Why do you call Aimal Kansi. Why is it that we can remember Aimal killing CIA agents but we cannot recall why he did it? Whether or not he is a terrorist depends on the answers to the question why. Or is it that we blindly accept whatever others. We all know what a Shaheed is. You maintain he is not a shaheed. Why? Did ask anyone in the village as to why they think Aimal Kanis is a shaheed?

I agree. Kansi was no shaheed at all. Criminals can never be shaheeds.

The most unfortunate conclusions from this blog are that: a) Aimal Kansi was no terrorist by any stretch of the imagination and yet the likes of this guest blogger would have us believe otherwise. b) Sometimes, BRAVE SON OF THIS SOIL are revered enough to have mosques named after them.

To my knowledge what was published, Kansi was initially a CIA agent , who later defaulted for some personal reasons and in this anguish killed couple of CIA officers. For this crime he receive the death sentence. I am not sure in above scenario how he could be considered as Shaheed.

I fail to understand the reasons behind your hurriedly written blog with no head or tail. It seems you have been keeping the urge to speak against him and I am afraid without a context no one is going to take your rant seriously. So why did he kill the CIA agents?

Kansi was a criminal. Nothing more.

I read this article.Although the thoughts of Mr.Islam are no as negative, mostly reader give back immediate feedback's although i consider is necessary to understand the views of the writer. We should have the courage to recite the right as right and wrong as wrong. But the issue is that, We need to see why these people leave their lives, families with the knowledge that their action would result in DEATH. And no one would be there to support them i.e, they would end up hopeless but the basic issue that needs attention is why is this trend growing? Aimal Kansi's Father was an asset of Intelligence agencies(CIA). He worked for them was hijacked and killed later on. Which burnt fire inside him.

And ................... Why did he do it? Please do explain!

This is a very shallow article where the author has made conclusions offering the reader no insight into the background of the case. I do not know if Aimal is Shaheed or not but author should have investigated it further. May interviewing people in that area would have helped!

Diversity in belief systems! someone has also removed 'Ya' infront of Muhammad.

110% agreed with Striver.

Agree with striver. Shaheed is a different and in current times controversial status. We are not here to decide whatever anyone did...good or bad... But why Aimal was so? The reasons of his acts need to be found and publicized as well.

This is new excuse of apologists. Knowing that Its not possible for everyone to investigate a case they keep on blaming biased media/courts while on the other hand believing people like zaid hamid blindly. Hello! there is a reason we have 'reliable' media and courts doing this job for ordinary civilians like me.

I think the author here is trying to say that those CIA agents were SHAHEED....as Aimal kansi was a criminal...who took lives of "innocent" CIA egents......right??? Basically you are saying that we should leave these "Reginald E.H. Dyer" the creators of the massacre of Jallinawala on there own....as our governments don't have the strength to stop them...... Our media should become a lawyer of our national motives, it should not defend the cases of America..... Sab say pehly Pakistan. Aimal kansi was wrong in his approach...but our media is not right either.....

Can any one tell me why on earth some one in Ormara would name a mosque after Aimal Khan, who happen to come from Quetta, by any standard Ormara is still a far away place from Quetta. The simple reason can be described is that Aimal Kansi was precevied to be some one who stood up to American imperialism, and if some one lays his life against a empire he can not be labeled a simple criminal. Though the motive of Mr. Kansi would remain forever shrouded in mystery and his martyrdom a mere divine intervention yet I fail to understand Mr. Raja Islam's scathingly angry remarks, and find them tasteful and a challenging the intelligence of the resident of Balochistan province. He could have spared us the poisonous strokes of key a board and should have remained in Karachi where a lot of under passes are named after well known criminals and gangsters and there names glorified. Let me see him writing against them.

Nice shot :)

Aimal Kansi was no Shaheed I agree.

How do you classify people who eliminate criminals? The history of the world is filled with the CIA sponsored tyrants doing the inconceivable. The question of whether he was a shaheed or not may be disputable for some, but calling him a criminal is not justified at all. He was not convicted by an independent judge as many think that the judiciary in US is independent but actually it's not. After listening to all the defence arguments in Aafia Siddiqui case the judge said " the arguments carry lot of weight but if we accept them, it would be tantamount to assuming that our security agencies had lied throughout and that is an impression we cant let go out of this courtroom. So my friend let's not be so biased against Aimal Kansi, because he did not kill any innocent civilian.

