Taliban at the Door

They are just a wall away from my city. Really.

Will the Taliban take over NWFP? Will the Taliban take over Pakistan? Intriguing questions. well they have gained a strong foothold in Swat. O that beautiful valley is so torn now. It was rumored that Peshawar was about to fall to them.. luckily that did not happen. But the operation did start against the 'militants and criminals' in the adjoining areas of the provincial metropolis.

Some years back, Taliban were an entity that was in Afghanistan. Now they are in Pakistan! These hardcore beard sporting-gun wielding-pants (shalwar) up till ankles-tribals employ a strict interpretation of Islam - which serves their interests well. The protectors of Al Qaeda, the tormentors of Hamid Karzai, the irritants for NATO, the headache for Pakistani government and fear for any population under their control.. are planning to take over Pakistan!

I'll be evaluating various issues that will confront them in their plan to take control over Pakistan and her population.

1. Electoral Bottleneck.

Well thats a serious one. Religious parties cum political parties have not fared well in Pakistani politics. Yes MMA got the NWFP Govt last time but they were routed this time by ANP and PPPP who have a secular attitude. No Taliban will ever find this route easy. (Although for the sake of events.. one hopes they do join the political process instead)

Forget about Taliban thinking of the same route. They don't believe in it (as it is a representation of infidel system and that democracy is not compatible with Islam!)

2. Religious Affinity.

Definite plus point for Taliban. Tag anything with Islam and Pakistani people will fall for it.. well most of them. Reason is simple. Pakistanis are religious. They accept religion as a major factor in their life and to support it they can go to any length - irrational extremes even.

The Taliban of Swat have only one thing to say - impose Islamic Shariah. I mean who can disagree when asked whether you would want to have God and His system placed in the country?! Nobody will surely ask 'what system by the way'! Ordinary perception is that there is only one variety. Pakistan has majority sunnis and most of them think (keeping aside their militant acts) that Taliban are true representation of early muslims. A true portrayal of Islamic values which obviously is a hard fact. Religion is no chill pill they will tell you.

Then there are medressahs. They provide fresh crop of religious students who have almost no contemporary knowledge of the world. They are not imbued with critical thinking and thus are easily 'converted' for malafide acts. For ordinary tribal, they do not see any wrong with what goes on in medressah. They have sent their children to learn the religion of God. If they cant succeed in this world and at least life hereafter would be better for them.

3. Inept Government

This is closely linked with the previous one. Why most people find Islamic system attractive? One it relates to Islam and secondly the state has been so inept at performing its duties that people hope that the new system would solve their problems. Take for example the justice system employed by Taliban. If there is a wrong committed and a call for redressal is made - it is acted upon quickly. If the offenders are caught they are dealt there and then. No courts where the trial would continue for yars and years to no effect. Simple dispensation of justice (with all merits and demrits of course).

Similarly the political environment. There is no penetration of main stream political parties of Pakistan in tribal areas. They are ruled by a century old Frontier Crimes & regulations Act (FCR). The federal government appointed political agent acts as the god father. Until very recently, tribal people were not even able to cast their votes. The people know no way apart from jirga system, their clan lords and political administrator. You might argue that Swat had a political structure in place so why it did not work there? When the religious organizations like Tehreek e Nifaze Shariat e Mohammadi (TNSM) demanded that shariah law be imposed in Swat, the successive governments since 1996 always said they would do so soon. What did this knee jerk reaction convey? That their demand for shariah was valid, that people were not being governed by an Islamic system and that the political administration was plain idiot.

Inept governance is also evident on the developmental work. FATA areas have never been on the developmental priority of the federal government. The area contains huge mineral resources. The mines built were of no use because tribes fought amongst themselves and Government could not mediate between them. Now Taliban with the force of the gun, have made the mines start working again and started levying their own tax. Simple and efficient.

