done
short term: stop funding of arms and money to these organization
Bring some develophmental work in those areas and bring some gainfull empoyment .
Long term:Bring about land reforms in Pakistan to abolish jagirdari to stop recruitment of these people

People like Akbar sitting in USA are teaching Taliban is right. If you are such a supporter of Islamis laws, why dont you come back to Pakistan. The people like you are enjoying fruits of secularism and western democratic freedom and want to implement Saria law for rest of the people.

Akbar of Utah. I find it interesting when people sitting in secular countries, lecture people on the receiving end of brutality to accept it as a gift.

My heart goes out to the brave tribesman who fought against the Taliban. They got no support from anyone. They tried to save their lands. They were not Kafirs by any means. I side with the anti-Taliban, because even by their interpretation, you, sitting in a secular country are also a Kafir.

To AKBAR its only in Democracy,where you have said what you have.Thank god, that you live in United States of america.

Just the thought MY Country might be taken over by the Taliban scares the living daylights out of me. As is it’s scary to see and read day to day stories about Pakistan. Where are the responsible and the educated ppl of Pakistan.

If nothing is happened soon enough I wont be surprised If foriegn troops barge in do what they have to do to get rid of this mess. Which I am sure what we ALL need since our leaders are too busy in their own fights.

There is no point making Pathans as scapegoat….

and where do we stand now looking at the state created by Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Everyone points a finger, sometimes at this one, sometimes at that one. Can anyone tell me as to where in Islam does anyone get the right to cut off a human beings head? One religon, many notions and several opinions? All said and done, Islam is a religion of peace. The carrot and the stick method cannot work. You give an inch and they take over your house. So, what will work is the stick. So give the stick it to them and let peace prevail.

Totally Unfair:

Taliban are no devils. Watch what you say. It is time that Pakistanis change their ways of life and follow Islam. Taliban have implemented Sharia in a harsh way. But what has Pakistan not seen before: dictatorship, corruption, feudalism, hooliganism by corrupt leaders, secular laws??

This is the reason country has seen injustice, crimes, immorality such as world infamous gang-rapes (Mukhtaran Mai stories and the likes), social and moral corruption of the youth. What have the country’s ordinary people gained under those forms of governance. It is time the pakistani public mend their ways and submit to the divine laws.

If you do not like the harsh interpretation of Taliban than the best option is for the Govt to use the Islamic resources and qualified Islamic scholars to put together correct form of Islamic Shariah and abolish all forms of secular laws and judiciary system that the country inherited from the colonial rule of the British.

Pakistan is a muslim country and Islamic laws of Shariah that protects both muslims and non-muslims should be applied to all parts of the country.

Look at China, they have their own system of Communism and they don’t care what the Western Countries say about it. America went to war in Vietnam to stop the spread of Communism and left bloody nosed. Can they dare to change the Communism of China?

Anyone who says the rights of non-muslims are not protected in Islamic Sharia is totally ignorant of the glorious Islamic history and needs to take Islamic history 101 course.

Pakistan should not act as a slave and make its army fight their own brethren in NWFP or FATA. The attack in the inner cities such as suicide bombing etc is in the retaliation of the killings done by the army in those areas. It’s a commonsense retaliation. Those whose families are killed, houses destroyed, what will they do? Just sit and do nothing??

This bloodshed must be stopped. Anyone who opposes Sharia is declaring his/her apostasy openly whether they realize it or not. They are the apostates working to please foreign nations. The writers of Dawn are in the forefront and are being paid heavily to spread smear against Sharia and Taliban.

Mind boggling how a nation and its peoples and its incompetent (democratically elected mind you) sit around dazed and confused waiting for the Taliban next move. It almost seems as if scared and witless the Pakistani’s can’t decide what to do next. Sure the common man is too busy trying to figure out where the next meal is coming from and the rich have their collective heads buried in their ill gotten booty and think it will all go away if they just don’t think about it and stay comfortably inside their airconditioned drawing rooms.
The politicians never had a clue. Asif Zardari we all know is simply on assignment from Dubai.The Prime Minister and his band of merry men are doing just that; making merry as it were. While the scene plays out in Islamabad the Taliban on a stage set for them by the hapless politicians are now emboldened to carry out the mission and continue making in roads to the heart of Pakistan. I say this with a heavy heart but for Pakistan its “game over”, no need to turn off the light when and if any one gets to leave because there will be no light to turn off.God bless those that gave up ALL to create Pakistan

Why put such a title that inflames an ethnic group? Dawn needs to take it out.

Its just like Jurassic Park…. we gotta kill the monster we created.

As someone who left a very different Pakistan more than 35 years ago, I have watched as friends and relatives still in Pakistan (and even some abroad)have slowly been coerced into changing their greetings (Allah Hafiz as opposedto Khuda Hafiz), their dress (Hijabs, Abayas and beards), etc, as if this makes them better human beings. The fact is that this has only changed the society into a more intolerant, violent, corrupt, and self righteous society, which in my view is less muslim than the society I left behind. The Islam that I knew was represented by people like Maulana Edhi and not by the Taliban. In fact, in my eyes, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa are better muslims than the Taliban. I feel however, that it is not my role in life to judge another’s piety, as long as he is not judging me. The Islam I knew left the judgement to Allah and was not to me. I believe most people have accepted the cosmetic changes (beards, etc) to avoid harassment and out of fear. But at some point, they have to ask….are they willing to let their women’s rights to an education and the way of life they have known be taken away? No women doctors, engineers, bankers, etc. No music or entertainment, no Qawwalis, nothing except public floggings, harassment and hangings. Someone far less educated and illiterate, not only conventionally, but also religiously, telling those who should know a lot better, what is right from wrong, what is Islamic and what is not? Is that acceptable to the majority….or are they just afraid? maybe I have lost touch and there is a new “Islam” on the horizon that is acceptable to the majority of Pakistanis.

If you guys have even an iota worth of guts you will stand up and fight. Afterall look at the poor people of Buner – they tried to fight the Taliban with nothing. Either getup and resist or shutup forever.

Its not Pathans who are scary, its people of Karachi and other people who are cowards. They think too much of dunya and are afraid to loose all that. If they hope for the hereafter, then they would only fear ALLAH, and not Pathans or anything else.
Furthermore I think media is Exaggerating this fear of Taliban. MQM in Karachi (and other oppressive feudal lords) are probably more dangerous than any of the Talibans and no body in media or any witness in court speaks against them for their crimes.
The solution for Taliban is proper Islamic education (or getting them married so they settle down), where as solution for MQM and other oppressive feudal lords is to rid ourselves of them.

Sorry about the typos in my last post.

My hope is we can all step outside of our bigotry and fight this menace.

We need to hold the powers that be accountable for protecting our homeland, be we Punjabi, Muhair, Pukhtun, Balouchi or whatever.

Everyday, when I get a time, I hope that someone might started protesting the government against the situation in Pakistan and visit the Dawn paper. Surprisingly most Pakistanis are afraid and not coming out of shell. Why no one bothered to raise their voice? when Pakistanis will raise their voice? When they see these barbarians in their step?

At least 95% comments are positive in Dawn forums and realised the situation in pakistan. I think, if somebody starts protesting, then one by one, everyone will join the protests on streets. But question is who will take first step? Who will have guts, braveness and daring to start protests against Talibans, Militants and Extrmsits? Who will demand Federal/State Governments, Army, Intelligence and religious leaders to save the Country?

Punjab Singh Punjabi says:
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:22
comment-top

“Areh it will be a sad day for all Punjabis when the pathans take over Punjab. Looks like it might happen sooner then later especially now the pathans , no i mean the taliban have come so close to Lahore. Where are the punjabi shers to defend punjab and Punjabiyat.”

Can people please stop the ethnic mud-slinging on these forums? Let me throw some in-your-face politically incorrect cold water on this.

The Pathans take over Punjab? Brother, it started from Punjab. Most of the Jihadi militants in Kashmir, like Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, and Afghanistan were run by Punjabi groups. Sectarian extremists such as Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba, etc have their roots from Punjab. Lal-Masjid in Islamabad was (or rather IS) a Deobandi Masjid that arranged for Jihad in Afghanistan and enjoyed government immunity since the 60’s.

It seems half of the Punjabi Shers have been busy in something else besides defending the country.

What I highlighted here is not the full story and is politically incorrect. All ethnicities of Pakistan have been guilty of this militancy. Though one thing I will point out that this is more of a religious leaning thing where many from the orthodox Sunni sect have been swayed into Salafist/Wahabi or Deobandi beliefs because there’s no drawn line.

I think I fully agree with the point that as the Federation fragments, the result will be local warlords and ethnic wars.

One of the reasons why the Taliban have been so successful is the fact that the country has been so weak. Corruption, nepotism, racial/ethnic bigotry, disenfranchisement all play into and allow militant like groups to take advantage of those weaknesses.

So in the days of the Lal Masjid incident, for example, when madrassa students took the law into their own hands, many ordinary peopel said, good for them, we need Islam as an answer because other laws and rules dont work instead of recognising that the madrassa students were vigilantes and they needed to be held accountable. The real problem is that social structures have been weakened by corrupt politicians and regular military takeovers.

An ambivalent attitude to vigilantism was indirect support to the Islamist movement.

Over years the NWFP was allowed to be overtaken, first by the MMA in engineered elections, and subsequently by the Taliban groups. A rather blunt war against “terror” with civilian casualties by Pakistani forces doesnt help. Unlike teh Pakistani army, the US drone attacks usually hit their targets with less colateral damage.

It hasnt helped that Madrassas have grown multiple fold since 2001. The Govt at the time stated there was nothing wrong with having a parallel system of education. What will the country do with all the new Mullahs who know nothing but Jihad as their primary function in life?

