FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

Who exploded the bomb that killed scores of devotees at the Nishtar Park is yet a question before the forensic experts, but members of the country's highest forum, the National Assembly, already knew its answer.
Or, at least that was what they tried to convey on the floor of the House as they spoke on the tragic incident in the daylong debate on Thursday.
Naturally, the no-holds-barred by some of the members were highly inflammatory but revealing as well as in that these threw up in sharp relief the deeply etched line that divides the nation from the centre.
Putting aside the listed orders of the day, Speaker Amir Hussain opened the floor for debate, asking member from Karachi Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair. "That massacre in the Nishtar Park, what is new about it"? He asked and then replied: "Ever-since a linguistic terrorist organisation was made part of the Sindh government the religious organisations are under attack, particularly the Sunni Tehrik."
But he did not name the MQM during the next 15 minutes or so that he delivered incisive cuts to the Movement. "I had informed the Prime Minister that only to remain in power terrorism of this organisation is being tolerated." As for the investigation the "dacoits have set to catch dacoits". There is no need to hold inquiry, he said, adding that Pakistan Army had exposed the organisation's business of running the torture cells, "but today the same army is patronising this body."
Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair rejected the perception that the Nishtar Park tragedy stemmed from sectarianism "for, the religious parties do not attack each other...In fact, religious forces are being attacked to be eliminated from the scene". He demanded removal of Sindh governor and dismissal of the provincial government, "otherwise the situation will worsen, as the Sunni Tehrik has given 48 hours ultimatum".
Ali Akbar Vanis was the next speaker. A passionate loyalist of the present ruling set up asked, "What is this Sunni Tehrik... Why are we Muslims divided along the sectarian lines...Our division is so deep that even our turbans have different colours."
Then came Sher Muhammad Baloch, the one rare exception who admitted ignorance whether the explosion was triggered by remote control system or was it the show of suicide bomber. But he was certain that ever since a military dictator deposed an elected prime minister "the politics is on the path to ruination thanks to rampant corruption and terrorism. Whenever military governments murderous violence takes hold of society".
He found nothing new in that there are many religious sects but aren't there many parties in politics? He asked. He said the fact is that the government has failed to provide security to the people, therefore, it should resign. Muhammad Ali Mahanti was sad that people have been punished for their love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He rejected the perception that religious parties are divided and, therefore, are waging suicidal attacks on each other. "We are one both politically and socially...This (Nishtar Park explosion) is the product of agencies who did not spare even the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal."
He also demanded summary dismissal of Sindh governor and the provincial government, but as for the chief minister he had already said that all big cities are in the control of the governor and he looked after the 'Goths'. He then take straight": "Karachi government is in the hands of terrorists, with the connivance of the federal government". Sher Akbar, the government member, then took his turn but he did not say something new.
Firebrand Haider Abbas Rizvi was now on his feet: "They have tried to destroy the peace of Karachi with the help of a suicide bomber...Who are the people who promote suicide bombings...We know when international terrorists came which parries' headquarter they visited." He said the material used in the Nishtar Park explosion is the same as was used in the blast at Haidri Masjid, which means the same elements are involved.
"If the MQM was running torture cells then why is it that every government came to Nine Zero." Haji Khuda Bukhsh Nizamani doubted that a Muslim could not have carried out the blast. Fauzia Habib was annoyed that the MQM member had used an unsavoury expression while visiting others and seeking to set up alliances is very much part of the democratic process.
Imran Khan disclosed that the leaders of Sunni Tehrik had briefed him on killings of their leaders and that killers were being protected by the Karachi administration. If the attackers of the president and the prime minister could be traced and apprehended why killers of Sunni leaders are not being apprehended?
He asked and then alleged that the rulers have taken up the roles of judiciary and prosecution, unilaterally declaring innocent people as terrorists. The chair expunged Fata member Maulana Mirajuudin's entire speech in which he tried to suggest that country is on the brink of disintegration.
Leader of Opposition Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the blast wiped out entire leadership of Sunni Tehrik and demanded impartial inquiry. By dubbing such incidents as suicide attacks the government wants to absolve itself of its responsibility to protect the citizens, he said.
To the grim scenario as it was unfolding on the floor of the National Assembly there was a silver lining - jailed PML-N member Khwaja Saad Rafique was brought to the House as a result of production orders issued by the speaker. And, he also asked the army to "Go back to barracks and let Benazir and Nawaz Sharif return to Pakistan".
"We should not forget that Shaikh Mujib and G.M. Syed too played role in the Pakistan Movement but they had to review their policy because of our injustices and political machinations."
Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao wrapped up the debate on the note that the Nishtar Park blast was result of suicide bombing. The House will now meet on Friday morning.