The latest victims of the terrorism sweeping this country are 17 people, including women, who had gathered to hear the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry address a lawyers rally on Tuesday evening in Islamabad. Sixty-three others were injured, nine of them critically.
Already reeling from the shock of the Lal Masjid tragedy and a spate of violence that has ensued in the tribal areas as well as some settled parts of NWFP, the nation is at a loss to understand what to make of the situation. Representatives of the bar see a hidden hand trying to get rid of the CJ.
Some have suggested that since the attack took place at a camp set up by the People's Party activists, it could have been directed at the party because its Chairperson, Benazir Bhutto, has been expressing support for the government action against religious extremists.
Others dispute that contention. Whatever the reason and whosoever the target, this dangerous escalation of violence must be addressed urgently and effectively. Insurgents have moved from North and South Waziristan and Bajaur agencies in the tribal areas to attack security agencies and the police in Bannu, Tank, and even D.I. Khan. The problem needs to be handled within its wider perspective.
The government and at least one opposition party, the PPP, have talked of the imposition of emergency, though making opposing arguments. Speaking to a private TV channel soon after the Islamabad atrocity, the Minister of State for Information, Senator Tariq Azim, said that the government would consider taking various steps, including declaration of emergency, in order to provide security to the people and improve the law and order situation.
And the PPP leader, Benazir Bhutto, issued a special statement, accusing the secret agencies of trying to create anarchy to pave the way for the imposition of emergency. The one common point in both the government representative's and the PPP leader's assertions is that the country is passing through a difficult time.
Of course, one is used to hearing different leaders declare every now and then that the country is passing through a critical period. But things were never as bad as they are now in terms of the security and safety of ordinary peoples' lives. It is an exceptional situation and demands an exceptional response. That though cannot be proclamation of emergency, leading to suspension of basic rights and postponement of the elections due later this year.
The government has already been engaged in a military campaign against the extremist elements; it is also accused of disregarding important legal requirements in many instances. Yet the problem of extremism has exacerbated. Even its peace deal with the pro-Taliban elements in the tribal areas, has been unilaterally cancelled by the militants.
There exists a consensus, at least among the major political forces, on that it is in our national interest to address the problem of extremism and the resultant violence. If that is in accord with the US objectives too, so be it. However, the US and the people along with the genuine political leadership of this country have differing views on achieving that goal.
The situation being what it is, instead of considering the imposition of emergency as an option the government should think about starting a process of grand reconciliation involving all major political parties.
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