The Pakistani Taliban have been in the making for a long time.

The pan -Islamic movemnet has been in teh making for a long time.

It is only now, they are in full focus as they stand outside Islamabad. The threat to Karachi is not as much, but will come from within. There are plenty of religous sympathizers and willbe from among the local population.

In Punjab the Taliban will exploit the social tensions between the landlords/peasants, and in the cities, there are enough educated believers of the Calipahte wheteher they are economists, IT people, doctors and lawyers.

Bold leadership has been missing for a long time. Lets hope the people can unite, rather than show their weakness through thnic hatred. believe me, religioys extremists exploit those weaknesses well.

It is really funny to see one of the powerful armies (pakistan army) of the world cannot control a rag tag army of tribals.

Secular democracy is the way to go. Show me the single example in the world where religion successfully governs the country. Religion is not meant to run the country. We are obsessed with proving the superiority of our religion. In process of doing that we reached at the state where Stone Age mindset Mullahs poised to take all over Pakistan. Why we are afraid of becoming true secular country? Do we know for sure that after becoming successful Islamic state we will be able to achieve technological advancement in all spheres of life, social justice for all class, sect and genders?

Shahab says:
April 23rd, 2009 at 0:26
comment-top

“I am very much sadden by the article. There is no point or lesson to learn. The Journalist only highlight that

When will we wake up? For the sake of dollars and to put pressure on the west, don’t let My Beautiful country get infested with these Taliban Virus. Have some respect for your country..If you all are so proud to be the defenders of the country, then do your job. lets eliminate this threat. Lets start fresh in a country where women &Children feel safe and have a future. How do you all sleep at night with what you all have done to a baeutiful country and my homeland..you cannot take the power and money to your graves.

Why don’t Pakistanis ask SHARIFF to take the matter seriously with Govermnet like he did when His brother was disqualified to be CM and launched huge rally to protest to restore Judges. Where is Shariff, he is seen nowhere to talk.

Complete inefficiency from Pak Govt and supporters. Wake up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abdul Basit Munshi’s comments were enlightening.

I don’t think you need to worry about any Indian invasion. There is zero public support in India for any such thing. First, Indians aren’t dumb, and (as you should be able to tell from posts here) they understand that, for the first time in history, the Government of Pakistan is actually an ally of India’s. This is extremely uncomfortable for most Indians, but it’s a reality that most Indians are now aware of. This is why, after the initial outburst of anger on Mumbai, calls for any action against Pakistan itself have quickly died away. Second, the last five years have seen a lot of exposure to Pakistanis for Indians – both with people visiting and their presence on our TV shows. I wouldn’t call our attitude to Pakistan friendly, but in our old story of love-hate, right now love definitely has the upper hand. That edge is gone from the hostility and there definitely is a sense that, in the whole wide world, there is no one more like us than Pakistanis. Maybe you don’t feel this way, but we definitely have a growing sense of shared ethnicity and shared fate. This also means that we have an acute sense that if you go down the tubes, you will take us with you. We will not be immune or insulated to your troubles. We also now see you in nuances: we recognize that there are moderates and there are extremists, and there are secularists. We have these shades in India too – just the mix and influence is different.

This morning I read that Buner is only 60 miles from Islamabad. What are you waiting for? Who or what agency or influence is stopping your army from going and just eliminating this threat? Let them find out that beating a young defenseless girl and going up against even one small division of a solid and powerful army are two completely different things.

Please, in the name of sweet God, do something! If this carries on to its conclusion, it will be a major catastrophe for everyone in our subcontinent.

It won’t just be a Taliban takeover. It will be a free-for-all, with separatists encouraged by the fall of the central power. Our homelands are very diverse places. If the federating units fall in this fashion, you will have warlords and civil wars all over the place for the next 50 years. There is no way this will not spill over and infect us. We have the same social knitting as you. Basically, the same social/ethnic/national DNA. Destroy the virus now! It has already been allowed to grow too much.

As we watch a Pakistan concerned but not doing ANYTHING to solve its Taliban issue, as a typical Indian in US, I feel sad for Pakistan. Afterall we are part of the same land, share the same heritage, we were one. Indians would like nothing more than Pakistan managing itself well.

As I try discuss the current Taliban issues with my Pakistani neighbors, I am stunned by how closeted Pakistanis seem about isues and how issues always revolve around Islam. That is sad. Religion is a personal thing and countries cannot exist only on such a basis.

ust in case any one is interested, here are some pointers to a better Pakistan:

1. Can Pakistanis get away from religion as their ONLY binding matter? Adopt a strong secular theme for your country and see it grow.

2. Stand up for your country as one team, and by standing up I mean, be vocal about the country’s issues. Just being a muslim does not mean you will override every other issue. Islam is just one facet of Pakistan, not the allencompassing. Put Pakistan first, Muslim next. Protest when you see horror in the name of Islam. But first stand up, talk, raise your voice, not about Chechenya, Israel, Kashmir or US, talk about your own country, make a difference. Tell the world that you are more bothered about your own country.

3. Stop blaming other countries for your ills. There is no time to lose. We can all find excuses to why we are in misery, but ultimately it is up to us to stand up and do what is right for ourselves.

4. Build decent, secular institutions in Pakistan and fund those.

5. There is a need for grasroots political parties in Pakistan. Maybe it is too late, but there is no harm in trying.

God forbid, if Taliban takes over Pakistan, the world will only unite against Pakistan and seek to keep it “in check” to the detriment for my fellowmen in Pakistan. May a secular Pakistan rise, multiply and prosper.

Nowhere is an anti-intellect herd mentality fostered more successfully than in any religious establishment bent on mind-control and power, everywhere around the globe. Looking at the world, it’s hard to argue against the existence of false gods, isn’t it? In the “War of Civilizations” I find myself unable to recognize civilization on any side.

Its not well to write and point some specific group of people…what if a decent pathan brother reads the title pathan runs into a building..A terrorist is a terrorist;not a pathan or punjabi…neither they have any religion……So question is to fight terrorism and make pakistan a peaceful place to live in.

The governments and agencies failure in tackling the Talibanization of Pakistan will send this country back to the stone ages. The country and it’s survival MUST COME FIRST but our Leaders do not care about their country as they are demonstrating by standing by and allowing the country to be overrun by militants who are using violence to impose their version of Shariat laws.

The author of this article owe an apology, this was very disrespectful, maybe she hasn’t studied few pages of history, pashtuns have a rich history

The way it looks from here…This web site should be gone in a few months as internet blogging is “unislamic”. The “Pakistani Bus” is rolling down a hill heading for a cliff, and you people argue over the color of the bus.

When the population growth of a specific species goes beyond control, it is nature’s process to come out with a technique to reduce this unimaginable growth to moderate levels. In this case, nature is planting madness in minds of human species so that they kill each other and reduce the numbers themselves.

Have only one wife and maximum two kids, then this problem will vanish by itself.

Guys they are now in Karachi.
Just read the story about attack on a church in Gadab Town, Karachi (Taiser Town).

why would you use such a title at a place like dawn? i would hate it if someone wrote a mohajir runs into a wall!!

I would simply say, Pakistan, one of the beautiful countrries, is about to be turned into another recent-Iraq or Beirut of yester-years. If we want to exist, call the Parliament session immediately similar to Swat-Niazame Adel session, and do courageously as follows:
a. Abolish the Colonial 4-Province only formula and declare all the Divisions of the Provinces as Province, as it was before Brirtish took over India.
2. Let all Divisions form their own Army/Rangers belonging to that Division – check Birth Certificate, ID Car, Residence proof by Title Deeds, Primary to Secondary full education within the Divison – no outsider allowed into the Security of the Division.
3. People living temporarily or settled during the last 0-10 years, let them vote in their own Divison, till they complete 10 years stay in the Division.
4. 60% of Divison’s income to go the Division, 20% to the Common Pool to support poor Divisions, and 20% for the Federal Govt.
5. Change school sylabus, and force comparative study of all main Muslim Sects (Hanafi, Shafie,Maliki, Hanbali, and Jaffery).
6. Madaras of all sects to enlist with the Govt. and they must study the said comparitive study alongwith English and Modern Sciences.
7. If Madars do not agree, let all sects of Madaras to follow the Madrasa of the majority country of their sect, e.g., Hanbali – Saudi Arab, Shia – Iran, etc.
8. All mosques to allow praying of other sects after their congregational time.
9. No population census on the basis of ethnicity or language.

Early in our history we could not get along with Bengali brothers (udhar tum…idhar hum). Now its the pathan as terrorist. Who next…the Balochs? Then maybe Mohajirs pitted against their sindhi brothers. Pakistanis are all brothers (and sisters) and we can never solve our problems by demonising or marginalising segments of our society. Also, our dear army can not be embroiled to solve our problems. Our enemies across the border have their eyes (and spy satellite(s)) our us and on our destruction. They care less about pathans or mohajirs or balochs or kashmiris or gujratis. Dont fall into their trap. Pathans ko urdu aata hai…baat karo aur sirf baat cheet sey masley solve karo…dushman chahta hai key sirf army/force use karo….cooky monsters sey darata hai.

Taliban take over in parts of Pakistan could be a master plan.

The legislature supports it and voted for it.
The woman representatives voted for it.
The judges in the courts are going to be slowly replaced with Taliban’s Islamic Sharia judges.
The army is supporting them.
Probably most people support them, deep in their hearts (or probably do not care enough).

By letting taliban take over, they will have legal space and cover and they will be protected.

