THE extremely despicable riot at Gojra is just another example of blind bigotry that our society has been harbouring against followers of faiths other than ours .

We are ready to kill for the very same religion that we so loudly proclaim to be a peaceful one. There are many ironies attached to this particular incident. For one, the desecration has not been proved.

Did anybody of the zealous Muslim majority of that area, anyone at all, bother to ask for an investigation with proper evidence and supporting proofs of the allegations?

What about four witnesses? Can anyone of that insane mob relate to us a single incident where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked for torching down whole communities even in the case of a proven offence, let alone for totally unfounded allegations? Whatever happened to the Islamic principles of tolerance and justice? Whatever happened to the supposedly equal rights of minorities in a so-called Islamic state?

This is how we behave with minorities in our own country and at the same time bemoan when the rest of the world generalises the actions of the Taliban and Al Qaeda on all Muslims.

This incident also relates to another long forgotten aspect our educational curriculum. The syllabus that is taught in our schools does not teach anything substantial on interfaith harmony.

It does not teach its students to respect other religions and their followers.

This is about time that those concerned with the formulation and implementation of school syllabi induct chapters on religious harmony, respect of other religions and tolerance in as stressful a manner as possible. Our syllabus should not be polluting young minds with hatred, it should not impart a sense of Muslims-are-greater-than-thou attitude but should inculcate in young minds the essentials of being responsible, rational and tolerant citizens.

We, the Pakistani Muslims, apologise to the whole Pakistani Christian community for what happened in Gojra.

A.T.
Via email

(II)

PAKISTAN has witnessed another sorry event of intolerance. This time it was Gojra town that remained a battlefield for many hours on Aug 1. The gruesome arson acts ended with the loss of lives and limbs.

As reported, the main cause behind this act of vandalism was the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. Undoubtedly the desecration of the Holy Book is a serious crime, but there is a certain process for trying such acts which in this case seems to be missing.

Pakistan is already under pressure due to acts of terrorism -- more specifically killing of Muslims by fellow Muslims. We have become a nation with an identity of religious intolerance and extremism, which we claim is against the teachings of Islam. It is a fact that societies are known by their behaviour rather than tall claims.

Peeping into the recent past, one can recall the happening of similar acts. There were detailed reports with mind-boggling results. In most cases personal grudges or issues were the main cause behind the blasphemy allegations. It has been considered a speedy and effective way to level personal scores.

Neither Islam nor our Constitution or local laws allow the public to take the law into their hands. It is the duty of the state to prosecute the matter according to the law and pronounce a punishment if the alleged is found guilty.

The public must never be allowed to resort to acts of arson and vandalism and the state must compensate the victims of this tragic event by bringing the culprits to book.

A MUSLIM
Via email

(III)

I WOULD like to ask Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif where is his good governance? When he first received the initial report of the looting and burning of the Christian community's houses, what was his reaction and what directives did he issue to his ministers, the local administration?

After the destruction of several houses and damage to property what preventive measures should be taken are quite obvious and clear. The mere suspension of the DPO and SHO is not sufficient in this case.

If we talk about good governance, then a high-level inquiry should be ordered to probe carelessness and slackness by the local administration. Hope Mr Sharif will look into this matter and those found guilty will be brought to the court to undergo punishment for their wrongdoings.

Dr Alfred Charles
Karachi

(IV)

IT is horrifying that such cruelty took place under the aegis of some officials and political party workers.

We condemn this and demand that no one should be allowed to tear the fabrics of harmony in Pakistan, home to different religious groups.

Those who have done this must be punished strictly to avoid any unfortunate event in future.

BISHARAT ALI
Karachi

(V)

“IN any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims — Hindus, Christians, and Parsis — but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan,” so said the Father of the Nation in February 1948.

The recent carnage against Christians in Gojra needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The culprits are identified and must be given an exemplary punishment.

The government is duty-bound to protect the lives and properties of all its citizens. Failure on the part of the local administration must be dealt with severely.

With this barbaric occurence, minorities all over the country are feeling hapless and insecure.

The white portion of our flag symbolising the minorities is asking us, please treat me with respect, with honour and with dignity. I am as much a Pakistani as you are.

Our religion is a religion of peace, of tolerance and of respect. Let us show the world that Muslims are capable of treating all their non-Muslim citizens like brothers.

JAFFAR NAQVI
Lahore