If Mulana Fazul ul Rehman can head a religious party, Aimal Kansi has no problem being declare Shaheed!

Hi, nobody knows that Aimal is shaheed.

Back in 1993, there was no Al-qaeda or Taliban. Why did Kansi hit out at CIA? His tale is shrouded in mysteries. Some say he (or his father) were CIA agents and were betrayed by CIA, thus the revenge. He was betrayed in return by our own

The answer is really simple: One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. One regime rejoiced in having conquered the criminal William Wallace, whereas another nation cherished him as a freedom fighter. Politically, there'll always be two sides to every conflict. Most of the times, neither side is right.

Murder is a crime that cannot be justified in Islam, irrespective of who commits it. Aimal Kansi murdered two people. Thats all there is to it. It is so sad to see that a small minority 'strives' to twist this basic principle of humanity and our religion. Shame on them from bringing a bad name to Pakistan and Islam - they are not one of us.

The people who made this masjid might also not like Fazlur Rehman.. why dragging him in the story

If you provide some villagers view regarding their belief on his Shaheed status, so it will be helpful us to enjoy your article. Right now your article looks like a one view of an image, however image has always multiple views. So cheers! First inquired!

I think the question " why he killed two CIA members?" is still to be answered my friend. Thanks

Interesting what you said. It might also bring your attention into the other interesting side of the story is; he had been working for CIA, which can be found on CIA records. Now one wonder when he was on CIA's salary he never bothered to return to his village untill he went apart with his mentors in Langley.

For some it is a very straight case...but for most it is a dilemma!

What a poorly written blog!!

We all are making assumptions; only Allah (SWT) knows whether he is shaheed or not. We Pakistanis in general and as muslims in particular try to judge everyone's character and faith based on our very limited and biased knowledge. Actions of a person will be rewarded based on the intentions and only Allah (SWT) knows what a person's intention was before acting. --Only Allah (SWT) knows best

He is hailed as a hero because the same CIA agents killed his fathers and escaped. His father was some leader and as our country cannot even pursue strong men within our own country let alone CIA agents. He was an educated man which led him to follow those two agents to Langley and he killed them I assume in their office and while the search was on he sat in the park or lawn nearby reading a newspaper and later on came back to Pakistan. It was a meticulously executed revenge and treacherous on the part of our government to hand him over. Their should've been some apology in return for what the CIA agents did. Seeing everything through the prism of terrorism is not the right thing. The guy is a hero for what he has accomplished. Just feel the pain of ones killed in collateral damage as a result of drones everyday!!!

For a while, we agree with you that he was not shaheed. Then, what is about the persons murdered in drone attacks? What we should call them? This is also perception difference. We white collars call them terrorist while villagers shaheed, why? Simple ask them they will clear.

Aimal Kansi was not shaheed but he was an agent of CIA . What circumstances made him a CIA agent ? And why he killed those agents ? what was hidden truth behind it ?

I think you should go for little research as your information is nill.. The writer is saying 100% true...

You are not court to declare one criminal.

First his father was murdered by the Americans then he killed CIA offices. Just for record correction.

Kansi himself was a CIA agent and was double crossed by his buddies (the americans) so he got angry and went to kill them. He was no friend of Pakistan or Islam. His actions were strictly personal and had no ideology behind it.

Well said, sir.

Isn't it a fact? I don't think its poorly written, its very concise and comprehensively written.

Wonderful wonderful reply....@ Mr. Zaheer... Sir you answered the perfect answer for such Biased Approach of the blogger..........Claps!

Well Aimal kasi (and not Kansi) for many the word kansi is offense... whether the late was shaheed or not we leave it to Allah...but the late was an CIA operative like his father...according to a (late) towering Baloch politician and legendary tribal leader..." his father was an CIA agent and now his son is too working for them"... those who know Aimal Kasi from his days in Balochistan university's remember him well for his love for firing in the campus...a bad habit perhaps that cost him his life ..

Sorry piece of writing. What Kansi did should be taken in the right context - just if somebody kills CIA employees, you can't really call him a criminal. There are already enough roads and schools and towns named after serial killers and proved ones. What prompted Aimal kill the CIA people would remain a mystery forever and whether or not he was a martyr will be best answered on the judgement day.