This can provide a safe zone from American requests and taliban can be nurtured for future in Afghanistan. As long as Taliban are in control, Pakistan can keep getting more and more money from America and other countries to “help” them.

I think it could be a brilliant master plan. The only thing is it confusing some people who do not have the real understanding of what is happening.

Before condescending to the Pathans, it will behoove us to read ‘Badshah Khan – the man to match his mountains’ by Eknath Eswaran.

The pathans and the rest of the Afghanis and those from the NWFP will abused horribly by the British.

Inspite of this, Badshahji created a non violent army who were an icon for all of the Indian subcontinent.

Whether we like it or not the stark reality is that not all pathans are taliban most about 95% taliban are pathans.

we always as a society try to hide things under the carpet. Its time to wake up. Pathans should try to have a thicker skin rather than being overly sensitive in regards to the usage of the word Pathan. Most talibans are pathans. lets call spade a spade, its about time.

But a Pathan did run into a building…True, it raises secular views and stereotypes, but the Pathans have always been used as scapegoats. Pathans are rich in culture, honor, and history. However, there region is the breeding grounds for Taliban, and other no-gooders. Perhaps, their leaders should take a stance as well.

I think the government should allow the locals to maintain their own security on Muhalla and Town level and give licenses to people living in cities so that they can buy guns and try to protect themselves. All American and European soieties allow their citizens the same.

We should learn to protect our right and respect others.

After reading all the comments I think that most comments are by people who are taking this situation very irrationally. We need to look at this ‘Talibanization Issue’ very carefully.

1. Lets talk about Pathans first. Now, I have lived my entire life in Karachi and I really haven’t been to other parts of the country much so I’ll tell you what all of us in Karachi think of Pathans, to put it in very simple terms, they would be the Sikhs of Pakistan. You know how Sikhs are stereotyped in India of being dumb and emotional, well that’s how Pathans are too and the truth is no matter how much we laugh at them at the end of the day they are an integral part of the community and in Karachi, they are the backbone of the civil infrastructure, they run the entire transportation system, they do majority of the construction work and so forth. So, to say that we are degrading our fellow pathan brothers is totally wrong and the people who are making these accusations do not understand the Pakistani society and our love for each other.

2. People getting worried and feared about ‘Talibanization’ in Karachi and how they are forcing women to cover up and all that.

So here’s the thing, I’ve lived in Karachi my entire life and I moved here to the US only 3 months ago, my first reaction to all these stories was what?! I lived in Soldier Bazar went to college in D.H.A, spent most of my time in Gulshan and Bhadurabad and I have NEVER heard of anything like this. But anyways, we need to look at this situation very rationally keeping our emotions aside because there are two kind of solutions to this, one is that we say ‘get lost Taliban, this is our country!’ even though I completely agree with that view we need to think of something before we do that.

‘The Taliban’
No matter who they are and what they do we need to look at what they are saying, they are telling our Pakistani women to cover up and were hijabs and all that…Isn’t that how it should be? Now, The honest truth is that I don’t consider myself to be a very good Muslim, but isn’t that the right way to do it. If Pakistan is an Islamic State shouldn’t women be told to cover up and go out in public wearing hijabs? I ask the women of Pakistan and the people who are pissed at the current situation(including me), If they call themselves Muslims, then how on earth can you deny these claims, I mean you would have no counter argument. And this is where the conflicting views of whether Pakistan is and Islamic state or a secular state come up and this is where we as a nation need to choose, what are we? and we need to this quick because time is running out.

3. THE THREAT OF TALIBAN TAKING OVER.

I believe that we as Pakistanis need to deal with Taliban keeping our religion aside. Besides the fact that they are Muslims, Who are The Taliban. Now I don’t know the answer to that question, all I know is that, they are coming into my country, trying to take over, trying to establish THERE rules and traditions and not ours!

And all my friends from different parts of the world, especially the ones from India, who think that we are weak, and we’re not able to fight and are making fun of this nation which is going through every possible problem which a state can go through, HEAR THIS, our silence does not mean that we are afraid, our silences does not mean that we are weak, If we are patient that does not mean that we’ve forgotten how to fight. The truth is that the day that we lose our patience, all those who are trying to divide this country will be DEAD. Taliban shouldn’t tell us how to be Muslims because The state of Pakistan was established on the basis of Islam and Islam is in our hearts.

I urge my fellow Pakistanis to look beyond there petty differences and once again stand united against the problems(Taliban) that we face today and remind the world of what this nation is capable of!
Pakistan Zindabad!

I WILL not be scared.

Areh it will be a sad day for all Punjabis when the pathans take over Punjab. Looks like it might happen sooner then later especially now the pathans , no i mean the taliban have come so close to Lahore. Where are the punjabi shers to defend punjab and Punjabiyat.

Shame on our President who is always laughing and with his permanent smile. No comments from him on the prevailing situation in our country- just saying that it is Bhutto’s Pakistan. Matter of fact is that this is true. Quaide- Azam’s Pakistan finished the day he became the President. Being mum and continuously thinking of himself and how he will put his son as the future president of Pakistan Taliban; and our Prime Minister who doesn’t believe that the situation in Swat is alarming. May be he feels that no action should be taken before they reach his house in Multan. GOD save us from these politicians who are living in fool’s paradise.

I’m Indian and the term ‘Pathan’ brings to mind someone who is courteous in an old-fashioned and comforting way, personally dignified, and whose accent in Urdu/Hindi/Hindustani is totally charming.

Can’t we just keep the old stereotype instead of trying to demonize these good people because of the actions of a few intolerant extremists?

i feel for my country…i feel as i see the pakistan i knew dying….due to apathy of its organs (its institutions) and diseased and ineffective blood (its people). taking care of the taliban is simple but takes a few BOLD courageous moves by our authorities. but alas these agencies are quite corrupt to the core even when it comes to nation saving measures.

I also agree with other readers that please don’t bring ethnicity in this column. I am offended with that. Pathans, Balochs, Punjabis, and Sindhis are all brothers. Taliban is not the name of an ethnicity but it could be any crazy person whose mind got whiped out by terrorist Mullahs. They also include non-Pakistanis, Afghanis, and even European citizens.

i am not suprised for common man who is showing fear. let us talk straight, the society of pak. is unwilling to fight the islamist. the army is impotent, they are only interested in keeping there interest. the commercial establishment owner[pak. army] lost appetite to fight taliban. this is the real reason for democracy was not rooted in pak.. i am sure if things will remain same , either pak. will be defeated by taliban or disintegerate on ethni line.

I think what this blog is trying to illustrate is not a very correct picture. What the journo in this article is trying to establish is that the cities of Pak have been captured by Taliban, though they are hidden at the moment, where i don’t think this is the case. And whatever the views which have been published on this blog seem to be belonging just to the elite of the city, highlighting rubbish talk of high society women who have nothing else to do. This taliban issue is being blown out of proportions by those people who had completely forgotten what Islam is and just had name tags of being Muslims. I am not saying that the ways of taliban are completely Islamic so to speak, but still what is instilling fear in the heart of these high society people is that they might just have to come back to certain Islamic ways which they had completely banished in the name of secularism.
Its not the fear of taiban, its the fear of following Islam which is creating havoc in their hearts. So I hope instead of fearing taliban if they can start fearing the Almighty, things might just fall in place and all this taliban hullabaloo will be at rest automatically.

Interesting to see how a bunch of goons can force people to change their way of living. I guess its time for martial law rather than a marshall plan for Pakistan. The Taliban reminds one of Zombies in the movie Resident Evil where infected people bite others and spread the virus by infecting others and within a few days the entire country and then the entire world become zombies . The undead then rule the world.

I voted for Pakistan Peoples Party to come to power because stakes were high. I thought that this secular party will bring justice and peace to the country and will save us from those Talibans. Where is our army? Every year for 60 years we spent 40% of our budget on defense. Whenever there is a war there are casualties, but how can we lose the war against these badmash Talibans who are illiterate maulvis who know nothing about Islam. They are telling us again and again and again that they want to take over the country and these politicians are telling the world that these people will bring peace. Lies after lies after lies. Every nation comes to a point where it has to make some tough decisions, and this is the time for Pakistan to make decision to fight every single Taliban and defeat them. Otherwise our new generation will be wild terrorists and Pakistan will be worse than Afghanistan. Our sisters will be worse than girls of Afghanistan without any future. All colleges universities will be closed and there will be no future. In the end India and U.S will come to Pakistan and you can imagine what will happen. Wake up you politicians and do something. Our hearts are crying.
Every politician will be answerable to God on the day of judgment that where were you when one of your daughter got whipped in public, how come you did not stop those people. Where were you when our brothers were killed, how come you did not avenge his blood. Save yourself from Hell and destroy the Talibans.

Taliban, or whatever those fanatics choose to call themselves are tarnishing our religion as well as our country – and all our women, in posh areas more so, are worried about being told off to wear sleeveless and jeans. What a shame!

I agree with the few comments here – why are Pathans in general being pointed out as the culprits or people to fear? I am a pathan – a female – educated – and I work in one of the best workplaces this country can offer. This stereotyping, and mindless usage of it by all and sundry with such prejudice, is only going to promote conflict and discrimination.

dearest huma

the bombing issue on one side please dont exaggerate about the ladies fears. you should travel around pakistan, it is same every where. karo kari is common in sindh and mukhtaran mai in punjab is one of many stories. both are part of this country but not so highlighted as pathans.

As a fellow human being and an Indian to boot,I am sorry to read the despondence in all the comments and not find a concrete response to the crisis. All seem to be saying that the military should be rescuing them. Which military, those that get inducted from poor families because they cannot get a job? What does freedom and democracy mean to someone who does not have roti?

