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The Viewer's Forum is a platform where you can share your views with others on any particular current issue.

What in your opinion are the root causes of sectarian violence?
How can such terrorism be prevented?

Note
The views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.
The Editor does not necessarily subscribe to the views.

Your Opinion

1. The problem of sectarian violence is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan. It existed in the culture of the subcontinent for many centuries in one form or the other form. A few examples are: the caste system, rich and poor, north and south, Zamindar and haaris, Hindus and Muslims, language etc. I remember that 17 men were axed in Theri (Khairpur) in the 60s when Shia Muslims were attacked by Suni Muslims.
   
   There are so many controls beginning with the family, neighbours, religious extremists and the government. In democracy one has to respect the right of others opinion but we have learnt to impose ones wishes on the other. The intolerance is such that some people pass a judgement if one fails to follow what the mullah tells. Our politicians have deprived us of the right to educate our masses equally. Ignorance exists in our society. We are bombarded with propaganda for intolerance from our media day and night. We do not address the problem that exists in our society. The competition for too little available resources is too much. We have been spending millions of dollars for more than 52 years for fighting with India when we do not have enough to keep the streets of Karachi clean and provide safe water to its citizens.
   
   Islam teaches peace and respect for all. We became Muslims but our deeds are the same as the deeds of the caste Hindus. We call ourselves a proud nation but we beg and borrow from Western Nations for running our economy. We do not tell the truth to our people because we are taught not to listen to truth and fact. We are taught that all Hindus will go to hell and only Muslims will go to heaven. We could not keep East Pakistan with us and now we want Kashmir when we cannot keep Shia and Suni together. Are we really nuts or what? No one is addressing the problems of the masses- the poor and ignorant. God, please give wisdom to our people so that they stop killing in Pakistan and Kashmir and work towards bringing peace and prosperity to the country.
   
   Kris Khatri
   USA/Pakistan
   
   
   
2. When Pakistan-backed terrorists, extremist and fundamentalist kill innocent people of Kashmir and India, they are freedom fighters. And when the same people kill Pakistanis due to their faiths, they are terrorists. I think Pakistanis are paying back for their support to terrorists through this sectarian violence. Jaise karni, vaise bharni. Earthlings can not expect peace and harmony from Pakistan since it was created on religious hate. These sectarian murders are the result of a power conflict between a various groups of Pakistan. Pakistanis can not blame others for that. They have to see inside them. Otherwise, it is just sample. Such acts of violence can be stopped if Pakistan stops supporting Taliban and Kashmiri terrorists.
   
   Amrit
   UK
   
   
   
3. I don't have words to express my feelings on the tragedies that took place in the last couple of days. I pray for the families of the victims that Allah help them to go through this time of pain and test. The only solution that I can think of is Muslims/sects should have the strength to forgive and tolerate the other (sect). The way of revenge doesn't end and will destroy the Muslim Ummah. The leaders of both sects should sit together and try to resolve their differences. As at this point, no one (either SSP or TFJ) is claiming responsibility for the killings. They should talk and help each other to find their common enemy.
   
   Irfan Khan
   USA
   
   
   
4. The violence in Karachi and elsewhere is masterminded by RAW. It is an effective way to stir riots in enemy territory. The game being played by Iran and Saudi Arabia in many Muslim lands can not be ignored. We have just forgotten who we are and whose purpose are we serving as an individual, a group, a nation or an Ummah; and definitely not Allah's. The educated people blame ulema and ' Mullahs' for everything but they themselves are oblivious of their own duties towards their family, community, nation and Ummah. All they do is criticise or have 'intellectual' discussions. Society is becoming morally corrupt both materially and spiritually and who cares. Leadership is power hungry and want to be in Islamabad but does not tolerate other's opinion. All we need to do is start listening, work hard, be proactive than reactive, and be tolerant towards each other. Pakistan, being an Islamic nuclear power, is a thorn for the big international community. We as individuals and as a nation have to realise this fact. May Allah bless those who die innocently and help the misguided leaders and individuals to recognise their own ignorance.
   
