Fire-proof Dawn?

Published April 17, 2013

THE editorial, ‘Futility of violence’ (April 9), refers to the violence used by members of the Jeay Sindh Mutahidda Mahaz in many parts of Sindh. They burnt copies of Dawn and prevented its sale because of non-publication by Dawn of its views and activities.

The violence is contemptible and should be punished. Was it? Your refusal to be pressured is fully supported.

But what is all the fuss about? For years, one has noticed the generous abundance of space devoted by Dawn to statements by ‘nationalist’ parties and their leaders, often at the expense of many other laudable equally nationalist causes and persons.

By the bizarre illogic of aspects of the mind, even a reprehensible action acquires some credence by the level of importance given to it.

The violence did not deserve an editorial. Many other causes await similar attention.

The violence is perversely amusing. The spectacle of destructive action being taken against inert, unarmed mere paper, crudely but vividly captures the incapacity of some to be rational, and restrained. Such behaviour also sets a bad example.

For instance, such acts tempt this letter-writer to consider drastic alternative responses to the fact that Dawn fails to cover nine and a half out of 10 of the events with which the undersigned is associated. Should one resort to new forms of protest to oblige Dawn to take notice of such gross discrimination?

To prevent one from considering violent options, may we request Dawn to switch immediately to non-burnable paper? And once Dawn has switched to a non-incendiary medium to print news and views, kindly do not inform those who are potentially likely to be offended, about this switch. It would be charming to witness unsuccessful attempts to set aflame fire-proof copies of Dawn. This could be the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s history when ideas also become immune to violent attack.

JAVED JABBAR Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...