Dear Mr. Rehman Malik,
I recently found out that you have decided to take action (aka, block, ban and forget) against blasphemous content on the internet.
Let me take this opportunity to tell you that I am extremely delighted at this announcement.
In fact, I am so overwhelmed by the idea that I have decided to write this letter of appreciation and to help you filter content (that needs to be censored immediately).Let me first define blasphemy (since confusion is rampant) and allow me to restate this: nothing would disappoint the Prophet (PBUH) more than violence being justified in his name; nothing is more blasphemous than using Islam as a tool to justify violence.
Therefore Mr. Malik, the following recommendations have been made in this light.
Ansar-Al-Mujahideen: The possibilities with this one are endless, from videos, forums to press releases for ‘Mujahideen,” this one has it all. Must read the newest thread titled, “claiming responsibility for kidnapping two French citizens and exposing the stupidity of the French.” I rest my case.
Haq Chal Yaar: The website promotes hate speech against Shias and the Ahmadis. It also goes on to claim (http://www.kr-hcy.com/shia/kufr.shtml) that Shias are non-Muslims, urging people to fight the Shia Fitna. The forum concludes that anyone who disagrees with them “has to suffer with the words of Kafir/Infidel.” In the presence of muftis and a federal Shariah court this should at least qualify for contempt of court if not blasphemy.
Muslaman Bachay: A magazine run by Jaish-e-Muhammad (a banned outfit). The site features an art gallery with drawings from children. Different from your usual drawings, these are portraits of suicide bombers, guns, swords and such. You get my point, don’t you?
These are just few examples of terrorist websites that perpetuate hate, discrimination and promote violence, that are accessible throughout Pakistan. To be more accurate, according to the 2006 statistics there around 4,500 extremist websites, most of which are accessible in Pakistan.
Child porn: A simple Google search is self-explanatory.
Please note that since May 2010, over 1,200 websites have been blocked, without any prior warning or an explanation or notice regarding the duration of the ban. This appears to be an honest mistake, because child porn and terrorist websites continue to be accessible throughout Pakistan (blasphemy of the utmost level). I hope that you will take notice and assure a crackdown on all sites mentioned above. After all, this is Islamic Republic of Pakistan and we must ensure that even our virtual world is secure from all forms of blasphemous content.
Last, but not the least, since you are well-known for making honest mistakes please avoid us all the embarrassment and not block Facebook, YouTube and Twitter this time around? After all, they have already proven their piety in front of the Lahore High Court.
Sincerely,
A citizen, concerned about the freedom of the internet.
Sana Saleem is a Features Editor at BEE magazine and blogs at Global Voices, Asian Correspondent, The Guardian and her personal blog Mystified Justice. She was awarded the Best Activist Blogger Award by CIO & Google at the Pakistan Blogger Awards. She can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
Great article!!!!
impressed
Really nice article.
Excellent piece. I hope Rehman Malik reads this and promises to take action. Ms. Sana Saleem, do you plan to write a follow article up to let us know if this has been actioned by Mr. Malik?
Agreed completely! if there’s anything that needs to be banned in this country its hate mongering!
All sort of hate mongering whether on WEB ,Print or electronics media should be discouraged and banned .
It is really good to see that our young generation opposing the path which we have followed for a long time and have achieved nothing except destruction.
I pledge my fullest support to this woman and her cause.
Islam is a peaceful religion. The Prophet, PBUH, of Islam taught us by numerous examples of his holy life and teachings about forgiveness, peace, reconciliation and mercy. Those who promote violence, extremism and hate in the name if Islam are misguided and illiterates. These misguided people should learn and educate themselves in teachings of Islam before preaching Islam to others. We should all pray for them and their guidance in God’s name.
Actions speak louder than words. Saying something a thousand times does not make it the truth.
In a country where every Muslim feels he is Malik Mumtaz Qadri, who believed he is a prosecutor, jury, judge, Qazee, Muftee and executioner despite the fact that this country has its laws and judicial process binding on all its citizens, this country is a serious threat not only to its own people but all mankind. Uncontrolled lawlessness in one country affects the entire world.
Why only child porn? Block all porn websites.
If Porn is a sin,then Child Porn is 100 times more than that…..
The Child is someone who is totally innocent ..even if he’s born from a sinner’s womb…..
Honestly,i feel forcing a child to do porn or watching it should be given serious capital punishment because it can cause abuse against children..
and a survey tells that those people who faced abuse as a child, have behaviorial problems when they become adults…..
Liberals thinks that viewing porn other than child porn should be protected under personal freedoms laws.
mr.Rafeeq
I never endorsed Porn..and I never will…..I just highlighted the fact that the child porn is even more deadly sin that the actual porn……
So if according to NOT endorsing porn is liberal view,then I’m not a liberal…I’ll become a hardline extremist like u….