What are the chances that the Govt. will stop buying arms and feed the poor instead, send them to school and establish a secular society? If the poor have nothing to defend, they are not going to fight the taliban!!! What I see is class warfare…. only instead of red, it is of color green.

When Musharraf was eliminating these talibans / extremists, majority of you in this forum were chanting slogans against Mush who wanted to get rid of these extremists…….. Look at now, what has happened, Swat has been surrendered to these extremists… what’s next in line… Sialkot ?? Karachi ?? Gujranwala?? Islamabad (100 Kms away from Swat) ?? Hyderabad ?? DHA Phase 5?? Karsaz ?? Where is the lawyer movement??????

Nations of the world are advancing and we are still fighting on if music is halal or haram or should we impose Taliban sharia or some other sharia…….The real gravity of the situation is that our government have chosen to close its eyes and ignore that the real enemy exists within Pakistan’s borders. The main reason why it is ignoring is because the govt does’nt want to admit that the enemy is muslim. Why the heck can’t the army crush these 3000-5000 extremists when it prides itself on the victories in several indo – pak wars.

The fanatic arrested in Lal Masjid operation has been freed who is about to impose his brand of Sharia in Islamabad.

Allah bless Pakistan….Amen !

P.S. That day is not far when Pakistan would be another Afghanistan…….I wish it never happens.

Im shocked at this title. You guys are a reputed Newspaper. This is really racist. Im not a pathan, but im offended.

Wake up and fight. If you do not fight now, your next generation won’t respect you and who knows how long will the society have to suffer.

I agree, Pakistanis have to come out of the shell.Look within and stop asking for help. The outside help, whether from USA for Saudi Arabia, is not good. It weakens the society/government willingness to work. Why work when you can get it free.

your article shows how wary common pakistan’s are now. it is especially so because we dont trust our government to take counter measure but then we cant because they have never done it either.

As for portraying the pathans as bombers, it is thanks to our media and government. every time there is a bomb attack or suicide attack they end up capturing the pathan looking person on the basis of some claim. But uptill now we have never ever……(and i must repeat myself) been able to bring anyone accused to the trail or even find the real group behind any single bomb attack. it seems to me the crippling cause is the bomber group include either the ones who have to investigate (law and order departments, agencies) or who order investigation (government officials).

Well, the title..i think what the writer intended was to talk like an ordinary common man or woman…how she/he would say this things this way naively most of the times…it is not like a headline of a front page. She did not mean to hurt pathans.

Pakistan created this problem by own. Pakistan protected and used these people for other nations. Now these people became threat for Pakistan itself.
To get rid of all Pakistani should protest and fight against them. (Like what Mahatam Gandhi did).
And I think India will always support Pakistan for this.

I beleive that just the sight of a Pathan running around is most probabaly a “suicide bomber” is alarming and the core problem. We are so deeply rooted in our little biases that we are overlooking and ignoring the real problem. We need to come out of this small talk and start thinking and acting as a nation.

It is hard for anyone to believe that the army cannot handle a few thugs. Dont we all remember the efficiency of our troops handling other threats and emergencies. I dont think they want to cooperate with the civilian govt. Otherwise it will take just a couple of weeks to put the taliban out of order.
I think all this is happening as per the master plan of the army. It will let some more cities fall to the Taliban hordes. When the hue and cry reaches a crescendo within pakistan and internationally, they will stepin and takeover as a savior. Drive the hordes away to the mountains…takes a bow and gracefullly ackowledge the applause. We will have a dictator. Curtains down. Drama repeats in a couple of years… Deja Vu.

Taliban’s take over of cities is an invasion of the country. Who the heck are they to come from anywhere on the this planet to tell innocent, illiterate, powerless, naive people of a poor hard working country to follow what they consider is Islam. IS that Adel to flog a woman on charges of adultery without mention or punishment for the dude who committed adultery with her. Perhaps it is one of the mullahs who was involved in the case and had the girl flogged for voyeuristic, sadistic perversion of those men who claim to be enforcers of true Islam.

Who is funding them and providing heavy military arsenal to them? Afghan border, which has historically been the source of arms and drugs infiltrating into Pk from Russia and Afghanistan, has been supposedly sealed by joint forces then who is supplying them with enough arms to combat with US forces and Pakistani forces??? Is God dropping stuff on these bandits?

Why isnt the government asking those questions or investigating such questions and informing public? Public has every right to know what they are dying for and if their own government is part of the conspiracy to support talibanization of the country?

I agree with the comments where someone said Pakistani’s lack integrity as a nation and it shows in world’s view of the nation. Its nothing to be mad at but unfortunately it is true and has been a result of being led by ignorant, tyrant, arrogant, landlords and west kay ghulam leaders – everyone from ZA Bhutto to our current, worlds most corrupt person, the president of Pakistan and that weasel sharif et al.
Argh!

Having left Pakistan some 39 years ago and now reading news/blogs like this makes me wonder what has happened to my homeland.
Our Homeland is devoid of any true leadership that inspires people to go out, work hard and reap the benefits of all the labor. Unfortunately, all of our politicians have been interested in lining their pockets and ransack Pakistan for their own benefit. During this process they failed to recognize the threats looming on the horizon. Illiteracy, poverty, corruption and now Taliban.
The whole country is in the grip of fear and what are the leaders doing about it!!
Nada…Nothing…Zilch. too busy to ransack the wealth of the Nation into their swiss bank accounts.
Is it too late to save the nation? it may not be but it is a tall order.

Secularize my brothers. Religious fundamentalists are mad everywhere in the world. All they have to give you is massacres, oppression and re-education camps. This is true of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Communists, every religious brand. The history of Europe and the United States is the history of struggle against this madness. The struggle of India is about the struggle against this madness. Take a stand, and connect with the billions across the world (yes, even in India) who have had it up to here with these crazies. I hate to say it, but the Americans got it right: Strict separation of church and state.

Save Karachi from Taliban

Seventeen million lives are in serious jeopardy as the Taliban prepare to run over the city of Karachi, Pakistan. Thousands of Taliban have ganged up on a mission to take-over the city and stop the US war-shipments to Afghanistan. There are nuclear facilities in Karachi and they could soon be in the hands of Taliban. Karachi, the biggest city of the country is a port and an industrial hub in the Sindh province.

The Pakistani state-machinery is unwilling to resist the Taliban. A minister in Sindh, claimed recently, that there were no Taliban in Karachi whereas the residents and the ruling political party in the city were complaining of the growing Taliban menace. Taliban have built around two thousand illegal madrassahs and mosques in Karachi and they guard their areas fully loaded with guns and RPGs, in broad daylight. The Taliban Karachi spokesman Maulvi Omar said in an interview that they were waiting for Baitullah Mehsud

Hello and peace to all, well I’m not surprised that every one is scared of TALIBAN. Guys, where were you when the bill was presented in Pakistan National Assembly. Have you asked your MNA, how they voted? Not a single vote was casted against the bill (Sharai bill) in Pakistan assembly. Don’t call Pathans as Talibans, these are very different. Pakistanis, please wake up and stand up for the RIGHT. Stop playing the Terror game on PATHANS. Pakhtoon is a very peaceful and loving nation.

In my view, this rapid mullah-ism in Pakistan is also a result of a lack of identity along with poverty. Pakistanis are increasingly becoming Arabs and leaving behind their Persian and Indian heritage. Perhaps if Pakistan had been named Western India or something from the outset. The name Pakistan is a new product and the identity will take a few generations to form. As for the army’s unwillingness to fight the Taliban. Is it because they may want to discredit democracy for good? I have a feeling that Western powers are also allergic to democray in Muslim countries. After all, Britian did put Pakistan on “Terror Watch” right after democracy was restored last year.

I find it important to stress that the ‘burqa’ was not something that originated from the Tribal Areas, it was in fact introduced in the area as a result of the policies of the 80s in the area to fight then USSR. Also lets not forget that thousands of Pathan blood has been spilt in this war of terror. Probably Pathans have borne the highest number of casualties in this war and although the lands of the pathans might be used terrorist are coming from all parts of the world to use them. They have the most sophisticated weaponry possible and if we really want to tackle this problem it needs to be found out who is providing them with all this arsenal. Provide the same to the locals and you will not hear of the ‘taliban’ again.

To all my Pathan brethern, who are offended by the title of this blog. I am a Pathan too and i am not offended by it at all. It is the sad reality, that Taliban are Pathans and most of the suicide bombers are also Pathans (majority being from SWA).Its quite natural for people to be afraid of a Pathan with a beard and weary looks.We have to either live with this or change ourselves.

Solve the problem now. Nip the issue in the bud. Does anyone not remember what Kamal Ataturk did??? They(the handful, the few, the minority, the ones that run around telling others what to do or not do) don’t feed us, pay our bills or otherwise take care of us have certainly no right to dictate to us, the majority how to live our lives. Even otherwise, where are these so called guardians of religon getting their mandate from. What gives them the right to force their inappropriate views on us. Like I said, deal with the matter like Kamal Ataturk did.

I hope you folks still have sense left in you. The _religious_ are the ones who usually oppress in the name of religion and the society needs protection from them. Fortunately being born in a fairly progressive family in a country with freedom of press, religion not only never attracted me, but repulsed me.

Hopefully the rational ones in Pakistani society will continue to fight the menace. I hope the 60+ years old experiment started by Quaid-e-Azam does NOT end in a disaster; not just for the region but for the world.

Hey People of Karachi and Pakistan…..Do not get frightened and come up against Taliban. And I am sure you will do it. From my childhood I always compare Karachi with Mumbai….full of courage and enthusiasm (JAZBA). Collect the same courage against Taliban and make your country a peaceful place.

