Followers

July 6, 2007

The 'Lal Masjid'


After months of agitation, things picked up for both the 'Lal Masjid' and 'Maulana', or should I say 'Aunty' Abdul Hafiz. The pictures which show Abdul Hafiz leaving in a burqa were not only detrimental to the image of Pakistan, but also to the image of Muslims all across the world. Being a Pakistani, I believe that any Pakistani Muslim has been ashamed with the manner in which the 'Maulana' escaped the mosque. In addition, when he was stopped by the officials his 'sahaylees' (colleagues) requested not to check their 'Aunty' which was 'elderly and sick.' It is a shame for anyone who supports this cause of 'Lal Masjid' to have their leader being caught in a runaway attempt with 40 other ladies. As if, it was not enough that he was using the women and children as his shield for the last one week.

It is extraordinary to many that these fanatics inside the mosque were equipped with latest ammunition, for which the rangers posted at the location may be jealous. Well, to me this is not a surprise when it is known that our Minister for Religious Affairs, Ejaz Ul Haq bailed the 'Aunty' from jail during Musharraf's reign. Now that Chowdhary Shujaat Hussain has talked to the 'Aunty' in the last one hour, it seems that there is more to it than what meets the eye. I believe that the Chowdhary Brothers Inc. never intervene in anything related to a crisis, unless there is a personal interest for them. It is a known fact that during Nawaz Sharif's government, the 'Aunty' was involved in similar activities of gathering ammunition at the mosque for their so called 'Jihad.'

It is believed that the younger brother, Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi, is a less hardliner than his elder brother, Maulana Abdul Hafiz. However, he is leading the struggle now ever since his brother's departure from the 'Lal Masjid.' I believe that there is a hostage-like situation within the 'Lal Masjid' which prompted the Chowdhary to intervene. Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi has stated that his 'companions' will not accept the offer of the government to keep him and his mother under a house arrest. instead of keeping them in a jail. However, this deal would have worked both ways considering Maulana Abdul Aziz's half-hearted devotion to bringing Shariah law in Pakistan. I can say that with assurance because it is reported that Maulana Abdul Aziz was on the verge of bringing a coup when his elder brother decided to use the women and children as hostage before the operation. However, ever since the arrest of his elder brother things should have moved faster in the right direction. But, instead this same brother has decided to become a hardliner, even though his brother was planning an exit from the whole drama. After, the confirmation from various sources that foreign militants are also residing in the mosque it seems that there is more at stake. Ever since the proposal of the house arrest for the leader and his mother, things have started to become more black & white. The government has only offered softness to the top leadership, while not showing any concern about the other militants inside. If the leader at the moment, Maulana Abdul Rashid, decides to abandon he may face a serious threat of being killed himself. The foreigners residing in the mosque would know that they will be dealt with harshness once the Maulana and his mother are given a safe passage.

But, this is where the main question arises. In a country where countless have been made scapegoats to make a successful story, why not Maulana Abdul Rashid. Why so much hesitation to carry out a full-fledge operation? The paramilitary forces, rangers, and the police have been deployed since the last 3 days equipped with immense firepower. The reason lies somwhere else. As stated earlier, Chowdhary Shujaat does not involve himself in any crisis unless he has got a personal interest. Considering the bailout of the Maulana by Ejaz Ul Haq during this government, it seems like both the Chowdhary and Zia Ul Haq's son are on the same side of the coin. In addition, it is evident now that it is not Maulana Abdul Rashid calling the shots. But, the other militants who are more fanatic than the Maulana, as they have come from a foreign land for this cause. If the government want they can easily order a commando operation to secure the few militants in the mosque. Now, we know that there are children in the mosque which have been taken hostage in this hour. But, the efforts are moving towards the securing of Maulana Abdul Rashid who is the 'official' leader at the moment. The Maulana has stated very clearly that his companions do not accept a solution in which he is given a safe passage, along his mother. But, why need to care about the Maulana so much in a country where many wrongs have been done to make a right? There is an interest of some influential elements in the ruling PML-Q which are taking this issue in another direction, when on the surface they state that they are only doing this to secure the innocent children in the mosque. Once again, this high level of sympathy for the children is rare considering the fate of the storm-affected people of Balochistan. No concern of such depth was shown in that matter where children of similar age, with higher numbers have been marooned over the last few weeks.

To conclude, I can say with a lot of conviction that there is a link involved between the Maulana brothers and the Chowdhary Brothers Inc. It may not be clear at this point in time due to various reasons. In addition, Musharraf has handled the situation in an impressive manner with regards to yesterday's events with hundreds of people surrendering. However, the President is also using the 'hot n cold' tactic to manage the other political issues, such as of Chief Justice and the trouble in other parts of the country. But, while he is doing that for his own benefit as well he needs to be aware of the actions of the Chowdhary Brothers Inc. which are once again using their political cards to gain some sort of mileage. Let us hope that, indeed, the least number of innocent people are killed in this drama. And, the culprits are brought to justice.

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