4. Tribal Affinity.

This is a very conducive environment for Taliban. FATA area and areas near the border of Afghanistan (Dir and Swat) are inhabited by Pathans. Its a mix of Pathan code (pukhtoon wali), tribal customs and medressah Islam. Add to it the fact that FATA area has always been a no go area for the Pakistani Government- in fact for anyone for that matter. And tribals take pride in it. Its their rules, their customs and no body else interferes.

5. Anti-American Sentiment

The holy nectar. Give one sip and the person is yours. If there is a satan on earth - then its America. For Taliban and most of the muslims, the America is the reason for all ills that afflict the muslims all across the globe. Things got more complicated after 9/11. Every muslim is a terrorist and beard sporting pathan even more!

Americans have made a mess in Iraq, in Afghanistan and brazenly support Israel. Guilty all the way. Then they kill ordinary Afghans in collateral damage raising the hate sentiment for the invading army. Americans keep pounding suspected Taliban hideouts in Pakistani controlled territory. Add to this fact that Pakistani Government is seen too compliant of American interests. You getting labeled as an American agent can lead you further to search for your chopped head.

6. The Power of Gun

Taliban are ruthless. They do not give a damn about you if you go against their interests. They wont care if you are seen without the compliance of their definition of Islam. The power of gun can silence anyone. This means 'peace' - a misnomer here but still peace. Everyone keeps telling you about how peaceful Afghanistan had become during their rule right? Well its because of the fact that you cant talk or do anything against them. For ordinary people its much better than the lawlessness that they have to witness during war time. At least you don't die.

7. Cultural Obstacles.

Tough one for Taliban. Pakistanis are one separate thing and Taliban are another. If they could, they would make every man sport a beard, wear a cap and make them raise their pants till ankles. They would make every woman wear a burqa and shunted in homes. No girl schools, no women workers. I like the idea. No women - 50% percent problems solved. That is a quantum jump in problem solving you know.

Cultural 'relaxations' are evident when one travels from North of Pakistan to South of it. In Peshawar a girl in jeans is 'uh huh. ok'. In Karachi it would be 'so what?'. Taliban are too out-dated fashion wise for most of the Pakistanis.

Majority of Pakistanis also fear the invasion of western culture through satellite dish and cable. They think that Pakistani society is being rendered morally bankrupt with terms like 'enlightened moderation' which are just a tool to introduce foreign culture. There is a need for a saviour for Pakistani society against this onslaught of sin. So who to turn to help? Pure Islamic system. Taliban are a proponent of that and although Taliban may not be supported in major cities - the idea gets a warm response in the form of Lal Mosque. Remember - they were supposedly out their countering sins and purging society of it.

All in all, Taliban are a reality breathing down your neck. They will be in major towns of Pakistan unless the government takes remedial action. They have to tackle them on political and religious front. They have to get more involved administratively in Swat and FATA. Taliban have to be brought in to the political mainstream. Diverse opinion has to be introduced in the religious discussions so as to introduce moderation in their views.

Lets pray and hope for the best.

Related Post

- Why Do I Hate The Taliban

Find Your Friend! Damn!

Warid telecommunication company has recently introduced a new feature for their subscribers through which they can find the location of the target number through sending a simple SMS. The company has launched this feature stating that you can find your friends through this facility. Fun eh? :)

No!

There is a huge privacy issue involved here. At the start of this service, it will be fun and later it will become the tool of stalkers! wives will be keeping a watch on their husbands, girls and guys on each other, morons on their victims, criminals on wealthy businessmen! what the hell is going on?! This service sounds more of a trouble rather than blessing. Security personnel or people who like to have their location secret - they are in trouble I think. No VIP is going to use Warid I suppose! (Ok I am stretching here a bit I know because it wont be real time online position monitoring.. but still!)

I think Warid has played a gamble here and it might cost them. Nobody likes the idea that they been stalked or snooped up on. I do not know how much accurate information the system will provide but cellular phones are traceable by their nature and the resultant location can be considered specific enough.

