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| India-Pakistan |
| Govt encouraging Talibanisation: WAF |
| 2007-04-04 |
| The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) has accused the government of playing an “overt and covert role in creating and encouraging the Talibanisation of Pakistan”, and plans public rallies to protest in the near future. “The latest manifestation of Talibanisation in Pakistan is the brazen and illegal occupation of the Children’s Library in Islamabad by Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia, followed by the forced abduction, humiliation and torture of three women and an infant,” WAF said in a statement on Monday. “This has shocked every citizen with a conscience and shaken the foundations of our society. The complicity of the state in both cases reinforces the Talibanisation process and gives a lie to the farce of General Musharaf’s ‘enlightened moderation’,” said WAF. “Even as lawyers and members of civil society are battling for the people’s constitutional rights, religious extremists are taking violent action to undermine and negate those very rights. This is a dangerous phenomenon as it attacks the very rights on which a humane society is based. The terror unleashed by the burqa-clad, baton-wielding cohorts of Jamia Hafsa on a rampage in Islamabad has challenged the writ of the state. While the government is quick to respond violently against peaceful and unarmed protest, this violent mob was allowed to kidnap women from their homes and policemen on duty,” said WAF. “The sight of political Islam hiding behind black shrouds is the stuff of nightmare and a frightening preview of a dark and savage future for Pakistan. Have we forgotten the Quaid’s clear declaration that ‘religion is not the business of the state’? “WAF has always stood for the separation of religion from the state, for any single interpretation of religion is bound to pit religion against religion, sect against sect and people against people. WAF calls upon the people of Pakistan to realise the danger posed to each one of us, in every sphere of our lives, especially women, by Talibanisation. “WAF came into being resisting the rise of political Islam in Pakistan and will continue to fight the Talibanisation of society. Peoples’ power alone can push back the forces of darkness. Each one of us must take a stand. WAF will announce a public action rally in the near future and asks all concerned to join the protest.” |
| Posted by:Fred |