Amazingly, the author has no background of the whole situation and yet he is conclusive about Aimal being a criminal, and is judging the mentality of lot of people. Simply Amazed. Ciao

We are not here to certify regarding 'shahdat, it is Allah who knows better. Anyways, we need to educate the people,true Islamic teaching has become inevitable to avoid terrorism .Otherwise, innocence people will remain ignorant.

Whether AK was a shaheed or not we may never know. One thing we do know is that he was sold to the Americans during Nawaz Sharif's tenure despite being a perceived hero.

What if calling him Shaheed gives the people who love him a measure of comfort. Is Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto a shaheed? Is Benazir a Shaheed, or Liaquat Ali Khan? I thought Shaheed is someone who dies fighting in the way of ALLAH? I do not know if ZAB, BB or Shaheed e Millat were killed fighting for ALLAH but I have NO RIGHT to say that ZAB or Benazir or Liaquat Ali Khan were NOT shaheed. So let's keep our views to ourselves, especially if they can potentially harm people's sentiments! "Sometimes terrorists are revered enough to have mosques named after them." Pointless really!! Since Kansi was an ex CIA agent himself, I doubt very much if killing a couple of his colleagues will make him a terrorist. It is hard to make sense of what you have written.

Our people live in a state of denial and what insight would people of the area give in this regard???????

I agree with you Adnan.

What an unconvincing piece...

Is building a Masjid in the name of a murderer permitted in Islam ? Is this a case of good murderer vs bad ?

AK was the man!!!!!!!! shaheed or not but he had guts and shot his enemies right in their backyard!!!!!!!!!!!!

His father was CIA agent, and he was CIA agent, like father like son. Those who betray should pay the price.

He can't be called shaheed by any stretch of imagination. I am not going to degrade Shaheed's status by calling him "Shaheed."

In Pakistan, no other word is more abused than word "Shaheed". AK is Shaheed or not, who cares, but unfortunate thing is that a Mosque has been named after him. This looks a ploy to seek attention and attention it got.

Criminal for one nation is a hero for others.

Late Aimal Kansi was shaheed or not, only Almighty God knows better. Notwithstanding Aimal Kansi was innocent or otherwise, his death, naturally is matter of bereavement and suffering for his parents and other near and dears. I am not aware of the details of the case, however presuming that the conviction. Was legal it was better if the US Government had exercised leniency and the young man was not executed.

100% rite!!!!!!!!

So you mean to say this poorly written piece proves something!! what "fact" you are talking about btw!!

Why Kansi, ZAB, Benazir et al are shaheed? And why Zia, Murtaza Bhutto and others are not Shaheed? Someone please shed some light? My understanding is that there are different types of Shahadad but not all are called Shaheed who achieve them. Example, if a chaste woman dies defending her chastity, if a woman dies while giving birth to her child, if an innocent man/woman is intentionally killed or if someone testifying against a criminal is slain, they all would have attain Shahadad but they won't be called Shaheed because they have attain lower degree of shahadad. Only person would be and should be called shaheed and that person is one who lays down his life for Allah's cause. What is Allah's cause? Defending Islam if someone tries to obliterate it with the intention of pleasing Allah and Allah alone, defending true shariah (not half baked self serving sharia) laws that exists if someone tries to replace it with secular laws, gets killed trying to implement justice in the land and etc.. My view is that it is a blatant insult to all the Shuhadads who laid down their lives for Allah's cause if we invent and start calling every Kansi, ZAB, BB, Zia, Murtaza and et al shaheed and I consider it a blasphemy if someone uses the title shaheed for someone undeserving of it. The word Shaheed is a sanctified word first used by Allah in Quran for those who laid down their lives in the battle of Bader in defending Islam. Let's be little respectful of those true shaheeds and not get carried away by our emotions and hatred and start labeling criminal, murderers shaheed. My view again. Only true Alim (scholar) like Mufti Taqi Usmani and others like him can declare someone shaheed in the light of Quranic and Hadiths knowledge. F Rehman is true hypocrite. He may have knowledge of Islam but he is an opportunist and not worthy of following.

The most important thing needed in our country is Education and Right Teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), only and only then we can see a prosperous Islamic State, otherwise there will be millions of mosques but no one to pray in them and every second of killed in anything good or bad will be called shaheed. In general our people are very ignorant and do not want to accept the truth. May Allah show us all the way of Truth and keep on it, Ameen

If a mosque in the dull back waters of Gwader or whatever is the name it should not be a problem for anyone. May be it is one of his family member that did it just to please his restless soul. In bible it says that those who raise swords die of swords. I believe Aimal Kansi was working for CIA and he was sent to the gallows by the CIA only. It is bad to work for the CIA cause you are betraying your own country and what CIA did was good cause it should be an eye opener for those that still serve their interests. So it is only a win win situation for us the people of our country.

