Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif’s remarks

These [ultra-conservatives, including the JUI-F and the JI] are the very groups that have refrained from openly denouncing the militants responsible for mayhem and bloodshed across the country and whose religion-based politics often go against the ideals of a true democracy in which all citizens are equal.  

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
Dawn Editorial | June 11, 2010

IT is a pity that many issues in this country tend to be viewed through the lens of religion and its attendant emotions. A principled approach, based on equal rights for all Pakistani citizens, is rarely in evidence and the result is an environment of confusion and hostility. This is borne out by the criticism faced by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in the wake of his condemnation of the dastardly attacks on Ahmadi places of worship last month and his reference to the Ahmadi community as an “asset” and as “brothers” and “sisters”.


Considering that the PML-N has been seen to consort with elements belonging to banned extremist groups and is reluctant about acknowledging the Taliban threat emanating from Punjab, Mr Sharif’s comments are a welcome departure from his party’s conservative credentials.

Leadership demands tough decisions which are in the greater good of the people, and that transcend narrow political considerations. Given his huge support base in Punjab, where Ahmadis are regularly targeted, one hopes that Mr Sharif’s comments will be reflected on and engender a healthy debate on the need for tolerance towards minority groups in the country.

It is not surprising that Mr Sharif has earned the wrath of the ultra-conservatives, including the JUI-F and the JI, for his position, with some religious leaders threatening to campaign against his party if he does not retract his remarks. These are the very groups that have refrained from openly denouncing the militants responsible for mayhem and bloodshed across the country and whose religion-based politics often go against the ideals of a true democracy in which all citizens are equal.

The Ahmadis may not be regarded as Muslims by the state and a large, vocal section of the people. But does this mean that they should be treated as second-class citizens, undeserving of any praise or even a gesture of solidarity in times of crisis? Should they be sidelined and their contributions — and let us not forget Nobel Laureate Dr Abdus Salam in this regard — overlooked?

For the sake of preventing further violence and ill-will in the country, these groups should learn to keep their ideological reservations to themselves. 

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