Lets see which way the dice rolls.

Word Verification

When you publish a post, the site usually asks for a word verification from the author so that it can be ensured that no bots were involved in producing the text counted as Spam. The author has to enter alphabets as they appear through the computer generated image. I use Blogger, one of the many blog making portals.

Recently (well more than that) the word verifications are becoming.. umm.. lets say dicey for me :p The alphabets come in shapes that are getting really hard for me to decipher! I swear! Either I am losing it on my brain and eyes front or there is something wrong with their system!

Check these... I had to enter the word verification 4 times to publish my last post!



I swear I cant make that out.



Seems like .. rkjibdx?



It is kzukx right? No! Gave an error.


Finally got this one right.

Damn it Blogger. You really are forcing me to click the wheel chair sign with these verifications :|

I am on fire!

thanks to gasoline prices!

oh come on.. 6rh increase in 5 months? what the hell is government up to. A whopping Rs.10.97 increase in petrol and Rs.9.50 in diesel - its totally unfair. While coming on my 'car pool' this morning, I saw several people stranded because the transporters had announced strike and they had no alternative to go to their work. The helplessness was so visible - on their faces and my heart. I swear. There is no worse feeling than seeing someone helpless and you enjoying the same luxury as they lack.

Ordinary people are being marooned. Soaring inflation has broken the back of many. I earn well, thank to Almighty, but even I feel the pinch. What would the lower and lower-middle class people be doing? God forbid, if a father cant feed his children, what worth would he feel his life is? If your children are hungry, you'll go to any extent to have their stomachs filled. Either you'll follow the criminal path or the path of suicide.

The Government can give any excuse it wants to (mostly that previous govt did it) but people are not interested in this crap. If the country's premier after returning from an international conference can have the whole plane diverted to a new destination country just for a party meeting - would the people believe him? You are blowing up tax payers money on ludicrous acts and expect them to give up what they are doing?

We are 'exporting' petrol for heavens sake! why on earth are you charging us international rates for it. The demand for petrol had drastically reduced after the introduction of CNG resulting in the fact that petrol now is exported. We are producers of natural gas and you are talking of removing subsidies as you cant afford it?! a wholesome Rs.20 increase per kg of CNG? Forget car users - what about industrial units running on CNG? they are going bankrupt.

I agree the energy costs have risen unfathomably in the past in international markets. At least the government should detail the gasoline rate evaluation mechanism for the sake of transparency! Tell them what commission Oil Marketing Companies are making and what govt is earning in this all shady rate evaluation deal.

Do something to show that you are sincere. (what the hell is wrong with me? who am I complaining to? idiot me)

Bush unhappy with Taliban’s movement on Pak-Afghan border

Really? No kidding right? You also want to discuss this issue with Prime Minister Gilani I have read. You must be serious this time.

How about a solution to this problem Mr. Bush. You have the best army in the world right? Your army is equipped with the most technologically advanced weapons, communication systems and allied accessories. If Pakistan is doing nothing to prevent movement of Taliban across the border.. how about you doing it? I mean, Pakistan can do anything on her side of the border but can not do anything on that side of the border right? How about plugging all the holes on the Afghan border?

The moment the Taliban enter in to Afghanistan - put them to smithereens. Do not let them get away. Put all your army on Pakistan's border. Focus all your satellites on that area. Map, man and monitor every inch of that area so that no militants hop across.

Or do I sound illogical? If you can not do so since being in Afghanistan, from I don't know when, ages?... how can you expect this from Pakistan? Yes Pakistan is the trouble maker in Afghanistan but surely you are there to correct the situation and prevent anything bad from happening? Either the Taliban enter in droves in Afghanistan loaded with Stingers or something fancy or they enter Afghanistan one-by-one using the paths they know well - you cant tackle them? You do not know where they come from? Is it not your fault you cant plug those holes on border?