   Sikander Bajwa
   USA
   
   
   
5. The basic cause is differentiating between people on some basis. And in Pakistan, since religious feelings run very high, the basis is religion. Recognise every body as a human being with a mouth to feed, hands to work, flesh & blood like yourself. Then you won't have problem. The trouble with Pakistan is that it is doing things without foresight. What you sow so you reap. For e.g. in a family there are some boys. When a boy from next house quarrels with your son, you are giving a stick to your son & asking him to beat the neighbour. Once the neighbour is out of the picture the stick remains with the boy. And he starts beating his own brothers. So the moral is teach your son not to take to violence but learn to live with neighbours.
   
   N. Nageswaran
   Bosnia
   
   
   
6. Your question seems very naive in essence. Sectarian violence in this case seems more of a label than anything else. Those who are blaming Mosad and RAW are playing good old Orwellian politics. Those blaming Fiqa Jaffria or Sipahe'Sahaba are only jumping to conclusions. These recent incidents were not sectarian but something else. My question to your esteemed newspaper is, when will the so-called investigative reporting be courageous enough to tell the truth and nothing but the truth about an incident like this. Once this forum gets overpopulated with opinions, there will be another one, and you will be the first ones to forget about 18 innocent human lives. So much for irony or naivete.
   
   Mujib Syed
   USA
   
   
   
7. I’ve read numerous opinions, but I think the root cause of the sectarian violence is illiteracy and poverty. The illiterate men only recognise themselves by the Maulvis or the politicians and both the so-called religious priests use the illiterate people as their sword. Love and piece is the base of every religion. But the politician uses religion for his own sake, for divide and rule. If we understand this formula the sectarian violence will automatically end. (though both the problems are not only in Pak but also in India)
   
   Sohan
   India
   
   
   
8. The issue presented for discussion in this forum is of vital importance these days. First of all we have to diagnose the reasons for this violence. If we can correctly identify the reasons then we can very rightly suggest the ways to prevent it. We can very easily blame others for creating disturbance in our society on one ground or the other. But I think we have to examine ourselves before that. Aren't we the ones who give others a way to create disturbances in our society? Yes, its we. Each and every person is responsible for his/her deeds. As individuals and society as a whole we have given up the golden rules given by "THE CREATOR" to live our lives in this world. Everyone is thinking of himself to be the one on the right path. Whichever the religious or religio-political party you take, understands itself to be the only one acting on the right path. This behaviour gives others (enemies of the religion) a way to ignite sectarian violence in the society.
   
   Now the question is how can it be prevented. The only way to prevent this socially, morally and religiously damaging action is to act fully on the teachings of the religion. It is said, "keep yourself united and don't be divided". It’s a golden rule. This is a question to all religious and religio-political parties: Do you think, you are acting upon this golden rule given in the Holy Quran? This is the only way to prevent sectarian violence.
   
   G.H Anjum
   Canada/Pakistan
   
   
   
9. Islamic ideology permits everyone living in an Islamic country to practise his/her belief. Some people have forgotten the basics of Islam while they call themselves sunni or shia. Acts of violence such as the recent massacres enable our enemies to call us names and propagate their own glory. Our enemies are closed-minded since they can only see the flaws in our society and not in their own. The people who burned their women alive after her husband had passed away, people who poured molten lead into the ears of their fellows just because their fellows had heard scared mantars now have the courage to get up and say it in our face 'learn to hate less?' The only people who are to blame for these brutal acts are none other than our leaders who for their own benefit breed violence. The solution to these problems is nothing less than annihilating the so-called militant groups. Mujahid is a person who fights for Islam not against it and by committing such brutal acts of killing namazis and innocent children these people are doing harm to Islam and Pakistan.
   
   An Indian has written that he will see letters against India in this topic. Why not? It is India who has always conspired against Islam, India has woven close ties with the enemies of Islam in particular Israel who helped India develop its nuclear system and helped India in launching propaganda against Pakistan in the US, in the Kargil escapade. If India doesn't sober up soon the people of India will become slaves of the Hindu Banniyas and Jews (like the British lured them into slavery sometime ago). The claim that there are more Muslims living in India is true but how? The Shiv Sena and the BJP are making the biggest minority in India live in terror. Well, we Pakistanis need to get up and struggle against the fascist rulers of our country if we want to see Pakistan prosper, otherwise the vultures from across the border and their accomplices are waiting for us to give up.
   Pakistan ka matlab kiya LA ILAHA IL LALLAH.
   