I agree with Mr. Gichki. Why Ibn-Qasim port is given to someone who was an invader of the province of Sind? Muhammad Bin Qasim was plundered the land of Sind. Contrary to what lots of people think, there was Muslims in Sind at that time, and he never brought Islam to Sind. Why Ak killed two CIA operatives? What I understand he thought that CIA was behind the brutal killings of people of Bosnia, and he took revenge. He was arrested by a CIA person from Pakistan, whom he befriended and wrote long letters to him. Here, he acknowledged this motive. He was shaheed or not. He had guts as he wanted to have his own foreign policy.

I tell you that this masjid looks like an old one & the name has been put up by taking over which we can witness easily that someone deleted the word Ya from Muhammed Sallalahu Allahe Wasalam.

I wonder that they have removed the word 'YA' with the name of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) but introduced Shaheed on top of the criminal's name LOL! These terrorists are true exploiters of Muslim Ummah.

We do not have any other for the deceased. I saw a slate on the a wall of MAO College, Lahore Masjid which says something like this "Afzaal Gujjar Shaheed". Allah SWT knows the best about Aimal Kansi's death and whether he is shaheed or not.

I would like to ask those who tend to toe the western line. Would the US government hand over any US citizen to Pakistan government if he/she has been convicted of a crime. For example Black Water employees who have been involved in Illegal activities in Pakistan. What about those CIA employees who fire Drone missiles every day and kill many innocent civilians while targeting one or two "terrorists". In order to be just one must look at the evidence against a perpetrator and verify the authenticity of the evidence. Has the US government shared such evidences with Pakistan. These acts of injustices tend to create anger which results in people naming Masajid after convicted criminals.

Abbas Khan, still there are some criteria for that. Yasar Arafat can be a hero but not criminals like the person described in this blog. What good had be done for Pakistan or for your Religion as a whole? His only achievement was killing two Americans for which he was duly punished.

We have two fundamental questions here: first, Who's martyr? and secondly who's terrorist? A martyr dies for his religious or political believes. A martyr can be a Muslim, Christian, Jew etc. He's revered as martyr by the people who have similar believes. A terrorist is someone who use violence for his religious or political believes. He's termed as terrorist or militant by the opposite side and described as freedom fighter or noble warrior by his school of thought.

That's no explanation, he may be rightly intended, god knows...!! But what he did is not to be justified at all, enemies are to faced and confronted boldly------killing and flying away is an act of cowardliness..... And how come the person who was just on his state duty is to be called enemy???

That's right!!!

Lets see what we know and everybody seems to agree. Ak killed 2 CIA agents. Every one agrees. AK is criminal. The rest is pure speculation. As we Pakistanis ask for proofs of everything including Al Qaida involvement in 911, I would like you guys to provide proof of your claims. He said she said, my uncle said, my friends father in law is in ISI BS doesn't count. Snap out of my friends. Quit making excuses for your country men and your self. Wake up and get a hold of your country or Mullah will make Halwa of our country.

It does seem so, Yet this amount of little knowledge over the whole event is not enough to brig us to any conclusion!!

I quite agree with these two. Every suicide bomber who has blown himself up in Pakistan markets etc is "the man", as each has done exactly what they were planning - kill their enemies (who cares innocent women, kids and others apart from military men and many others) in their own backyard/shopping areas. Congrats to Shiraz and W_T_F for their illuminating thoughts. I am sure you shall clap and cheer each new attack similarly at home as elsewhere.....

The mosque calls him a Shaheed for the same reason as Z A Bhutto , Benazir Bhutto and Murtaza Bhutto are called " Shaheed" Any Questions?

Adnan, You nailed it. All those defending his murderous actions have no clue how contravening their stance is from an Islamic standpoint. Even if his victims were members of CIA, they did not have the blood of anyone on their hands. Aimal Kasi/Kansi went and waited outside of the gates of the Langley building. He killed indiscriminately not knowing who would come out of the gate so their is nothing morally correct in his actions. On the day of judgment, he will be questioned for taking the lives of those who may have had nothing to do with the excesses that Kasi or his family suffered. All those here gloating upon his actions against CIA etc. need to understand that us Muslims have responsibilities towards mankind. The crime of one non-Muslim against Muslims cannot be justified to hurt other non-Muslims.

