Terrorism
and Pakistan: The case of Faisal Shahzad has triggered
a
renewed round of soul searching in the country.
The Daily Jang, Pakistan
Pakistan Must
Confront its Export of Terrorism
"Even
if we, as Pakistanis, know that most people in our country oppose terrorism and
have no sympathy for those who make a mission of killing, the fact is that many
people in other countries see Pakistanis as terrorists."
While exports from Pakistan encompass
many spheres, there is one product that our country sends into the world in
larger and larger quantities. It's an item that unfortunately, brings in no financial
benefit or goodwill. It often seems today that what we export most is terrorism.
The arrest in New York of a Pakistan-American, even as he boarded a plane that
would have taken him to Dubai, is confirmation of this in the eyes of the world.
Even if we as Pakistanis know that most people in our country oppose terrorism
and have no sympathy for those who make a mission of killing, the fact is that
many people in other countries see Pakistanis as terrorists.
This unleashes racist
violence and many kinds of more subtle discrimination. In one way or another, tens
of thousands of Pakistanis have suffered. The question is whether enough is
being done to stop the export of violence and to ensure that a softer, more
flattering spotlight is directed toward Pakistan. The arrest of Faisal Shahzad demonstrates
that the mindset which spurs terrorism has poisoned even those who enjoy wealth
and privilege.
Perhaps the thesis that the
poor are most often those exploited by militants is flawed. Maybe we need to do
more to stop the slow poisoning of minds. The process of brainwashing has been
going on for years and needs to be reversed. A strategy for this must be worked
out. Psychologists, educators, media people, clerics and others with influence in
society need to be involved. We must convince people, particularly the young,
that militancy and extremism threaten to destroy all that's good about their
country. Leading members of society must play a role in building a different
future.
The story of an educated
young man of Pakistani origin in New York, from a wealthy background and a prominent
family, who appears to have been willing to risk so much by planting a bomb intended
to kill ordinary men, women and children, should serve as a warning: these are
the kind of problems we have allowed to fester in our midst. Only by changing
this can we hope to move toward a brighter future and a better image for
Pakistan.