Or you have already started doing so by amassing army at our borders?

The Best Wedding Meal

Ok I will sound biased here but this what I honestly believe. You do attend wedding ceremonies and and you do get to eat the meal. After they have the meal.. people 'always' comment about the food! Men usually focus on the quality of food and management whereas women would go one step further and discuss what they 'could not get'.

I have attended wedding ceremonies and have eaten the food at offer. Till date, I have not had anything as delicious and as lovely as the 'khwancha roti' of Peshawar! I swear. There is no comparison. A 'khwancha' is a big tray that is meant to be a serving for four people. Normally nowadays they have buffet system where people absolutely go nuts when food is served. Khwancha roti system is much controlled and better managed as only four people per table are being served and if guests cant be accommodated at that time and then another sitting can be arranged.

A khwancha roti will usually consist of one large tray of rice made in 'daig' (one big cylinder/ container), at most 2 small bowls - one of meat and the other of lentils with meat, a bread on top of rice for anyone who wants it, a chicken inside rice, a dessert (kheer most probably) and one 'aalo bukhara chatnee'! awesome!


By the way, I am talking of general wedding meals and not specific 'big hot shot' offered ones. Peshawar rules! Do share your experience.

Rickshaw Ride

Ever sat in those rickety things called Rickshaw? I have and I am sure most of you have. They roam all around Pakistan in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta etc. These 3 wheeler autos are the worst thing imaginable on roads if you happen to be either 'in' them or trying to avoid yourself 'from' them. The emit smoke and have horrible noise. Being 3 wheelers they are unstable and drivers driving them ensure that 'you' know this through their driving!

They are a 'bit' different from each other in cities. I have had the 'pleasure' of their ride in Peshawar and Karachi. The Karachi ones are open from sides and back making you visible from every area as a passenger. The Peshawar ones are enclosed in the sense that only sides are open and not the back. No Nothing pervert here but just the fact that winter in Peshawar is tough! same case as in Quetta rickshaws.

I remember only two rides of these entities. One was in Peshawar when I literally prayed to God to be saved! The guy drove absolutely nuts! and one of today! The driver, a young lad, had totally lost his marbles as he was driving it. I on the other hand cant remember where my marbles were because I was busy thinking I have to blog this! (there is something seriously wrong with us bloggers I tell you) About 5-6 kilometer patch of M A Jinnah Road was like hell for me. I was holding tight the bars in rickshaw. He literally had a 'kiss ass' approach! of cars that is! A new Corolla was going ahead and he was stuck with its rear bumper. Had the driver of Corolla applied brakes, it would have made us something even we ourselves could not recognize.

But he 'corrected' my thinking quickly when the swerve that he made near the rear of a Suzuki Baleno! The guy can be a good talent in ice skating and dancing I tell you. By the way I have heard that rickshaw drivers act like this more when the passengers are ladies. Any woman reader would like to enlighten me? (does this experience count me in as a woman?!) There is one thing I have come to the conclusion and that is most of the rickshaw drivers are afflicted with some sort of Tunnel Syndrome. Perhaps its the result of 'strong feelings' recorded on mind during their birth. I mean how else can you explain it? They look for every possible hole to get out of!

Anyways... wont forget this one. One hell of a ride.

Stop Wearing Lipstick or Be Prepared to Get Raped

Muslim council in Malaysia orders women to stop wearing lipstick and high heels to 'prevent them getting raped'

Authorities in a northern Malaysian city are calling on Muslim women not to wear bright lipstick and noisy high-heel shoes if they want to follow the "Islamic way".

The municipal council in Kota Baru, run by a conservative Islamic party, is distributing pamphlets with the advice, in an effort to prevent rape and protect women's dignity and morals....

Full Article

I tell you what. We muslims love to lecture other people. Dress is an extremely contentious issue and debates rage all across the globe between muslims themselves and with non-muslims. Veil has assumed the role of Sacredness and Oppression.