I liked Mullah making Halwa for that's all what they are for. In Pakistan I used to see that special food was sent to molvi of the mosque in our area. there were other families that used to send them food particularly on Thursdays. Only the molvis were found to have the appetite that could consume the food from the entire neighborhood. I think now this appetite is insatiable. It was a very harmless role of the molvi at that time but all of sudden they have come out of their holes and have polluted the entire country ans the world. This is called real globalization. Any multinational out there to take leads from the mullahs.

Neither were the two Bhutto brothers who had terrorized the nation to seek revenge from late General Zia ul Haq and his coterie. Its amazing how people in politics or those who usurp power to join politics becomes martyrs when killed, And those whom they kill for their vested interest are forced to be forgotten less careers are placed on stake?

Not as per law in the Quran. The Quran is clear if you kill an innocent human, its like killing the whole humanity. The divine law does not have ifs and buts and its very clear.

Ok Great so you think this is a fair justification to kill people in rage and revenge . And later when you were apprehended and punished for this crime you consider them as Shaheed. if that is the case then half of jails are full of those.

And I believe you haven't read, "An eye for an eye". They killed his father, and he killed them (as far as I know the reason). That is a good enough reason. And only Allah knows the best.

'An eye for an eye' and that is what Aimal Ka(n)si did and this makes him not a criminal. Is he a Shaheed? Calling him Shaheed brings about good feeling, so for me he is. And Allah will be the Judge.

I totally agree with Zaheer Gichki, that how come he is picking an axe on a guy (shaheed or not, criminal or not) who was a citizen of Pakistan, and was handed over by his very own government, who sworn by the Qur'an to protect him and if found criminal, try him within his own country. Such a shame. Specially when Zaheer sb. rightly questioned the overpasses and other monuments have been named after the convicted criminals. Such a shame! Moreover, a lot of ignorance is prevailing in the comments. A lot of people seems to believe that he was a CIA agent, and doesn't know that he was actually trained at CIA facility for Pakistan and when they found out he knew too much about CIA operations, they ordered his killing, and one of his very close associate at Langley, told him about the orders and told him to flea the country ASAP, on that, being a red blooded, he took a revenge (or whatever the motive was) shot at those two CIA directors who ordered his killings, and fled to Pakistan. Now criminal or not, (since we know the actual criminals and killers are holding high positions in our country as we speak) why on earth a country would hand over his own citizen, without a legal charge or case against him, to a third country? Is this the value of a citizen in Pakistan that for money our own government will hand over us to others? It's a shame! And Raja sb. should know the facts before he can write out of his mind.

He is one the real shaheeds. He was the man who did the real jihad against Islam's and Pakistan's enemy.

Simply a revenge!!!!!!

You guys fail to see that he had gone thought all the immigration procedures and cleared. He broke the trust of the country he was allowed to enter legally. Go ahead and praise him but dont blame the Americans if they subject you Pakistanis to extra rigourous checking.

The unfortunate conclusions such as he is a "terrorist" and not a "martyr" are yours. He does not share your view nor do the men who have erected the mosque to honor him. He is not unusual either. There are many who wish to do what he has done. The fact that a mosque is erected to honor his name and deed testifies that. The question is whether, being in a state of war, this person is simply defending by avenging the death of his brothers in arm or is he someone, with little education and little learning and little awareness reacting to this post-industrial and post-Renaissance and post-Reformation world? Has the state he was born in provided ample means for him to develop and grow and create his own vocation, like in the West? Or was he thrown into the chaos deliberately created by the people he is born into? It is easy to name names. It is easy to call names and feel morally superior. What is not easy is to see the flaws within and then work it out a framework where men like Kansi do not fall into the trappings of "religious wars" or "revenge."

When the Sindhis can call an Arab named Muhammed-bin-Qasim who attacked their territory, bothered the king & thousands of others, as a national hero, and name roads, bridges and Ports after him, what is wrong with this simple guy who killed only two ?

Sorry to say but as a nation we are deaf, blind and even dead. First of all the man can not be judged now by any human being as he is with the Almighty and HE has decided What he is now, Shaheed or not. Secondly those who blame him for the killing of 2 CIA agents and calling him murderer and criminal at least should look in mirror and decided what should they call those who are fighting on the US directions and for dollars and killing Muslims.