Yesterday only Pakistan has defeated mighty Australia in the ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL match with the help of AFRIDI (though I missed him in DECCAN CHARGERS team) and team. Austrlia is number – 1 in cricket but you have defeated them. Everybody thought that Pakistan will be defeated by Australia easily as they have lots of problems: Lahore Sri Lankan Team attack, World Cup Cricket cancellation etc. etc. These reasons are enough to get the team demoralised, but you have come up with a solid win.

You have to identify AFRIDI within yourself and prepare a team against Taliban. Though I know this is not easy and a ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL match…..but definitely you can take this example as a boost to start with.

Pathans are proud people.
don’t try to demonize them.

Mohammed Murad; It is the best thing for Pakistan to create a economy that develops long term jobs. What needs to happen immediately that Pakistani government put forth a plan with in 90 days to expend rail road system and bring rail road to areas of Pakistan that has been neglected for last 60 years. Establishing a network of rail road will bring all provinces closer. Unfortunately we have people/leaders in the government that never think far in the future and they are focused on their little empires. We do not have leaders that can rally the entire country on one platform. The other most important step would be to develop an education system that leads young people into vocations. The system needs to focus on current economic environment. If the accountants are needed let

Fear of Taliban is different than fear of ordaniry criminals and thugs.

We know our badmash politicians, decoits, thieves are very flexible. All you need to show them is money or more power and they would listen. They won’t care if you drink, smoke, roam around naked etc.

However taliban are different. They don’t go after money (except probably if they need to buy weapons – and not for personal gains so far) and secondly they are not scared. These two qualities make it difficult to deal with them. Furthermore the original Talibans were mostly orphan and some handicap kids so they had nothing to loose in terms of family relations etc. anyway.

Talibinization of society is one concept that Gen(retd) Prevaiz Musharraf talked about. According to his previous interviews solution for Talibinization lies in education, improvement of madrassas and reduction of poverty.

Furthermore Al-Islamic education and bringing scholars to teach in madrassas and normal schools would be the key to know what is Al-Islam.

As a Karachiite who has grown up in the city, I cannot comprehend the fact that our city is slowly being taken over by the Taliban. I now study in the US and can only read and observe what is happening from continents away. What on earth are our people and government doing? How can we tolerate this sort of behavior? Why do we not have an army or a police force that can get rid of such disgusting and pathetic people? Name of Islam? We’d be better off arresting anyone who enforces something religious on an innocent citizen.

What is next step from the Army General are we going to kick some XXX and put these Taliban’s back in to Afganistan.

Very well said!. The solution to take this menace of Taliban/Islamic militancy head on should come from within Pakistan only. Pakistan has been living far long by having double characters/face. One to show to world in order to get some bail out money and other face to actually conduct day to day business inside the country. By continuously supporting Islamic militancy inside, it tends to show the world that it is trying to curb the militancy to grab some more bucks..
What a shame..now the same militants are up to Pak’s throat. Pak have created the problem, now either suffer or find a cure for this menace yourself.

I like to request complete due diligence in passing any news, and most important keep the heads up and do your best to keep the moral high no matter what happens. Pakistan is not that easy for Taliban or any one else to digest……believe me!!!!!

Actually We have only one option and that is fight against Taliban!!

Get them out of Pakistan ASAP, they have no religion or values!!!!!!Killing is the only business they do, let’s smoke them at once!!!!!!

for that matter, we should be careful from people with any clothing. Pointing an ethinc group entice more hatred. I lived in Karahci and there anyone can be a criminal, does that mean all Karachiaites are criminal? absolutely not.

Pathans, Balochis, Punajbis, Sindhis, Kashmiris, are ALL PAKISTANIS.
May ALLAH protect PAKISTANIS from further splitting into meaningless, artificially fabriacted divisions. we are all humans and we are all PAKISTANIS.
ALLAH HAFIZ
Ahmed

If half a million people in Pakistan take a march against the Taliban in islamabad or karachi, do you think the militants will have the will power to retaliate? The power of the people has been demonstrated in this this century in Washington, Paris, Mumbai and Berlin.

Let go of your fear. You have nothing to fear itself.

I’m a Pathaan (Kurram Agency)…..and I’m first a proud Pakistani. I love Pakistanis of all provinces, and i value education and an open and tolerant society.

I will never in my life ever trust these bearded basket-cases who call themselves taleban and are imposing their will on others. How things got to this point i have no idea…

but obviously, our government is full of cowards. Look at Sri Lanka. They are bleeding, but they arent giving up the fight against tamil terrorists.

We shouldnt back down. Every man, woman and child should revolt against these taleban.

I am part of the yet to be unleashed nationalist youth movement. We endorse military service for all Pakistanis of all provinces. We endorse pressure on the govt. to deliver basic services to all areas. We also endorse the strict monitoring of Afghan-Pakistan and india-Pakistan border.

We have many enemies. But we are also a resource rich country. Lets change our mentalities, and unite during these difficult times. Lets make do with what we have.

and never trust these illiterate taleban people. In my view they arent Muslims. I curse the honour of their beards.

now when people think taleban, they think Pathaan or Uzbek. It is us Pathaan Pakistanis who by nature are secular people.

General Zia ul Haq left us with an ethnic political party and General Musharraf left us with Taliban.

Both groups have proven to be violent in nature.

Creation of such groups was politically motivated and such groups have been the evil behind the destruction of civil peace.

In order to find if they are truly Islamic in nature (Taliban) or are really out there to help Pakistan (MQM) just criticize their leaders and see how they react because in Islam it is said that if you are a true Muslim your heart will fill with joy and you

If Pathan’s had their rule in Afghanistan, could this Taliban takeover in parts of Pakistan have happened ?

The title of the article is offending and reflects myopic paronoia.
No doubt our nation is bleeding and every pakistani is worried about it but the real problem is to uproot its root-causes and restrict these elements tactfully.
Fighting them in Swat was resulting in nothing but killing the common peaceful people.Now they are said to have captured Buner. Local people of Buner were resisting them which had also resulted in their casualties. That was the time to halt them but the government didn’t act in time and did not help the local residents of Buner. Now the local people of Buner feel betrayed .They have intermingled with common people in Buner now and any subsequent military action against them will result in killing of the common populace rather than these beasts.
It is late to act but not too late to act and these elements should be restricted from expanding and disarmed gradually before more territories fall to them .

Dear Huma Yusuf.

This article is no surprise to me because it shows a very character of a mini-minority of Karachi who lives in their

Accept..
The end is near..
Iran is the Model..

the ground reality is that the incompetency of our government/law enforcement agencies/military has made the layman of this country scared from the extremists who have been taking encouragement for years due to the above stated factors. being a common citizen of this country I dont have confidence in any of the above mentioned state institutions and I know that if tomorrow a talib comes to punish or warn me of anything, no one will come for my rescue.

Secondly I do not see any relevance between the topic and the title of this debate. as far as I know talibans contain people from several ethnic groups and not only pushtoons. therefore I have no hesitation in decalring the title as racist.

Unless we have a consensus among the people (not politicians) of all 4 provinces of Pakistan in recognizing the problem; nothing can be or will be accomplished. A nationwide referendum is necessary to come up with a strategy to quell these misguided people. Let the people of Pakistan take charge this time & show their strength as one nation. We must rejuvenate the same spirit that we had in 1947 & 1965. We need Unity; otherwise we may fail & if the failure is our destiny then let’s fail as a nation – but Nations in Unity never fail. No more Pathan, Mohajir, Punjabi & Balochi – Make this & the next decade – the Decade of Pakistanis. Wake Up My Nation! Failure is not an option!

Someone once said “When rape is inevitable, just relax and enjoy!”.

Thats what Talibanization is doing to Pakistani society, and unfortunately the “silent majority” is just relaxing and enjoying.

The title doesnot make any sense. Its tragic that Pakistanis are profiling Pathans/Pakhtoons. Terrorists can be from any race, and in the case of Pakistan, people from other races have been equally (if not more) involved in terrorist activities. I have many Pathan friends who were offended by the title.

Pakistan is a Islamic country and I wish we start to follow our religion. I am against force in this matter and strongly believe that Pakistanis shouldn’t be threatened on the point of gun, but isn’t it our responsibility as Muslim nation to follow Islam and act appropriately? Take example from Iran.

some you just wonder where this country is headed. i can’t really imagine how stressful and disturbing it must really be for ordinary pakistanies but i surely do know that it makes me angry as i feel so helpless not being able to do any about it. angry for the shamless and cowardice behaviour of our politicians but can we really blame them..we are a so called democracy afterall and these are our elected leaders. we are merely paying the price of our own deeds. unless and untill we think collectively we will not be able to defeat this menace..and i don’t think i will live to see that day. we are too selfish and self promoting people, anything so long as it doesn’t affect me, is tolerable…..well good luck to you all. i m just happy that i don’t live in that pit called pakistan

As far as I am concerned, from what I have read, I am sure the bandits known as Taliban are not composed exclusively of Pathans.
I belong to a Gujarati speaking family and are resident of Karachi for at least 6 generations and even I am offended by the word Pathan used in this article. But just imagine for a second that they really were all Pathans from Sarhad and/or Balochistan (There is quite a big population of Balochistan who is ethnically Pathan), who in this forum will be surprised?
Pathans have been a backbone of Pakistan military alongside the Punjabis. They have been the main (although unskilled and it is not their fault) labour force, they have given their sweat and blood for this country and what is it that they have received in return? Illiteracy is prevalent in the whole of the country but is particularly flagrant in the provinces of Sarhad and Balochistan. Even basic amenities such as clean drinking water, health facilities that can be taken for granted in big cities such as Karachi are almost nonexistent even 62 years after independence in these two provinces. And even when they are so much oppressed people, they are not responsible for whatever is going on particularly in Sarhad and Balochistan and in the whole of Pakistan in general.
The responsibility goes entirely on the Pakistani establishment and particularly the directorate of Armed Forces, who with the help of their masters the Americans, created this fearsome fighting machine and nourished them for decades for whatever reasons is just unable, I’d rather say unwilling to tackle this problem. The Swat peace gambit and now the Malakand situation is a living proof of inefficiency of both the civil and military powerhouses of Pakistan.
It is only we, the Pakistani mass who will have to gather again, unite and face not just these brutal beasts known as Talibans and Al Qaeda but also the feudal lords who have reigned this country since independence and have brought the country to the brink of total failure. Only in this manner can we save our beloved country.

