Violence unacceptable

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - THE nature of challenges facing Pakistan demands total national unity and harmony but unfortunately acts of violence continue to occur and recur with frequent intervals to mar the peaceful atmosphere that is a must for facing these challenges squarely. In the latest development two protestors were killed and eighteen others injured during clashes with police and law-enforcing agencies during a demonstration in Karachi.

While there can be no two opinions that holding of peaceful demonstrations and protests is legitimate right of the people, it is equally important that these should remain within the bounds of law. The protests against production of sacrilegious Internet movie by some Americans are understandable as a mischievous attempt has been made to target Islam and its great Prophet (PBUH). It is duty of Muslim Ummah and Governments of the Islamic states not only to lodge protests but also take measures to denounce and counter the move. However, we have been pointing out in these columns that there was absolutely no justification for indulging in violence. Inflicting damage on and torching of public and private assets as well as those belonging to the United States is unacceptable and those resorting to this kind of violence are, in fact, furthering the objective of the enemy. Already, the United States has announced to deploy troops in most of the Muslim countries in the Arab world on the pretext of controlling violent demonstrations, which amounts to sheer insult to the sovereignty and independence of these countries. It is also pertinent to point out that the revered personality of the Muslim world – Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has denounced attacks on diplomats and embassies as un-Islamic. Diplomats are there in every country under a global understanding and their protection is duty of the host governments and therefore, attacks on diplomats and diplomatic missions are highly regrettable.