Ask the sons and daughters of those officers killed in the attack. He destroyed so many lives.

This is the heart of the matter. CIA is not a group consist of choir boys, mind you. Aimal kansi was meant to be revered in just a conventional way these people know how in that part of the world. Don't make that an issue. Call him "Sir Aimal Kansi" instead if that appeases all of you here bothered by the term Shaheed. Well said Salman.

He died killing those who want to destroy your country. Ill leave it up to you to figure out what that makes him.

This gives an idea of the particular sect dominating these areas, spreading hate messages against others.

I agree Roosevelt was a hero for the Americans in the second world war but a mass murderer for the Japanese when he ordered 2 atom bombs be dropped on japan. Ak is a criminal for the Americans but a hero for us.

Don't be silly. A murderer is a murderer. There *are* human values, devoid of religion, culture and ethnicity. Did the people shot in Langley not have wives, kids and families? When you can tell me why their murder was justified, I'll tell you why AK's was.

A criminal or shaheed?I think if there is any doubt which indeed there is, atleast people should be rational enough not to name a mosque. When will we start to think??

When the name of a city can be changed to the so called shaheed Benazir Bhutto city or Islamabad international airport can be renamed to Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto int. airport. Expecting a mosque named after Kansi is not a big deal.

Mr Kansi was a criminal,who committed acts of criminal terror here in the USA. Pakistanis as a nation have to wake up and grasp over realities. Why every international terror acts leads back to Pakistan?? I know that it is lack of education and false right wing media campaigns,which have disoriented uneducated masses in that country. some opportunists wish to gain in their dark,criminal motives by declaring him shaheed.

He got what he deserved. Good Riddance. The people here making a hero out of him, would likely jump at the first chance to go to USA or other western countries. Hypocrisy is rampant in Islamic societies. Thanks to the blogger for exposing his hero-makers in that small town.

I think.....Shahid Masood Dr. should have an elaborated programme on Aimal Kansi. After reading this article I am really got interested to get to know him and his activities. A well research biography is needed....

In our society bad things become good and good things become bad. A.K was what ever but one has said that 'one man's terrorist is other man's freedom fighter'.

Well if you want to talk about facts, he was sold out by his cousins. Its funny, Kasi's ran away to the US, worked for the US like his father, only when he realized what the Americans are really doing and how they used his father, he took it upon himself and walked into CIA headquarters and did what he had to do. Only to run to Pakistan, and be sold out by his own cousins, who incidentally, now live in witness protection program in the US. When will the Americans start treating the people of Pakistan, who've been long time allies, the way they deserve to be.

I agree. In the end of the day, we dont know the details of what transpired. But as Pakistani's and as muslims, Murder should never be promoted. It is in the end, something to be ashamed of and against humanity and Islam.

Both father and son were CIA informer, they were working against Baloch and Pakistani people.

Seriously? AK was the man ? Are you sane?

Typical tribal thinking.

Are you really looking for facts.

"Terrorism is how the poor wage war. War is how the rich wage terrorism." - Peter Ustinov You should have supported your article with more details - Its seems you don't know anything. seriously!

He revenged killing of his father by killing two CIA. This make him Shaheed. Why this blogger Raja Islam is not mentioning this fact in his blog, speaks of typical Pak mentality. If history has to judge the roles played by Awais Leghari, Nawaz Sharif or Pakistan, it will be that they submitted to empire & money, while Kasi died a honorable death. Distance between shame & honor is one step forward.

Well said

In our country is every one shaheed. Bhutto Shaheed, Zia Shaheed , Benazir Shaheed, and we don't know how many more are out there. We love to name mosques, mosoleums , schools, hospitals, roads and air ports after their names. Our ignorant people never think that what these "great" leader of our nation had done any thing good for this nation. Thy love the personalities not the ability of the person. Kansi was a small sheep, we don't know surely what his motives were and why he killed CIA agents. He was no shaheed. Shaheed is only the person who died in line of duty for his family or country. . God bless Pakistan.

It is people like you that bring a bad name to Islam. You thinking killing someone and running away thousands of miles away is an act of manhood? Strange.

In 1993, was Pakistan in any war with USA? No. So how does kiling a CIA agent amount to an at of patriotism?