   Adnan Syed
   Pakistan/USA
   
   
   
10. India and Pakistan are composed of numerous nations and religions. These came to India from the surrounding areas over a long period of history. It enriched the nation that is why basically the people are very intelligent and smart as individuals. Over all they are extremely prejudice among themselves and very polite and good with the white nations. They don’t trust the people of their own colour, so they hate their own breed. Governments of all three nations of the subcontinent are helpless. There may be very good people with leadership qualities but these people can never come into power due to the Gunda Raaj every where. I have been reading the opinions of people on this subject in your paper. Their opinions reflect their narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Also your paper will publish that which suits you according to your management’s biased policies. I can tell the background of the writers even if they don’t write their names.
    
    There is no sectarian violence among people but it is being created to serve other purposes. Hindus, and all Muslims of that area are all the same people. They are all branches of the same tree called HINDUSTAN and we are all HINDUSTANIS. What has happened in Pakistan shows that you can not combine different nations under the flag of one religion and in a case where nobody is practising it, even the people who claim to be the great followers.
    
    Pakistan definitely came into existence due to the extreme prejudice and unfairness that was being done to Muslims by the majority HINDUUS. Their terrorist behaviour towards Muslims and hate towards Pakistan should stop now. On the other side Pakistan should try to create a good and polite character instead of aggressive one. Just go quietly to the mosque and temple, don’t make a big deal, we all should respect our beliefs and try to create love. And that is my dream. To conclude, the root causes of sectarian violence are police, governments, other forces, and leaders of Pakistan and India. Such terrorism can not be prevented unless God wants to; in other words, the nature will take its course. Please love, not hate.
    
    Maroof Qurashi
    USA
    
    
    
11. The root cause of this sectarian violence is that people have forgotten what is the meaning of Islam. Islam means peace and I believe where there is no peace there is no Islam. I blame the politicians and rulers of Pakistan who failed to fulfil the mission of Quaid-e-Azam and neglected the ideology of Pakistan presented by Quaid-e-Azam. These corrupt politicians used the name of Islam to divide the nation for their personal benefits after few years of the creation of Pakistan and the death of the father of the nation.
    The press and the people of Pakistan are also responsible who failed to play a positive role to stop the violence at the very beginning as they remained silent and did not speak out or failed to condemn those responsible.
    
    I believe the Judiciary of Pakistan is also responsible who failed to uphold these criminals and at certain occasions they made unjustified decisions (may be under pressure) to make these groups and rulers happy. This sort of terrorism could only be stopped by following the real teachings of Islam and by treating the all citizens of Pakistan equally and by granting severe punishment to all the culprits (whatever sect or religion they belong to). And by admitting the mistakes of the past rulers and revoking the unjustified decisions made by the assemblies (parliaments) of Pakistan. The Press and media should not give any importance to these so-called Islamic groups (criminals) and should stop publishing their press releases and statements.
    
    Make a long story short "Justice is the only solution" as defined in the Holy Quran by Allah and explained by his Prophet Hazrat Mohammed (Peace be upon him). Any other brand of Justice or any other brand of Islam (like Zia Brand Islam) will not help at all.
    
    Tariq Naseem
    Canada/Pakistani
    
    
    
12. I think that to prevent terrorism and sectarian violence we have to go back to the creation of the Islamic State of Pakistan. Pakistan is still run not under the Laws of Islam, but by the traditions and Hindu customs, which our people have adopted and accepted has part of our "ISLAMIC CULTURE AND BELIEFS". Also our political and religious leaders find it convenient to use Islam to achieve their own goals and wealth, and in the process wreak havoc in the country. Pakistan must have a revolution to purge itself of parasites, and start afresh towards a brighter and a more democratic future, under the banner of Islam.
    
    Raja
    United Kingdom
    
    
    
13. 1) Ignorance
    2) Economics
    Note to the Indian contributor: Before throwing mud at us check out conditions in your own country where Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and all other minorities have been targeted lately by your religious fanatics. Pakistan Zindabad.
    
    Yilmaz Husain
    USA
    
    
    
14. This is in response to Mr.Ranjeet: Yes I personally do agree with some of your opinions, but I must also mention that now everybody in Pakistan will find India a culprit; I personally think this rule applies to Indian government and Indian people too. For example, recently there was a rail crash and the government agencies without any investigation immediately blamed ISI and the Muslims. This has not been proved till now). I think this mentality on both sides, is wrong. We had better check ourselves, find our own shortcomings and mistakes, and solve the problems.
    
