The Pakistani Spectator

Our gallant Pakistan Army and Air Force are destroying all Taliban hideouts in our Pakhtoonkhwa province (formerly NWFP) and in Tribal Regions bordering Afghanistan. Hundreds of terrorists have been killed; hundreds other apprehended. Encouraged by the Army’s operation against miscreants, the local people of the tribal areas have also risen up and are actively assisting in hunting down terrorists. The second and third tier Taliban leadership has been eliminated in airstrikes and ground attacks of our Army.

The Armed forces enjoy unprecedented support of Pakistani People and the entire World, in this Holy War against evil terrorists. In fact, this decisive action against miscreants was sanctioned by our parliament with unanimous approval of MPs from the treasury as well as opposition benches. This is the beauty of the democratic system that in spite of their political differences, the elected representatives of the people stand united when it comes to our supreme national interests. This ongoing offensive is undoubtedly a battle for the survival of Pakistan, and the Pakistani people know this very well. Pakistan has lost more of its soldiers and civilians in this war on terror, than any other country in the world. We Pakistanis are in fact the most resilient people in the world. During the past few weeks, the significantly weakened and dwindling Taliban, in their bid to demoralize the nation launched a series of suicide bombings in the heart our cities, brutally killing numerous innocents. However instead of demoralizing us, these blatant acts of terrorism have only served to strengthen the resolve of Pakistanis to eradicate this Taliban menace as soon as possible. Our brave officers and soldiers who sacrifice their lives on the frontlines are revered as great national heroes. The are not considered dead at all. Rather, they are the martyrs whose spirits, according to our Islamic beliefs continue to live among us. On their funerals, instead of weeping and mourning their great loss, their families express their joy and sense of pride that their brothers, sons, fathers and husbands have rendered the ultimate service to their motherland.

By any standards, we Pakistanis are living in a war situation. The economic conditions in our country aren’t good either. Power outages of 6 to 8 hours, in the scorching summer temperatures of up to 45 degree Celsius are a daily norm. And then, there is always a high degree of uncertainty surrounding our own lives. Each morning, when we go out to work, to attend our colleges and universities, considering the daily pattern of suicide bombings, there is always a great likelihood that we might not be returning home alive. What can be more precious for a human being than his/her own life? However, in spite of this horrifying realization, there are never any signs of panic in our society. We continue to lead our daily lives as always, aspiring to perform our duties in the best possible manner, aspiring to excel at our studies, or whatever work we do. This attitude is in itself is a form of stiff resistance to the terrorists who have failed to demoralize and induce fear among us through their dastardly acts of terrorism.

The biggest show of this defiance was witnessed on the eve of Sunday, June 21st, when, in spite of the serious terrorist threat,thousands of Pakistanis in all major cities assembled to watch on giant TV screens, their national team play Srilanka in the Final of Cricket World Cup. Pakistan won that final match, to become Cricket World Champions. There were celebrations all across the country, from the shores of Karachi to heights of the Karakoram Mountains. Our compatriots in the Indian Occupied Kashmir province poured out on the streets of Srinagar and other cities, fervently chanting Jeeway Pakistan (Long Live Pakistan). In fact, there was a sea of green tops and Pakistan flags in downtown Srinagar. For a while, it seemed that there was no happier nation on earth than the Pakistanis. Seeing all that rejoicing and celebrations in the streets, one could never have guessed for once that Pakistan was the most dangerous warzone in the world. This speaks volumes about the resilient nature of our nation. This shows that we have the ability to withstand even the most tense conditions; that we have the ability to stand united and share our sorrows and joys in even the most adverse circumstances. InshaAllah (God Willing), the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and civilians will bear fruit, and soon enough we will get rid of this menace of Taliban Terrorism. Surely then, not only our great resilient nation but the entire world will find a greater reason to rejoice!

Pakistan Zindabad!