Dress is a cultural phenomenon. It has no religious connection. As muslims we are told in Quran to dress 'modestly'. Quran does not describe what dress to wear. Citizens of various countries dress differently according to their cultural traditions. A Muslim woman would take a headscarf rather than try a skirt.

Normally, when you see a girl observing 'pardah' (protection) you would naturally think she is a modest person as compared to a girl who does not cover her head. This happens because one thinks since she is observing pardah so she must be religious so she must be good. Though this is a flawed assumption but this is how it goes. A girl in veil is no more pious than a girl without a veil - their character is dependent upon their acts.

Now this assumption takes a really 'mean' twist and the mindset says that since the girl is wearing lipstick or high heel, she definitely is of bad moral conduct and the person observing her gets the license to do 'anything'. I am not saying it happens but IT WILL HAPPEN if the same mantra is kept repeating.

Zakir Naik is also a 'proponent' of this philosophy. According to him 'if there is a girl who is wearing mini skirt and a girl who is wearing hijab and they both pass through an area where they are some ruffians - who do you think would be more prone to be attacked? Naturally the one wearing mini skirt is more at risk.' I find it extremely sick. Its not dependent upon the dress but the sickness of the attacker. If the attacker is sick then it does not matter whether a girl is wearing hijab or mini skirt.

This is the worst kind of preaching for 'pro islamic dress'. Don't adopt this line that if a woman is wearing high heels and lipstick then she is more prone to be raped. No one should be granted the licence to rape a woman wearing lipstick or high heels and I fear this approach will lead to such acts.

Unfortunate.

Is Quran Really Detailed?

6:114 - Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.

God states that Quran is fully detailed. Is it? I was asked the following questions on a discussion board.
-------

Just tell me about the one verse of Quran which describe how many rakat's are
in five prayers. What will you recite in each prayer? Just Give me one
example. If u r unable to give me a reference from Quran then you should accept this that hadith is the source.

1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE

2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE

3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran.TRUE

4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. TRUE

5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE

---------

My reply here.

See. When God says Quran is fully detailed.. then it must be. But then where is your question addressed in Quran? Is God joking with us? because number of rakaat of prayers are not mentioned in Quran!

Prayers and other religious duties (Zakat, Fasting) were not given to Prophet Muhammad - they were given to Prophet Abraham. People of Mecca were 'already' doing all these things but were 'mushrik' (polytheists). There was no need to tell them 'how many rakaats are there in prayers!'. Check my blog here for further reference...

http://think-islam.blogspot.com/2007/10/5-pillars-of-islam.html

Now your other questions...

1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE (you are right)

2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE (right there too!)

3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran. TRUE.

No its FALSE!

Prophet Muhammad was not allowed to 'explain' Quran! Its really astonishing what God states in Quran and according to Him, Prophet (every prophet for that matters) is just a deliverer of Message!

75:16 - Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith

75:17 - It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:

75:18 - But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital

75:19 - Nay more, it is for Us to explain it

4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. FALSE!

Prophet Muhammad was a human being! He committed mistakes as evidenced in Quran! For example

66:1 - O Prophet! Why holdest thou to be forbidden that which Allah has made lawful to
thee? Thou seekest to please thy consorts. But Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

80:01 - (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,

80:02 - Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting).

All of these are human elements. Prophet Muhammad was not an angel rather a human being. Thats why one should never idolize humans!

Respect the Prophet because he was the last of Prophet, he was given a supreme message! But seek guidance from Allah and not humans!

5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE. (questionable)

There are an estimated 400,000 hadiths in Sahih Bukhari. 4000 are considered 'authentic'. That represents a mere 1%.

Quran is 'detailed'!

Where is the Lawyer's Movement Heading?

I found this sticker on a door of a toilet on motorway. Is the movement heading in that direction?



'hum mulk bachanay niklay hain, aye duniya hamaray sath chalay'