Using the Title “Pathan runs into the building” is not appropriate for this article. Such negative stereotype is not necessary and really disrespectful.

I guess seriously doesnt matter if he is a pathan or a punjabi, or a pakisthani citizen.the point is we need to understand the difference between good and bad. Support the good and fight the bad. Why cant the army and defense fight like the srilankan army against LTTE. LTTE have almost lost now. Srilankan army and government is trying to save the hostages people and then the battle is won. If a army can takeover the Government, cant they fight the battle with these extremists.

Today my mother ran out of petrol and had to park her car in the middle of a road in full view of the guards stationed at the entrance of women’s college that was just opposite the road.
She took a taxi, dropped my sister off, got the petrol and by the time she got back was baffled to see a police cordon around the car. A crowd had gathered and were watching intently as the car was probed by the Bomb-disposal squad. My mother approached and told the police it was her car. The police proceeded to scold her, took down her contact details and asked her to leave immediately before any of the “high-ups” arrived at the scene.

Evidently the matter of a car parked at the road side had reached the highest corridors of power, and the guards had assumed my mother was a bomber because she was in Abaya.

Our society is becoming paranoid.

I just finished the Urdu Novel Qalla-e-Jungi by Mustansar Husain Tarar.Some interesting facts, though wrapped in fiction, appeared to the vision through this novel. A labourer, who earns hardly 200-300 rupees daily to support his large family, will surely prefer to hold a loaded gun and be a part of that group the association of which brings him the sense of power and respect. Injustice, exploitation and poverty are wide-spread in our society.The country where, on the one hand, millions and billions are rupees are spent on costly vehicles of ministers and bureaucrats, and, on the other, the poor don’t have enough means to make the two ends meet.Where the poor are dishonoured in government offices and hospitals and have to stand in long ques for the acquisition of a small amount of floor, edible oil and sugar and there is absolutly no one to pay heed to their woes. How can we suppose that such people have no feelings at all? In my thinking, this is just a reaction to all those injustices, deprivations and dishonour that the poor man in this country has been suffering ever since its existence.

Actually the irony is that we as a nation live in the state of fear, so if we can’t voice our opinion in open nor we ever come out and protest. So its better to accept and stop complaining. We all want good leaders but they won’t come from heaven…so when nobody wants to bell the cat how can you expect the cat to change its course of action…We are almost heading to 71 like situation and how many Pakistanis in reality know whts happening in Balochistan other then that few tribes are fighting from mountains etc…teh huge brain drain tht we have witnessed here in the times to come it will play a curical role in further aloofing this part of the people from rest of Pakistan

I am very much sadden by the article. There is no point or lesson to learn. The Journalist only highlight that ‘Pathan’ are taliban / suicide bomber. The Sharia Law in Swat is imposed because of the situation in the area. If the people of Swat are happy,(in other words) if it bring peace to the region then where is the problem. Most people comments are very negative about the deal , but they don’t know the reality on the ground. Let them leave in PEACE.

This is to be expected. We have given the Talibans a base in Swat from which to operate from. Now Muslim Khan is inviting Osama and his fundos. Not only did they not give up their arms but are now terrorizing our cities. If the Sri Lankan army can drive out the Tamils why can’t our army fight them out?

Folks, ask yourself- How is this allowed in our country without the government , military and agencies not supporting it? Lahore and Islamabad are already gone and they dont even know it. Karachi will be taken over in 24 hours.

Well, I am not surprised if people specially women react this way. Two factors to blame: 1. Our spineless government and 2. the hype caused by the media. If we, however, keep comprmising with the Taliban, Pakistan would be lost. This is a wake-up call!

Reason we’re not protesting?
Not because we’re scared.

We’re just busy in ignorance conspiracy fan fiction blaming all ills of Pakistan to CIA/Mossad/RAW and ‘foreign’ interests who want to divide us. Don’t worry ISI will protect us.

The Taliban are just misguided true Muslims, they’ll come around. Don’t worry, how can they hurt other Pakistani Muslim brothers? And besides Jinnah wanted true Sharia and they’re delivering it…(note sarcasm)

why are pathans always pinpointed as being the terrorrists? as if there ane no madrassahs and no fanatics in the punjab? Do i have to remind u that the biggest madrassah where talibaans are recruited is in Raiwind. Madrassahs in Punjab are also churning out suicide bombers so please don’t say that it’s only the Pathans.

I am a Pakitani Pychiatrist in trianing here in US. I alway wanted to come back and serve the mentally anguished population of my country. Now I wonder would I have a country to return to at the end of my 5 year training.

In Swat, they had a period of ‘talk’, that such and such an extremist thing was happening…some said oh they’ll never be widespread, its just a few. Then…The Taliban took over. ‘Achanak say’ (Suddenly)

This phenomenon has happened all throughout history. Afghanistan, Iran, Germany, France, Poland, China, etc.

There’s worried talk amongst friends…things are visibly changing…there’s hate graffiti on public walls (which I hear is showing up again in Karachi akin to how it was in the 90’s)…there are looks,stares and comments from strangers…people wear the look of despair or contempt…then your neighbors change either out of fear or belief, looking to you as help or looking at you as a problem…then one day you are told you have a new savior and must obey…everything you remembered has changed…it all happened so suddenly…

The residents of Islamabad and Lahore for many years fooled themselves that they were safe and everything that was happening was in the North and in Karachi only.

Karachi is going through that talk phase…it isn’t restricted to Sohrab Goth anymore.

The use of the word ‘pathan’ is an insult to not only Pathans, but every Pakistani.

Same for use of the term Muhajirs (generally speaking). Very unfair.

Poor journalism.

Whether you like it or not, Pathans have been behind lots of crimes theses days. At least after 9/ 11 , thanks to US.
But I must also mention that these pathans are not only a reaction rather these Taliban existed even before 9/11.

Currently, innocent Pashtuns are caught in over-reactionary low-level violence and attacks by young MQM political workers who keep using the excuse ‘Taliban’ to label them in Karachi.

Though Taliban agents have infiltrated Karachi, they should be reminded that many of these extremists aren’t just Pashtuns, but Punjabis and Urdu speakers as well, as we saw in the 90’s.

And there are many generations of Pashtuns who’ve lived in Karachi and should be treated as equal residents.

After reading lots of comments,i have come to the conclusion that the people of Pakistan still don’t understand the threat they are facing. It is very easy to blame a whole ethnicity for the problem and see it as a local Pashtun menace, then face the reality.As long as you don’t see this as the whole country’s problem,it won’t be fixed.People who have suffered the most at the hands of these terrorists are Pashtuns themselves.Nobody cared about the daily bomb blasts in the cities of frontier, destruction of property, schools, cd shops etc.Only in D I Khan 300 people have died in the last year at the hands of these people… Only when it happened in Lahore and Islamabad that people are waking up now and suddenly afraid of Talibanization.Where was the Govt when these Talibans were taking over villages, and village people died trying to resist these terrorists alone without Govts help and of course losing to the Taliban in the end.Nobody cared and nobody came to their help. When people Equate Pashtuns to Talibans, it is Insult to injury. You can call it blaming the Victim. The Pashtuns are the ones suffering at “Talibans” hands.One thing our people don’t understand is that what is happening in Pakistan has to be seen in the context of global Jihadi movement.Lot of Jihadi groups in Punjab and the Taliban have merged and they are all fighting for the same cause,A pan Islamic state with a Khalifa that will cover most of the muslim world.What these Arab terorists couldn’t do in their countries are doing it here, because deep in most Pakistanis hearts everyone wants Islamic sharia and felt sorry for these people. These Arab terrorists are sittibg here because they have been kicked out of their own countries and they found sympathizers here.We have to see this menace in the larger context and not just, Pakhtun= Taliban.

What happened to the billions of dollars, Musharraf poured into the army to make it stronger. Stronger for what? Just to take over Islamabad?

Arvin,

Its not shocking. Racism and ethnic divisions is rife in Pakistan but most won’t realize their language or actions.

“Sean Quigley says:

I am an American and I cannot fathom how you can allow these bullies impose their views because they carry guns. Doesn

can any one explain why Iqbql ssid:
juda ho deen syasat sey to reh jati hij changezi; whereas history points otherwise,anywhere when the relifion was mixed with politics, the results were almost always changezi.

I am also dumbfounded after todays news that taliban have taken over Buner ( practically);
where is the civil society and where are the law enforcers who put so much hurdels for the march with containers and what not;the only reason I find is that the civil society was as it says civil not with guns and bombs; whereas talibans are with guns and they can fight fire with fire as they did in Swat;and lo and behold the well trained and pampered soldier gave up and the so called muhafiz just could not defend the frontiers,in this case of peoples freedom of Swat.