    It is the wrong leadership in both countries that wants to divert the peoples’ main concern to these issues. Both countries have the same mentality. And you in spite of sitting in a country where matters are dealt with different views, are also thinking and reacting in the same way as any layman.
    
    Abid Hussain
    USA
    
    
    
15. It is INDIAN and ISRAEL agents that are spreading terrorism in Pakistan. These people are the enemies of Islam and Pakistan.
    
    Amer
    USA
    
    
    
16. All religious parties have to be banned from doing any kind of business. They (Maulanas) are just trying to divide the people in the name of ALLAH. Let us make our country prosperous and liveable for everybody. The government should not use them in politics; it could be bad for the country.
    
    Muhamad Zubair(Ted)
    USA/Pakistan
    
    
    
17. Politicians are behind all this bloodshed, and some other elements that want to fulfill some of their motives.
    
    Hasan
    USA
    
    
    
18. We all are missing one important thing: how can an organisation, so much beaten up by the civil forces once, gain all that confidence to strike the right targets all over Pakistan? Please look around, we are living amongst agencies and we need to develop our public opinion to the extent that no CIA man starts thinking and planning what is good and what is bad for Pakistan.
    
    Munir Shaikh
    Canada
    
    
    
19. How does it feel to see shia and sunnis cutting each other’s throats? I am very satisfied to see all this happen to the "land of the pure". Think twice before sponsoring terrorism to other countries like India, and take some lessons from it. Wake up before Pakistan turns into kabristan!
    
    Ajit Pawar
    India
    
    
    
20. The root causes of sectarian violence in Pakistan are the following:
    1) Illiteracy
    2) Dishonest and corrupt politicians who exploit innocent people to divide and rule
    3) Feudalism
    4) Nepotism
    5) Lack of Islamic values in Society
    6) Lack of respect for democratic practices and institution, police brutalities against peaceful demonstrations, suppression of freedom of speech.
    7) Intolerance of government at criticism.
    8) Unfair treatment of minorities, especially Mohajir Pakistanis, Pathans, Baluchis and Sindhis.
    9) Economic and political arrogance of Punjab over other smaller provinces.
    10) Rigid and unintelligent military minds who have a political appetite
    11) Unfair distribution of political and economic power or power restricted to fewer hands, depriving other provinces of their rights.
    12) Quota system which prevents the deserving to get the merit, denies admission to deserving students, disqualifies a deserving job seeker because of his race and language.
    13) Joblessness
    14) Declared or undeclared discrimination against minorities for educational facilities and training, military training, important diplomatic posts, police recruitment, judicial positions, etc.
    15) State sponsored terrorism, extra-judicial killings, use of military courts to prove guilt on innocent citizens.
    
    These are just a few factors, but who cares? Those people know all this....
    
    Shahid Parvez
    USA
    
    
    
21. Illiterate and ignorant people of Pakistan are the cause. Long-term Education Policy is the solution of every single problem of Pakistan.
    
    Naveed Ahmad
    Canada
    
    
    
22. The ulema from the sunni and shia both are the actual reason for the unrest. This is the way they keep their businesses running. This also involves some political links from almost every leading party. The only best solution is to crack down on the leaders of both sides, which is very difficult in Pakistani Politics. The other solution is to either declare the state a sunni state and implement the laws as is the case in Iran with regard to their Shia perspective or declare the state a Shia one and observe the "Dunda Policy".
    
    This may seem foolish at first BUT sooner or later you must realise that WE (Pakistan) are moving towards destruction just because of our personal interests overriding the country's interest.
    
    Salman
    UK
    
    
    
23. I think that India and America are behind the sectarian violence. They are trying to pressurise Pakistan in every possible way to make it sign the CTBT. But again, its own intelligence has failed to prevent our innocent people from all this bloodshed. I believe if we want to have any say in the international level affairs, that’s the price we have to pay for that.
    
    Khalid M. Chohan
    Chicago/USA
    
    
    
24. Ignorance, lack of understanding of religion, intolerance towards others’ views, hard line political and religious leaders, and maybe foreign hands and enemies of Pakistan who want to see our country weak, are the causes of the unrest.
    
