Of late Pakistan faces an intense growing pressure on international level. Several countries including America expressed their concern following the assassination of Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti. Few days ago Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was also assassinated. Meanwhile America which was angry over the imprisonment of American citizen Raymond Davis who had killed two Pakistanis in firing, is issuing warning statements of landing Pakistan in trouble if the prisoner is not released. This raises many questions. Whether America is trying to implement its aggressive and planned policies in the subcontinent behind the scenes?
It is manifested from the latest presidential note of American president Barrack Obama that sanctions would be imposed on Pakistan if Raymond Davis is not released. The matter of the American president’s speech which he delivered while addressing Americans, indicates that the circumstances created in the Pakistan at present are the result of some international breach of trust or spiteful motive. Recently Governor Punjab Salman Taseer’s assassination with reference to blasphemy law, later killing of two Pakistanis by American citizen Raymond Davis and American government’s forces becoming active for his rescue and at the same time Minorities Affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination, these are the incidents which manifest lack of control on the part of ruling class and army, over the internal situation of Pakistan.
These kind of circumstances are favourable for the international forces especially America to implement their policies.
Western countries which were showing concern over two Pakistani leaders Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti have started worrying that the incidents of killing of broad minded people of Pakistan indicates nothing but hatred and extremism prevailing in Pakistan.
Showing unconcern over the chief conspirators and instead holding extremists responsible for these incidents have made the matters worse in Pakistan.
If the assassinations of Governor of Punjab and Minister for Minorities affairs were the part of religious extremism then silence of Pakistani government and military over it is unfortunate. The silence of military over country’s current situation is worth considering. Avoidance to issue condemnation statement over the assassination of pro tolerance leaders on the part of military, especially army chief Ashfaq Parvez, indicates that both the Pakistani government and the military are not really ready to take any risk.
Unanimity is essential within the military. There are several soldiers and high officials in the Pakistani army who approve those who are for amending blasphemy law and are supporters of the assassinators. A large number of police officers too regard the assassinator of Salman Taseer as a hero. In these circumstances any move on the part of government and military could fan Pakistan’s internal turmoil. Apart from that on the issue of American citizen Raymond Davis, Pakistani government faces America’s resentment on one side and the wrath of Pakistnai people on the other. America has engaged all its government missionary and diplomatic channels to set its citizen free while several Pakistani citizens die in their country because of American policies. America has taken the help of two private companies to work as detectives in Pakistan this revelation should clear the doubt as to which forces are active in Pakistan to control its political, social and economic situation. If Pakistani government and its people show inattention towards the matter of terrorism and extremism then the fragile democracy of Pakistan will have to bear heavy losses. The forces which are fanning to the fuel of extremism are themselves spreading religious hatred now. Had the assassination of those who supported the amendment into blasphemy law was condemned from every corner then the international forces particularly America would have to consider twice before finalising anti Pakistani plan of action.
Several questions were raised when President Asif Ali Zardari didn’t attend Salman Taseer’s funeral procession. Later when Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated then he consoled his dependants by visiting them and gave assurance that extremism would be fought. He had fear that if he pleased international forces then he would face resentment of some groups inside the country. If this kind of fear grips him then he could not strengthen the prerequisites of democratic government of Pakistan.
The temperament of which Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer had become victim, the same temperament had brought Benazir Bhutto to the death’s door. Pakistan faces threat from the internal elements’ dangerous motives and ideologies more than that of external forces. To deal with it government and military need to show courage and bravery. Comprehending the sensitiveness of the current circumstances and incidents, the causes behind them should be correctly identified. Later on while fighting against the firebrands it will help in creating political and democratic stability.