As far as calling a spade a spade, as the genral understanding goes:

all talibans are pathans(there are others in their ranks;let us not forget south punjab) BUT NOT ALL PATHANS ARE TALIBANS.
but I do hate stereotyping,I have lived in Karachi and know pathans living there for generations.

so lets us see what next, if they want to avoid a blood bath in Karachi,the civil society have to act now otherwise it will be the case as one of Cardinal put it in second world war in Germany and applied to
Pakistan: first they came for Swat I did not protest; then they took whole of Malakand I did not protest;then they took Peshawar I did not protest and now they are knocking at my door and there is no one left to protest for me;

Demonizing Pakhtoon/Pathan shows nothing but bigotry. I could go on but there is no use arguing with bigots.

Miss Huma, let me tell you that the state of SWAT was a very modern state with its own justice system that was unmatched in the country before 1973 under the ruler, Wali of Swat. Thanks to leaders from your part that they abolished that & mingled it with your justice system. This is the result after 30 years of your justice/injustice system that now will turn out to be a curse on you.

Dear Pakistanis,

Any idea how these militants are created and supported by muslim world? Entire muslim communities in the world gives money/donations to the charities. These charities are maintained by religious extremist groups. Once they gets the fund, they will opens religious institutions (madressahs)and enrolls the innocent kids into the schools, then they teaches extremism and militancy. These groups also provides Weapons and training. Then send the them into the world to fight in the name of Islam

You all are just people who don’t want to follow complete faith…. And want a place where there is no prohibition on doing all sorts of sin! Shame on u people

It is funny how people have completely ignored the real meat of the article and hanging on to the pathan/pakhtun thing. I am half pathan myself… but i would agree majority of this hype is carried out by pakhtoons… ANP supported the taliban law/sharia law, dominated or may be carried out only by pakhtoons.. I agree not all pathans/pakhton agrees with those cowboys and cavemen but i am sorry to say all of them who are supporting this unwritten law are pakhton/pathans.
and at the end its the fault of pakistanis that we didnt control them and supported their in humane acts as their bravery. Arent these the same people we used to sing songs for, gave them refuge, let them come into out metroplex, take over businesses. We never realized they will never be civilized or atleast loyal.
I guess it is time to cut the arm before the cancer reaches to the neck.

I think the main reason is illiteracy and traditional reverence for Islam in the North West of Pakistan has allowed these real infidels (taliban and the likes – who kill more muslims in the name of islam than anyone else cares to) to brainwash or inculcate hatred and false sense of religiosity among poor people of Pakistan.

The responsibility lies upon every leader since the 70s who are leading the country to utter and total destruction – just for personal gain, arrogance and lust.

All these leaders and their likes should be sentenced to worst punishment in the court of law.

The tribal sardars, vadaras, chaudhry’s and all in between should be tried in the court of people whom they sacrifice, exploit and use for their personal gains. They treat them like slaves. Which Islam allows slavery? Why taliban ask women to change and not men. Why was the girl lashed for adultery and the married dude who was equally part of the crime was not even mentioned???? Is this Islam? I bet you it ain’t.
People of Pk have been subdued by indulgence in crimes of “naafs” and unless they can wake up and educate themselves with modern knowledge and read Quran on their own and reach their own conclusion without help from self-serving killer mullahs there is no hope.

Dear Pakistani ladies. Do not live in fear. If you see someone in family is supporting extremism, then slap them immediately. if neighbhours are supporting them, then convince them that is not right path. If have leisure time, then try to educate other people instead of wasting time on discussions like fashions, clothing or murmur on others.

Woman have to take lead role. You need to get freedom and fight for it. Woman should have freedom of speech. Start fighting about woman rights. Woman should have equal rights as man. All are born similary on the earth and everyone have equal rights to live here. While fighting this bottle with Taliban/militants, we may loss our lives, but think future generations will enjoy the freedom. Everyone have to comeforward to fight this unacceptable extremism.

Your article heading “A Pathan runs into a building” certainly shows your low level of understanding. Pathans ruled the Indian continent for about 300 years. Please go back to school to improve your information. As they say the Press & the Nation rise & fall together.

Succesive Pakistani rulers have made mistakes to let the situation get out of control for short sighted benefits.Current rulers are doing the same. It’s almost at the point of no return.

Somebody in the government knows what is going on. I cannot beleive that the army will stand by and have this country’s sovereignty be ravaged by a bunch of thugs led by bus conductors & chair lift operators
How can a state with one of the largest and powerful army let this happen in it’s own backyard.This situation has more to it than meets the eye.

Dear Pakistanies, I think you need another Gandhi, who can Educate the society and gives Courrage, strengh and Unity. Most of Pakistanies want change, but not know how to start and where to start and who will start. if someone starts, all others come to support. Dont fear for life, fight for the better future. Use TV,radio,Cell phones, Phones, news papers and any communication device, start raising questions to parlementarians, what they are doing? What Army is doing. what ISI, IB, FIA is doing? How Taliban/Extrmists are getting support? who are providing weapons? Who are their Syphatisers? Why Govt is released all well known terrerits? Always remember that Religion and socialism are totally different things.

Sean, the Pakistan Army doesnt have the guts to fight the Taliban. Historically, the army has supported Islamist organizations. It is hard to kill your Frankenstein monster, as Shelly narrated so well in her story.

And sadly, Pathans have had a level of discrimination levelled at them that is beyond belief. It is sad when all Pukhtun are lumped in with the Taliban. The Taliban culture is seperate and belongs to a pan-Islamic ideology that has it’s recruits from many different countries and ethnic groups.

the idea of column is exactly portraying the mental weariness of pakistani citizens.but i wonder is it really necessary to link the whole pathan entity with the menace of terrorism.i think its extremely unreasonable.

We fought the British rule togather,We can fight the Islamist fanatasim togeather.Remmember we were one nation 60 years ago and lived in harmoney until few selfish politicians decided that hindus and muslims cannot live togather and therfore drew a line and sowed the seeds of hatred for ever.hindus who are still liveing with a large number of muslims in India will secrifice their lives to save the lives of their muslim brothers,all they have to do is give a call from heart.

Pakistan was created as a “Republic of Pakistan” later under duress changed to “Islamic Republic of Pakistan”. Today Swat has been handed over to Talibans under duress ostensibly to bring peace. First they burn ,pillage, plunder, kill and then they say they are bringing peace. Vow!! Graveyard are also peaceful. The MMA has hijacked the original Pakistan. Logically speaking the goal post and the rules of the game have been changed during the game therefore the game is null and void.
Today it is the logic of power and not the power of logic that rules Pakistan.
LONG LIVE THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF PAKITAN

I am an American and I cannot fathom how you can allow these bullies impose their views because they carry guns. Doesn’t Pakistan have an army?

For people to fight their has to be Leader with a jsut cause they can follow. The leader has to be trustworthy. Their are no such Leaders that nation would stand up for and die for.

Since when did the word “Pathan” became deragtory in your country? As an Indian, I vividly remember the excelllent character of the classic’Kabuliwalla” as well as the famous song of a Pathan charecter played and sung by Kishore Kumar.. “Mera Naam Abul Rehman, Pistawalla hoon Main Pathan”. Our still popular,highly revered and very talented pathan Dilip Kumar must be very unhappy. to read these blogs.

Power is an interesting thing. On the children

Allah has given us a chance to change the Pakistani society. We have two basic high level menaces to take care of in order to start a new beginning on the right footing.

1) Taliban Phenomenon

2) Feudal System (need land reforms, better distribution of wealth, revisit laws regarding corruption and implement them with strictest possible punishment for those who do not abide by them – should make a few examples by terminating the elite corrupt feudals)

This is an “extreme situation” and it needs “extreme measures”.

I think the responsibility is on the younger Pakistani generation.

One more very important thing I want to say here —& Pakistani nation (including myself) do not have a good impression on the rest of the world. I am not concerned about what others think of us, but I am absolutely worried as to WHY THEY THINK THE WAY THEY THINK about our attitudes as a NATION. Character and discipline are very important attributes that any successful/stable nation should have. Very regrettably, I have to say that PAKISTANI NATION (in general) is not disciplined.

May Allah Bless our Nation and help us to take ourselves out of this mess that we have created.

The title of this article is not appropriate. As a Pathan/Pakhtoon, I was offended by it. I am sure others will be too.

It seems that people do see a grave threat but nobody has a clue what to do with it. If things stay the same, Pakistan will become another Afghanistan ruled by Taliban. Now the question is what to do? We must start with the root of this problem, i.e. religious extremism. Drones, America, Martial law, none of those are real reasons. Religious extremism existed long before all other things. We need to attack the root cause. First and foremost, we need to accept the fact that Muslims are not going to agree on the same sharia. Also, we have Non-muslims living here who are still patriotic pakistanis. Therefore, we must take all references of Islam out of our constitution. We need to have a social democratic constitution without any leanings towards religion. Second thing we need to do is provide justice and freedom. If people were getting speedy justice, they would not have gone to Taliban Qazis. With the help of born again judiciary, Pakistanis can establish rule of law in all parts of Pakistan. 3rd thing that needs to be done is provide eduction. Rest of the world is behind us and is willing to give us billions of dollars. Its time that we start spending it wisely. If we dont do these things in the same order, I am afraid there is no power on this earth that can stop Pakistan from succumbing to Taliban.

if we dont do something about it now…we will end up like afghanistan. people being brutalized in stadiums to appease the beliefs of a bunch of illiterate extremists!

I do not understand, what happened to all those lawyer and attornies who were fighting for independent courts and for rule of law.What is there responce against Mullana Sufi’s comments, in regards to courts and judges.