    Malik M. Qadeer
    USA
    
    
    
25. I strongly believe that the main cause of violence is ignorance of all leaders belonging to different sects. They are the most responsible for the deaths of their poor members at the hands of foreign agents. On top of that, enemies of Pakistan take advantage of the situation. It is in the interests of America, Israel and India that these stupid leaders continue to kill each other in the name of Islam, and their criminal activities continue unchecked. These Muslim leaders are primarily responsible for the suffering of world Muslims at the hands of America, Israel and India. If they unite and stop killing each other and focus their attention on these countries, I believe there would be peace in Pakistan and our enemies would tremble. There is no doubt that these 3 countries’ agents are responsible for the recent deaths.
    
    Timur
    United Kingdom
    
    
    
26. Muslims are not safe in Pakistan. The Shias who are persecuted should join India and also, the Kashmiris from the so-called AJK should see their future by looking at today's Pakistan, and start their freedom struggle to rejoin India. Otherwise, the Kashmiris will also be killed, like the Shias, the Ahmadis, the Hindus, the Christians, and all other good human beings. Join India and get a chance to live free.
    
    Ahmed Irfan Hussain
    Bangladesh
    
    
    
27. It’s just a conspiracy of the CIA and RAW. And maybe some other elements from Pakistan are involved. We can control it just by creating an air of trust amongst various sects.
    
    Nomi
    Pakistan
    
    
    
28. We all are responsible for this brutality. We all should realise and understand that this is not what Islam teaches. To begin with, there is no Shia or Sunni in Islam. Even though I myself know very little, about the 'Fiqa'hi' differences, as I go through the history of how four Imams interpreted Islam on the solid grounds, I find not much of a difference between one or the other school of thought. These are our so- called religious scholars (not all!) who are spreading these differences among Muslims. I strongly request the people of my country, my brothers, please listen to Quran and Hatidh, please do not be a blind follower of the scholars of your school of thought. This is the first lesson of Islam i.e., think by yourself. I strongly believe you will find not much of difference between the two. And I agree with Ranjeet Shetye, let's learn to hate less and tolerate more.
    
    S. K. Zaidi
    USA
    
    
    
29. The simple reason for this sectarian violence in Pakistan is that some powers, as well as super powers, do not want Pakistan to flourish. More specifically, they do not want Muslims to prosper and be united. The history of Pakistan is evident that whenever it looked that Pakistan was beginning to progress, they hit it below the belt.
    
    Pakistan can become the leader of the Muslim world, but this is what these super powers do not want. They are with you by the time you obey them like slaves, but if you dare objecting their wrong doings, they rip you off and destabilise your economy by banning your trade and sanctioning restrictions for aids. For taking these steps, they go to the extent of holding back of your war planes, for which you have already paid.
    
    When even these measure do not deter you from not fulfilling their nefarious wishes, they start killing your people by their mercenaries. Such things can demoralise a nation's nerve and fortitude, but these so-called super powers must know one fact properly that this is the Pakistani Nation they have come across this time.
    
    We can bear to have our heads cut, but not bow to them. It’s high time we Muslims got united and crusaded against these super powers.
    
    Wahab Hameed
    Pakistan
    
    
    
30. Behind these sectarian killings are those people who are scared of the government and just want to divert the attention of the public. It's sad to involve public in such acts of violence, which are based on religion. I request the Asna'a Ashree community to relax and think that it's not done by sunnis; please be patience and do not go for a revenge for these innocent lives. We have to realise that Ghous Ali Shah is back in Sindh and he is not good news for Karachi. He can do anything to stay in power or to save his power.
    
    We can blame India or some other countries but that will be running away from facts. My salutes to Karachi, that has always paid a heavy cost in such violence. Religion is a very sensitive issue. And politicians know this!
    
    Mustajab
    USA
    
    
    
31. We have lost the Spirit of Islam. Remember 'Bhai Chara'? Remember Prophet's (PBUH) visit to 'Taaif' (how he hoped even under those circumstances)? Remember how we used to influence 'Kaffaar' into Islam? We have closed all doors on us. How can God's religion be in any sort of danger? Who are we to protect it? All we have done is given it a bad name. All men were created by the Lord and taught and trained accordingly over the ages. They need to be loved and not hated. If you don't meet them you don't influence them. We hide our shortcomings; we are afraid that, if asked, we do not have anything to show that a Muslim is better than a Non-Muslim. That's why we create a Holy Shield. This has created a gap between the world and us. Therefore, if you confine yourself to lower targets and cheaper goals, all you are doing is asking for trouble.
    