I think,you people should understand the actual meaning of liberal…Maybe,some religious leader thought you that those persons drinking,watchin porn,wearing immodest dress are liberal and those with self respect are extremists….
Assalam-O-Alaikum
Thanks for writing honestly and telling that there are other very important and equally serious matters that need the attention of our high profile Govt officials and not the only case of blasphemy that Salman Taseer was so whole heartedly following blindly without taking into consideration all other matters.
Good shot Sana !
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Rehman malik has ordered an investigation about this matter. hehhe.
Completely agreed with Bilal.
Dear Sana, need not to repeat, it is a good blog. I’m not at all opposing your views and just giving what my opinion is.
We could block all the sites, okay, good step, but what is needed is “the sense” from inside. Like, once in my accountancy school, admin. decided to make uniforms compulsory to avoid very open dressings. Next week pupils came with uniform wearing but you know what? Girls were wearing even pathetic and shameful, yes, literally shameful sort of shirts and pajamas.
the point that I’m trying to make is just strictly implementing (blocking sites as you are saying) a decision is not the only solution but to correct our thinking within is.
Unfortunately, as a nation we are in a very sick habit of believing that whatever we know, is 100% accurate and even worse, we don’t feel a bit of need to rectify or search for another angle of the issue. I’m sure many of you must have experienced this thing after brutal assassination of Salman Taseer. And that could really make you people understand meticulously what I mean.
Again, well done! And, I agree with you.
Who can stop a BIG rolling bolder down the hill now? Whether in 2012 the world will come to an end or not but looks like some countries are speeding towards their own destruction for sure. Small pebbles like these – Sana will not be even stop that. Feel sympathies for lovely people like her!
Ms. Sana, I am very glad to see that somebody did think rationally and brought such stuff to light but pretty much more interesting are the comments where we find people complaining about politicians. Neither am in a support of any of them but as a nation we never look into our selves to evaluate our character and deeds. No doubt if our leaders are worse than us because they have also been selected from the same nation. Though we might have rote learned all the Quranic verses yet we all are no less than any corrupt politician.. plz at least start thinking to rectify yourselves people and stop criticizing others either your neighbor or some honorable politician, it’s a great irony of fate for us a nation. Think about it!!.. ciao
Uzma, read carefully. Sana is criticising the “Honorable Politician”. What else do you think she’s saying?
If Sana shared your sentiments, she would have addressed the society, not the honorable minister. Western societies criticise, infact demand resignations from their corrupt leaders and their leaders oblige. these societies don’t market the concept of leaders being corrupt bcoz society is corrupt and that’s why their progressing.
I was not aware of any such website bcz i have no interest in all this but this give me a chance to look at these. I think we should work to learn and give better learning to others rather than trying to impose our thoughts on other the same as way as these fanatics do.
Yes! Mr. Interior minister do as suggested her.
Instead of filtering and blocking web sites we should be fighting for Absolute Freedom of Speech. This is only way we can understand each other.
My good friends, I admired Pakistani people, being a foreigner living among you. I wonder how much pain for senseless violence, hunger for financial crunch or lack of hope can you take anymore… I have seen nations in general revolt for less than what we are seeing here, Armies taking control to ensure the citizen of the basic human rights… But the patience (or servile attitude??!!)of Pakistani people seems to have no limits. I congratulate you for the article. Brave and straight to the point. When the simple citizen identifies the corrupt political class and the religious extremism as the cancers that are destroying this country, we will see much blood… but a new Pakistan will be born. I think this is a part of the process of this Nation which we cannot avoid. Wish the critical media would do more to reach out to those who cannot read and write to start forming the conscience of a new beginning. Happy Week to everybody!
Sana,
Please keep up your good work. May your tribe increase. The hope of Pakistan is in people like you.
Excellent article. Sana deserves praise for her work.
There is a saying in Farsi. “Neem Hakeem Khatra-e Jaan, Neem Mullah khatra-e Eemaan.” Meaning: a half learned physician is a danger to life and a half learned Mullah is a danger to faith (Islam).”
Pakistan is ruled by Mullahs and almost all are half learned Mullahs. Politicians including Mr. Rehman Malik fear Mullahs and they will do everything possible to protect them from the wrath of Mullahs.
Allah says in Holy Quran “If any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed all mankind; and if any one saved the life of a person, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” (Quran V: 32). Can you imagine what is the value of a single life in front of Allah? But Mullah gives blessings to Muslim youths and prepares them to blow up in mosques killing Muslims standing in front of Allah in Salaat. Let us follow Deen of Allah, not Deen of Mullah.