'One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist'. This can hold for Afghan Taliban or George Washington, both of whom were waging armed struggle for liberating them from their supposed occupiers. How does Kansi manage to fit into this equation? How did Pakistan benefit by his actions?

Anyone who is out there to kill a non-Muslim, and after the deed, is killed, is a shaheed. Joke of the new millennium. No matter how corrupt, how wicked he might be. I think a committee of some ulmas must be set up, or even a ministry, like so many already existing, to study and verify who died a shahheed's death and who the otherwise. After all this is indeed the most pressing question and concern of the time, specially in the land of the pure, where everyone is just "dying" to be shaheed.

If the soldiers, killing the Muslim for demanding implementation of Deen Allah is not a crime, and killed soldier fighting on behalf of a infidal is called Shaheed in deception, there seems to be nothing wrong to call him shaheed, and name a Masjid after him. He did fight the infidels and Died of their hand with the help of hypocrites. Shaheed literally means, the one who dies witnessing the truth or Allah subhan o tala. Comparatively, what did soldiers do to attain the status of a Shaheed. Subordinated himself to a infidel. Shahadat is always according to the truth or it is a crime. He does qualify to be called Shaheed.

A Real Good One!

Very well said Gentleman!

Bravo Kansi................ would love to born again as Kansi.

Shaheed is an easy term to fit the elite class murdered. But we usually use Jan-Bahak for the victims of terrorism, suicides and militancy. Killed, is used for the militants. though we know although can't determine who is Shaheed. Shaheed are defined in Quran, people who scarifies their in Allah ways, or cause of religion and in the defense of an Islamic State. Though innocent people killed, people who died of diseases or natural disasters are also in the category of Shahadat....but the first type of Shahadat is high in the hierarchy. We can't determine Aimal's shahadat but we can look at the circumstances which lead him to his fate, and so goes for other people. Therefore we need to be careful in using these Religious terms, otherwise its unintended sacrilege from once' side..

Very soon we might also see Saddam Shaheed Mosque. :)

Absolutely right!! Looks like some people write just for the sake of it. This is a pointless incomplete piece.

What is dying fighting for Allah ? Who defines the way of Allah? Develop your own reason that will be the correct measure of the choices you make.

It is a rather brief article. It is still not yet determined what were the reasons behind Aimal Kansi's act in shooting CIA officials. Another thing worth mentioning is that if Benazir Bhutto can be a shaheed then anybody can be a shaheed.

Saying 'Ya Muhammad' is incorrect in Arabian connotation. It is also against the norms of shariah as you seek help only from Allah.

What a poor topic the blogger has chosen, also poorly written!

If America has all the rights to kill innocent civilians by drone attacks than Aimal Kasi also has the right to kill CIA activists. I cannot claim to call him Shaheed or a terrorist, lets leave this to ALLAH.

More like biting the hand that fed him. He brings Pakistanis, decent ones, a bad name.

Pakistan army is also dying for USA's fight on terror if they are shaheed then Aimal Kansi can also be a shaheed.

If a citizen of any country of the world, enters an official building in Pakistan and perpetrates a similar act. I would expect the state to go after him and hold him to justice.

Just tells you what a sop we are for people!

This attitude is what has got Pakistan where it is

In my opinion, as one should know the cause of his murdering the agents, was the involvement of U.S & CIA in middle east & others Muslim nations. weather he can be called shaheed...... ALLAH knows better!!! but being a Pakistani and being a victim of U.S brutal policies!!!! I think he did the right thing!!!

The court declared him a criminal both in the US and here when our govt. handed him over. You may not LIKE the CIA but that doesn't automatically mean murder was justified. The blog is absolutely correct. Lot of the responses are usual conspiracy theory BS, CIA bogey man, honorable Taliban crap. Wake up smell the roses - 80% of the world thinks Pakistanis are terrorists (Try even applying for a visa to any Muslim country) - so why do Pakistani's think they are this special chosen people who the whole world is out to get? No one trusts us, everyone is wary of us, ergo the problem is with the world and western media ? Wake up.

This is one man who was prosecuted and found guilty and today we name our holy places after such men. Can there be a bigger disappointment than this?

I remember his death day...most of Pakistanis at the day was mourn and blaming our government why they handed over him to America...I dont know what was the reason behind killing of CIA officials but he died like a shaheed...I remember the doctors who injected poison comment that he was normal and getting no tension.