    As the old joke goes, "An angel was deputed on a big ditch in Hell to prevent anyone trying to come out of it and would through him back into the depths. Right next to this ditch was another ditch overflowing with people but was left completely unguarded. Still no one would come out. When questioned, the Angel replied that this ditch was for the Pakistanis. They will themselves make sure that no 'brother' ever escapes to safety and will pull him back." See! This is the spirit. We must think. Start loving God's people, get rid of all the hatred, face the challenges of the world and you will have no time for leg-pulling.
    
    Asim Rabbani
    USA
    
    
    
32. This is a very painful situation. The worst form of violence is violence in the name of religion. In my view the ignorant people who have not much knowledge about religion are responsible for the sectarian violence. There might be a foreign hand in that as well but people who don't understand Islam and are in the hands of ignorant leaders are responsible for this. We think that it is very important to make people, specially the Islamic organisations aware of the fact that Islam is the religion of peace and harmony, and they should be teaching real Islam. Most of the people in the so-called Islamic organisations are literally brainwashed. The government should do something about it and use learned Islamic scholars to educate these people. We have to do some thing about it; anti-Islamic forces are taking advantage of this. We have to save Pakistan from this Evil. May Allah protect Pakistan and give these people some Aqal.
    
    Imran Qazi/Atif Ahklaq
    Australia/Melbourne
    
    
    
33. I think opposition is behind the sectarian violence; they want the Govt. by hook or by crook.
    
    Khalid Sheikh
    Dallas, USA
    
    
    
34. "Who" is behind the sectarian violence is not as important as "what" is behind it. Throw in a heap load of "ignorance", a handful of "bigotry", a touch of "intolerance" and mix it with "a political agenda" and you have a lethal concoction which can only result in hate and violence. It is only by eradicating, or at least controlling these factors that peace will be restored.
    
    Asker Husain
    United Kingdom
    
    
    
35. I have no doubt in my mind that the US, India and Israel are behind this sectarian violence. This is because:
    
    After the fall of the Soviet Union, the west in general and America in particular feel that Islam is the next and the only true system presently existent which could eliminate the imperial system (so called free-market economy) if and only if the Muslim countries got together and enforced it. In the present bloc of 52 Muslim countries, Pakistan is the first and the last that has atomic power and lots of potentials to be an economic power in case of honest and sincere leadership, which is scaring and uniting the anti-Muslims forces led by the US. India is making full use of the situation: having full support of the US and Israel to infiltrate anti Pakistan elements into Pakistan to further deteriorate the situation.
    
    Now they have gone a step ahead in creating misunderstanding between the Army and the govt. Nawaz's policy has been to save his govt rather than saving the sanctity and integrity of the country. This attitude of the present regime encouraged anti-Muslim elements to destabilise Pakistan. I therefore suggest the loyal and sincere forces of Pakistan to come out and eliminate the anti-Pakistan forces and waste no time because the enemy is moving fast with the help of Benazir and Nawaz's policies. God bless my Quaid’s Pakistan. God bless Pakistan Army and other loyal forces of my beloved country.
    
    Fida Hussain Alvi Qadri
    Pakistan
    
    
    
36. The organised pattern of sectarian killings and the careful analysis of current events in the region only point at one direction: the Hindu India. India facing stiff resistance from the brave Kashmiri Mujahideen has responded with instigating sectarian violence in Pakistan. It is ironic that we have been unable to uncover to the International community the Indian state sponsored terrorism in Kashmir and Karachi. The reason for this is inept people being hired in our once prestigious Foreign Office. From A-Z in this body, all hiring has based on nepotism and quota.
    
    Mufti Muhammad Ahmed
    Canada
    
    
    
37. The government of Pakistan is responsible for the blood of every Pakistani who has been killed in this country. The government has to provide security to the people of Pakistan, and maintain law and order in a Muslim state, where blood of one Muslim is Haram for the other, The government is responsible for the protection of every Pakistani. It will have to be accountable to Allah on the Day of Judgement.
    