I do not understand,where are those lawyers and supreme court bar’s member who were fighting for independent judiciary and for rule of law a month or two ago.What they have in responce to Mullana Sufi’s comments.All courts and Judges are unislamic.

People of Pakistan have been wronged, betrayed by its leaders and the system. Puppet and corrupt governments have led to where we stand. Our masses have been kept illeterate and shackled by they system to be used. With all the wrong people have become numb to the point they don’t know or care for whats’ its worth. If the decline keeps happening then something is eminent to happen. It could be a revolution in the horizon. It might be the revolution that Taliban bring with their ideas for the meek. Revolution does not care, good and bad will both fall.

“Juda hau deen siayasat se tau reh jati hai chungeZi” is not valid in these times.

I think using the word ‘pathan’ was very disrespectful.

I am with the people and i can totally understand the concerns of a people. Not just Pakistan, but any country, where there is no security people will be afraid. Family is the foremost thing and you cant sacrifice that. Saying that, if there is any organization or group that is ready to stand up against these extremists I would support them.After all,i am sad to see what is happening around. The disgusting part is that the authorities are not trying hard against these people. I mean tell me, how hard is to allow these people to openly walk and loot the shops. No opposition, no defense, why ??? Poor people, how long they can fight alone. Seriously, we need to wake up and ask answers from Government. OR all educated ,sane people get together and fight together.

I just dont believe all, what have been said here but one thing is clear, pakistanis have got a wake up call.

And this is the worst situation because if majority of people just stops what they love to do, going out, shopping , enjoying on beach then there would be catastrophic for next generation as they will adopt the same norms of living.
pakistanis have sheded there cloths of indians and arab identity and are looking for new identity as a pakistani and I just hope that this taliban culture is not going to super imposed on us.

We first need to isolate these uneducated extremists from their supply of guns and narcotics, and then deal with them with force…

when peaceful marchers were trying to approach islamabad in a pro-democracy march, the government put up huge road blocks – tankers, army people, other blockades…apparently the threat of peaceful pakistanis wanting the judiciary restored is more scary than the threat of the taliban?!!? where are the tankers now? why can’t they stop them from coming in? we must make the govt aware of its responsibility to its citizens, we must strengthen the institutions in the country through our actions.

Mr. Pervez Khan- Extremely well said, precise and to the point and nothing short of the truth.

Small random acts of strength originating against this forceful oppression from the public can save the day for Pakistan- backed up by a long awaited and genuine show of authority from the government.

In my opinion, its only because of the failure of the government (wether Marchial law or diplomacy) that people of Pakistan and the country itself are facing such a difficult time. Would that our leaders were not corrupt and were not only after filling their pockets and would have paid a little bit of their attention towards the benifits of the country and people, it would be a different story by now.

Using Pathans in the title of the article is not a good idea. It adds to the negative projection of a large ethnic group and promotes bigotry.

Well timed article. There is a growing fear amongst the common man of the country. I strongly feel that people ,generally, resent these militants but lack of security and other daily worries about bread and butter bar people from actively protesting against them. Going back to the basics of creation of our country, we want a democraic, progressive Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e- Azam not by these militants. Be united and give up your petty differences!

Some times back, a well-to-do passenger asked his Pathan taxi driver what he thought of society. Confused, the driver asked back which society was he talking about: Defence, Mohammed Ali,Dhoraji etc..etc… One can build walls around shanty towns but it would be foolish to think that somehow they have vanished. Call the Talibans by any name, the fact is they exist. The exist because of our apathy. Dostoveski got it right ” Everybody is reponsible for everything”. Pakistanis should stop whining and prepare for a war within.If it is not religous it will be a class war. We want to change the status quo in Kashmir, Palestine, Chechnya without ever trying to change ourselves. Governments of all types have been irrelevent to most Pakistanis even in the best of times.

There is no prospect of lasting peace in pakistan so long as we as people are not willing to accept the root cause this problem i.e “sheer confusion”. We are scared of openly condemning Taliban brand of islam
a- for the fear of being persecuted
b- Poor knowledge of islamic law, fiqh and hadiath and therefore can not be argued upon with conviction cuz we in all likliehood the common man, middle clss, upper middleclass and so called moderate liberals haven’t a faintest clue what islamic laws are all about. Most of us only believe and follow the basic tenets of islams(and rightly so) and often find ourselves too dumbfounded when a mullah or some hardline scholar starts spewing a rather conservative interpretition of “authentic hadiath, rivayaat and Ayaat”. We have nothing concrete to counter with.
So we “as people” will continue to keep our eyes closed, thinking this menace of talibanization will never reach out door steps and the day it actually does we will find ourselves in the postions of silent bystanders or worse end up joining their ranks!! i know it’s very bleak but unfortunately that’s the truth.

I had always viewed Pakistanis with some negativity all my life.But today for some reason I amm feeling sad for their plight. Time you guys should put up a stand against these extremists. Seek help from even India if you have to.

Agree with Naseeb

SUCH STEREOTYPING AND GENERALIZATION IS NO GOOD.

Its pity to hear such stories now happening in Karachi also.
I don

Pakistani brethren,you got to pull up your sleeves and protest against the Talibanization NOW !! In India, we are protesting against any sort of encroachment into one’s personal lives by the religious extremists. They are quite in control.

If you dont do it now, you would not have a tomorrow to repent !!

Question is which shiriah Taliban or moulvies want to implement… they have to look himself what they are doing first make themself an example then expect from other to follow. in Islam muslims have to fear of Allah and not to the implementer. it is not fair or prohibited in Islam to burn the property of others, beat or kill people because they are not following the teaching of Islam. even at the time of Prophet (PBUH)beating or killing other muslims are not allowed by our prophet (PBUH). our prophet (PBUH)said you can go to china if you want to seak education and it is not mentioned to whom it is addressed so it is for all men or women and in china both boys and girls are studying together, no doubt.

Very amusing. The best fiction borders on reality OR the perception of that reality..

As we say in Urdu, ” jo dar gaya samjho mar gaya”
Thats right that safe and secure life has prime importance and top priority of every human being, but to fight out the taliban menace we will have to show courage, First of all we need to continue with our way of life. Secondly, we have to raise our voice aginst the wrong doings of taliban on all forums particularly in media. We must also put pressure on Govt. and Army to don’t show any flexibility to these talibans, they are terrorizing the nation they should be dealt with iron hand withuot any more delay. Matters are settled with negotiations and discussion with sane and rational people. So the only way to control them is to deal with tme firmly, before they do the same to us.

The anti-Talibanisation must originate from nowhere but Pakistan. Where was the so called ‘fear’ when thousands of people came out in street against the government and fought for the judiciary. Pakistanis have to shed this hypocracy which commonly dubbed as ‘Maslehat’. Not a single Anti-taliban protest on the streets of Pakistani cities except Karachi and Hyderbad, I don’t call it a fear, I call it submission to the will of Taliban.

What is happening is heart wrenching and highly disconcerting but not unexpected. The lack of vision of the government and of the army is astounding and the failure of the ‘civil society’ to act forcefully is ominous. Nothing but the survival of the way of life of the Pakistanis, as we know it is at stake. Flood the gates of power to stop this sheer madness now or be in a state of mourning for ever for the total loss of your freedom. If a CJ can elicit support from thousands why can’t a matter of life and death for the country mobilize the masses? MQM, as the sole voice of sanity, where are you and what are doing to combat the dawn of this reign of terror?

With your title “A Pathan runs into a building,” you add fuel and begotry to a bleeding nation.

Don’t we have enough problems?

resist or accept???

surely resist!! but how is always the question isnt it? saying the words doesnt make it so, does any one here honestly tell me how to resist them? the same way they do? because my friends i am afraid it just might have come to that.

Dear sirs such a shame on our parlimentarians and the government in virtually accepting Taliban rule.The US is correct in saying if you give an inch to extremists and terrorists they want a mile as Buner example shows.
What on earth is happening now where is the mobilisation to restore the writs in Buner ?..Are we so fearful of them?

Your fears are justified for you and I don’t believe in the state and society that is called Pakistan today.Let us visualize the worst that could happen in the near future and how shall you respond to it as an individual.Will you entirely find an indivdual solution or ask for a collective response.Most probably you are likely to get in to defensive and self preserving role and wait till the time people resposible to preserve their cultural identity come forward and fight back not necessarily like sultan Rahi.
Its quite upsetting but a grim reality that surfaces in states and societies where social justice is relegated to the lowest levels of acceptance.God bless urban dwellers and our next generation!

“Taliban claims victory near Islamabad”

Wow, i just checked this news. It is hurling all around world on almost all famous news websites. I just can’t find a place to burry my head with shame that despite having so called powerful army how secure one can feel in Pakistan ?

I am just tyring to understand the ‘Truce’ signed by government of Pakitan with Talibans. The truce should have been signed on two basic conditions.

1- Disarmament.
2- Halting all activities.

Faliure to abide these conditions could automatically taken as an infringment of the agreement and therefore, liable to military opertaion.

Why is Pakistani governemnt unable to launch a covert operations in Swat. ‘WHEN THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY’

Pakistan have two options only , either fight or accept

The fear of Talibans is echoing its sound overseas aswell. A splendid example these days is of those poor Pakistani students who are going to get deported in UK for-no-crime.

It’s truly heartbreaking to see what’s going on. We’re accustomed to spend an isolated, effeminated life. There is no doubt that no one can confront those brutal beasts, especially when your so called law enforcing agencies have surrendered.

In this tumbling economical conditions, don’t expect people to spend useful part of their day in braying against Taliban, ( Which is not gonna give any outcome from Law enforcing agencies ), instead of looking for a way to feed their kids.