Very well said Mustfa Bhai. The tormentors of Pakistan are the half-baked Mullahs, who have hypnotized innocent minds to such an extent that they move around as zombies in search of Janat at any cost. I have no solutions for redemption of Pakistan from Mullahgiri but I am sure of one thing: what cannot change by evolution, will change by revolution. The cost will be heavy but the result will be a new beginning. When, where or how this change will occur, no one can predict. We must remember that freedom of thought cannot be encased by faith. Humanity cannnot progress with captive thinking.
Sana Saleem is a courageous young lady and perhaps a small beacon in an otherwise dark tunnel. Pray she does not fall victim to another Quadri.
May ALLAH (SWT) bless you for being so straightforward. We should blame ourselves for the current quagmire because when we vote for corrupt politicians/mullahs.
Yes close these sites of hate propaganda immediately. Well said but also do NOT forget to bomb the hide outs of those who are behind the killings of innocent Pakistanis. The Supreme Court of Pakistan need to issue a special edict to bring these extremists to account. There need to be severe punishments for those who have rendered these acts by taking the laws of Pakistan into their dirty hands. These extremists have declared an open war on Pakistan’s citizens. If you do not take action now they will continue their war against Pakistan. These extremists are the elements who were against the creation of Pakistan and the ideals of Quid -e-Azam. The activities of these extremists need to be wiped out throughout Pakistan. Just closing their websites is like putting a band aid on Pakistan’s wounds. Punish these extremists and remove this filth from the Pure land of Pakistan. These debased, self-serving, unholy, hypocrite extremists are the ones who need to be educated.
Mr. Malik’s initiative is more about self-preservation and less about religion and country. Being a Pakistani agnostic, who hurts at the sight of how poverty and ignorance mixed with a backward religion is destroying our country, i instinctively judge all women in Hijab. however, I enjoyed your article and must agree with your voice of reason.
Dear Author,
Abdul Rehman Malik Sahab is not sure how long he and his party will be in office because of their lack of interest in solving ANY public issue but creating new problems for the people.
The best person would be the head of Pakistan Internet Exchange (PIE) or Chief Justice for directing PIE to establish an online form to enter URLs of such websites that need to be banned.
Since you guys are in print media, you can create a momentum about this effort on other channels and news papers.
Sana, you were too early to write this post! PM has also announced there will be no amendment in the law. Now you will have to put extra effort for another. But, I feel happy about Proud Hindus who are passing their expert opinions on Islamic laws. You may have to change your profile pictures as well to express solidarity with them. God bless you!
Good job. We need to write this kind of article often. As the killer around us certainly involve in hate crime either on the name of religion, sect, or language. If we want to survive in 21st century then the logic is only weapon. If we think we can shut up any school of thought on the power of weapon then there is no limit ,no end and the result will be worst than what we are having in our country now-a-days. The leaders of hate crime are spreading poison in our society which will cause it to die soon if drastic measures will not be taken. The only way to survive is let the others to survive with their believes and choice.
How about help people of the country with security, jobs, and things that actually matter? Allah and Mohammad PBUH do not need our help protecting Them. Just remember who the creator is, so do not interfere with His matters. Blasphemous people will be taken care of by the Almighty if desired by Him. Who are we to make judgments?
While we leave everything on Allah, why can’t we leave this for Him to worry about to? Right hypocrites?
Nasir Bhai, I was in a church many years ago when an old lady approached the priest for giving last communion to his daughter who was seriously ill and about to pass away. The priest declined saying the girl had not led a pious life and therefore not worthy of last communion. Another gentleman standing nearby heard priest’s comment and said: “Father, you have no business to be judgemental. It is for God to judge the conduct of his followers and He alone judges. You do your duty of helping the girl pass on into the Kingdom of God.”
That, Nasir Bhai, I feel is the role of Priests, Mullahs, Lamas, Pundits and other so called self appointed “representatives” of God on Earth. Show the way and not drag them through it. We mortals have no right to judge the deeds or conduct of anyone. If you have faith in Allah or Creator, leave it to Him to take care of aberrations against Him.
You are right, the last messenger of god Muhammad (PBUH) is not only confined to Pakistan or Islamic world, his personality is for all over the universe, including non-Muslim countries. How the mullahs of Pakistan implements that “Islamic law” in these countries, where we are practicing all Islamic duties? Logic is the only answer. You cannot be mad around all over the world and is not a Islamic law, blasphemy-law is a law which was made with bad intention for using it. For God sake stop exploitation on the name of greatest personality of the world and let people live in open atmosphere where we can defeat enemies with logic and knowledge instead of murdering them.
Good on you Mr. Nasir Aziz. Well said. Allah and His Prophet don’t need us to protect Their honour. Allah bestows honour on all mankind and takes it away too – and He definitely doesn’t need any help from anyone. We should realise our menial status and get involved with the many tasks ahead of us in all humility.
Great Suggestions. Blasphemy is not only that speaks of BUT all of the silent efforts should be catered for as Sana has mentioned in this article.