    Every Pakistani should seek forgiveness of God, and ask Him to protect us from these evils and corrupted rulers in the country and bring peace and prosperity in the country. And reward a good leadership, which can lead us to the nationhood, we dreamed at the time of independence. Ameen.
    
    Ahmed Khalil
    Canada
    
    
    
38. I am deeply hurt and saddened at the violence that has taken several lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to place deceased in the best of Heaven and give courage to victim's families. I definitely see this as a great loss to the families and we must do something positive for those families. I urge Jang to set up a system for the deserving families so that we can help them.
    
    Firstly, it is extremely important to be very cautious before we point our fingers to any political group in Pakistan. Honestly, I think no religion instructs its followers to go and kill people. However, in the past we have seen this occurrence in the PPP's government. At that time Begum Zardari did very little to immediately control the sectarian violence. But under pressure, she had to bring a so-called tough interior minister, who finally managed to stop these killings. Based on what I have seen in the past, I am taking liberty to say that it very well could be the actions of some opposition parties. Why? Because they just could not bear failure of their strikes in Karachi and out of frustration they resorted to these actions. By hook or crook they want to bring Honourable Nawaz Sharif's government down. Unfortunately our politicians are the biggest enemies of our country, Pakistan. They played their role in 1971 to break the country just to be in power. I must also say that there are a handful of those who love Pakistan. The neighbouring country may also be playing a role in causing destruction. Actually our politicians might be EARNING from foreign elements to cause destruction in their homeland. After all they have to make a living! I am very embarrassed to say all these things. But this is the truth.
    
    I urge and appeal to all Pakistani (whether they are Shia or Sunnis) to be united. It is Imam Hussain's message to be united, it is Hussain's grand father's message to remain disciplined and united, indeed it is Allah's order to be united. By uniting ourselves we will weaken the enemy. We will win and enemy will again see the failure in Karachi, Insha-Allah. We Pakistanis living abroad would do everything in our capacity to help the victims in whatever way and shape we can to bring some comfort in their lives. Long Live Pakistan. Ameen.
    
    Ghalib Syed
    Canada
    
    
    
39. It was military dictator Zia-ul-Haq who promoted ethnic and sectarian hatred in Pakistan. Religious extremism has also been imported from neighbouring countries of Iran and Afghanistan. People at the helm of affairs are following the "divide and rule" formula of the British. They think that people won't pay attention to their corruption and incompetence if people keep hating and fighting each other. And this formula is working.
    
    Owais Khanzada
    USA
    
    
    
40. Politicians and government officials in Pakistan are already blaming India for the recent sectarian violence and killings. Very soon they will be accusing CIA or a certain political party. I think the only people that are responsible for sectarian violence are Pakistanis themselves. Religious leaders from both sides Shia and Sunni are to be blamed for all this bloodshed. Islam never teaches violence; Allah even told our Prophet to let an adult decide what is wrong or what is right. Our religious leaders should learn a lesson from Canada and America where millions of Muslims are living freely and enjoying their religious rights. They are not being harassed or killed because they are living in a Christian country. Our religious leaders involved in encouraging sectarian violence should be ashamed of themselves for not following the footsteps of our Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). Our present Government has failed to protect the lives of their citizens. A true revolution is needed in Pakistan.
    
    Khan Irshad
    Toronto, Canada
    
    
    
41. I can hardly imagine that a true Muslim can commit such act of barbarism. The Prophet (sa) was always kind-hearted even towards the worst enemies of Islam. Sectarian violence and killing of innocent people can only help the enemies of Islam thus by splitting the Muslims among small groups and ruling over us through well-organised methods. The only way to save the Muslim world is to minimise the conflicts that have nothing to do with the practical lives of the common Muslims. We should not take the matters to be decided by Allah in our hands; instead we should leave it to Allah to decide the wrong or right doings of the old conflicts performed by Muslims. Through tolerance we can win a lot and through hatred we can lose a lot. Choice is ours!
    
    Ibrahim Raja
    Sweden
    
    
    
42. I think the main cause behind sectarian violence is ignorance. The society has to realise that Islam is a religion of peace and love and does not promote violence by any means. The government is responsible for making sure that nothing of that sort happens and has to safeguard innocent lives.
    
