By AFTAB ZAIDI

The recent statement of the opposition leader Mr. Nawaz Sharif proclaiming Ahmedis as his brothers and sisters has created a furor in the political and religious circles of Pakistan. Mr. Sharif is also the head of the second largest political party in Pakistan; Pakistan Muslim League – N. Such an assertion was made in wake of the horrendous attack on their community. Islamic militants literally butchered them by spraying bullets at close range while they were praying at their place of worship. Ninety five people died instantly while scores were injured. Although there has always been a deep loathing and hatred of this sect, this was the worst ever massacre. The response of the Islamic parties was sickening. Nawaz Sharif came under scathing criticism for sympathizing with this downtrodden class. Maulana Ilyas Chinauti the head of movement of the finality of Prophet Muhammad had this to say:

(more…)

By AFTAB ZAIDI

The brazen and audacious attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team by a bunch of young boys in the heart of Lahore once again shows the complete failure of our intelligence agencies. The unpredictable and erratic nature of this task has clear hallmarks of Al-Qaeda or its local collaborators such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. Jammat-ud-Dawa, an off-shoot of LET, was put under intense pressure by the government as all fingers pointed towards its complaisance in abetting the Mumbai carnage. There was a strong need to keep tabs on such organizations as a very real possibility existed that disgruntled elements of these militant cadres might avenge the killing and arrest of their top leadership. The England match referee Chris Board was spot on, when he castigated the Pakistani authorities for not providing adequate security. Television footage from different CCTV cameras clearly shows the militants shooting at the bus with not a single security personnel in sight. Such an attack was completely unanticipated as several policemen lost their lives in the firefight. The consequences could have been devastating had it not been for the quick wit of the driver.

(more…)