Fazal, it is not "enlightened" to question any American involvement in any case. We just condemn the young men who try to inflict losses to American interests. If you try to dig out the root cause, you are called "a Taliban apologist"

We Pakistanis have been victim of groups found dubiously connected to networks that have apparent objectives of serving islam but actually menting money and playing with the lives of innocent simple people. We need to see the other, real picture of these groups and stop believeing that they had or will ever work for Islam and rating those killed as shaheed or saint absolutely outrageous. Even calling political leaders as shaheed and them criticizing them for thier deeds/ personal life is absoultely against the spirit of Islam and the stature of a shaheed. Interestingly its these ulema who would react to Potato Chips being 'islamic' or calling film 'khuda key Liye' agaisnt islam but have no time to rectify these misconcieved intrepretations as the breed on innocently, partially informed people.

Aimal kansi was realy shaheed as confronting the forces of evils is shahadat some people without knowledge & respect for his or her nation opposing the myrithesm of Muslim. the then gov has disgraced the nation.As pakhtoons take revenge sooner or later the baloch should do the act of revenge its their duty not the family but also it is the duty of all Balochs to find & punish conspirers, USA, according to law.hang also those who has cooperated in his capture.The man who bring him to hotel to get reward needs to be eliminated along with has family ( which is called MIRATA in PAKHTOONS code)

He was no hero by any stretch of the imagination. Words of hate like the one's you speak are what got us into this situation in the first place. However the name of the mosque can be anything that those who built & the community around it want it to be, freedom of speech and expression for all not just those who preach hate and violence but freedom of expression for all Pakistani's. The name of the mosque is a form of freedom to express as well. Let it be even if we don't agree with the name it is known by today.

I really feel disappointed to read opinions of those terming Aimal Kansi as Shaheed who has done no service to Muslims in general and Pakistan in particular.We Pakistanis are already undergoing the difficult phase in our small short period of history.I would request those who consider such people as shaheed to think beyond emotions and donot misguide other innocent people who may be influenced and take up the same course.Best service to this nation is to prove yourself positively so that we Pakistani feel proud of you.Please try to project islam in its true colour and save Pakistan from further embarrasment.

In response to Mr. Wazdan... it is so sad and shameful that people have such thoughts in my country. Dont know why one would eliminate the whole family in revenge.. I recall we were taught in school that these acts were normal during the time of Jahilia.. I think few people are still living that time period. People with ideas are shame for humanity let alone the country and religion. I wish we get change this mindset. This will resolve majority of the hate issues in our country. This is the same group with racist ideology (pakhtoon, baloch, sindhi, muhajir, punjabi etc.) These are the people who are part of corruption, crimes and unlawful acts.. and they get away with it coz we praise their acts and so called medieval "codes"... Its time to wake up and be rational.. we are in worst situation then we were before partition... these people are termites who only knows destruction and the worst part is that they are among us and they look like us..

No way, Pakistani Army is defending the country against the terrorists; they are in fact doing a favour to us and not USA!

Masood is right!

I was in Virginia when this incident happened and used to read about it every day in Washington Post. I think we should stop eulogizing killers. This was not a terrorist act but he killed two innocent people and paid for it.

There are sinners, who do a right thing and become what they were never to be.

The article should not be written and portrayed in that way.

Newton's law "There is a reaction for every action." I don't know the backgrounds as there are so many stories. But the bottom basic and logical line for me is every one does something in reaction to an action unless and until they are all insane or this world is becoming insane! From the past stories I have heard Mr. Kansi was a very educated man (Correct yes/no), I have also heard that his family was helping the Agencies (Correct yes/no). I have heard that close family member was killed by these two agents (Correct yes/no). Finally he took revenge, got arrested and was trialled and executed (Correct yes/no). I don't know if he was a martyr only God would know better, but if all is correct above he was definitely the one who leaded every one to take the wrong path. He was so educated that he could have taken his revenge (first of all revenge is not a very Islamic concept correct me if I am wrong), and could have taken those gentleman to court or could have appealed the country or no one was listening than should have waited for the right time. But I guess in his circumstance (and now this could be the other side of the picture) he was so cornered or hopeless or mislead or had no faith on the government and people around him that he went on his own like many of these suicide killers. I mean they say an eye for an eye in Islam but one needs to involve others in making a decision or taking an action as one could be completely bias. I guess we need to do a lot of clean up and work towards a green world otherwise we all know the answers, it common sense. We need to grow above with what we are born with and try to justify our being here for a positive reason.