    Hassan
    Australia
    
    
    
43. I am an Indian. I am sure that I am going to see letters that will blame India for the violence. But take a good look at yourself. The Taliban forces that you've been training to wreak havoc in India are now spreading their violent message in Pakistan itself. Anyone who doesn't fit the Taliban template of the model citizen is a sinner and deserves to die. Pretty much, the Shias (Iranians, 11% of Pakistan) now fall into the same category as the "Kafir" Hindus.
    Your average Pakistani sitting in Pakistan seems to show much more common sense and rationality than your gung-ho trigger-happy compatriots sitting in western countries who are enjoying the freedom of speech granted to them by the western democracies. This self-righteousness is no different from the one that we see wherein all Pakistanis are trained from birth to believe that their country is better than India. You have religious fundamentalism (Taliban), lawlessness (Sharif not paying taxes), an India-centric complex (CTBT signing terms), and immense poverty (feudal system). Need I say more? Learn to hate less and tolerate more.
    Jai Bharat.
    
    Ranjeet Shetye
    India/USA
    
    
    
44. Numerous times in the past a barbaric organisation called Sipah-e-Sahaba and its militant wing called "Lashkar-e-Jhangvi" have proudly claimed responsibility for these barbaric acts. If anyone doubts, they had better get a copy of the documentary made by the BBC on this organisation, and hear the speeches delivered by its leader where he has openly claimed and ordered the killings of shias and burning of their mosques etc.
    
    I for one personally hold the government responsible, as the law and order situation is its responsibility. How would Mr.Nawaz Sharif or Mr.Tarar feel if, God forbid, his brother, sister or son was shot in cold blood just because they went to the mosque for prayers and they belonged to a particular sect?
    
    The solution is simple. But because of personal gains of our so-called leaders there is no implementation. What religion teaches killing of your brothers and sisters? I don't know. But these so-called "Mullahs" have created a separate agenda for themselves. How can they call themselves humans- let alone Muslims- after committing such barbaric acts? How do they prostrate in front of God...with what face…when the blood of some innocent child they just shot, still flows from the tiny heart? May Allah help the families of these victims get through these unbearable moments. Ameen.
    
    A.Zaidi
    USA
    
    
    
45. I think it is about time that we stopped looking for scapegoats and blaming each other. The government has no clue as to how to protect peoples’ lives. It has failed to deliver basic needs for the citizens of this country. It they should resign in shame (if it feels any).
    
    Zaheer Sufi
    USA
    
    
    
46. Well, I think that almost everyone knows that MQM is behind all sorts of violence that takes place in Karachi. In spite of knowing this, no one is doing anything about it. I think that MQM is behind this sectarian mayhem. It’s on the government to arrest the culprits.
    
    Brian
    USA
    
    
    
47. Well, I think that some foreign powers are behind all this mess, as they don't want to see peace in PAKISTAN. I can surely predict that due to this sectarian violence pillon-riding will be banned and people will be harassed again. If any terrorist is reading this message, please don’t kill people. Please!
    
    Majid Javed
    Lahore, Pakistan
    
    
    
48. In Karachi this is not the first time such killings have taken place in mosques. Actually this is a poor practice of those elements that want to start an ethnic bloodbath in the city. Now when the world is watching the flop drama of Nawaz government in Sindh, the government starts a cause to justify governor raj in Sindh.
    In clean language, these are people who have off and on tried to kill the people of Karachi both shia and sunni. We cannot accept any blame on RAW, MOSAD or CIA.
    
    Bushra Sultana
    Canada/Pakistani
    
    
    
49. The recent sectarian violence is a product of domestic politics. The murder of more than 20 people also indicates that the present Pakistani civilian government is dictated by religious terrorist, extremists and fundamentalists. It is very unfortunate to see that dreams of Jinnah have been shattered in his own dreamland Pakistan, by his own people. It hurts to recognise that Muslims have been killing Muslims in the name of faith. In other words, now people can say that Pakistani people do not have any right on Kashmir, because they will kill Kashmiris as well, if the latter do not accept their religion.
    
    Lila Dhar
    USA
    
    
    
50. The sectarian violence is what we see when each religious group tries to force its ideology on others, whether believers or non-believers. Overall such violence causes great loss to the nation.
    
    K. Lal
    India
    
    
    

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