The article “How South Asia lets down its minorities” has correctly highlighted the plight of minorities in South Asia in general and Pakistan in particular. The writer cannot and shouldn’t be faulted for slamming Pakistan’s political dispensation for the treatment meted out to Shiites in recent times. Time and again, Shiites have been made sacrificial goats in tug of war among different political groups in the country. If, in India, we Muslims have to bear the brunt of political marginalization at the hands of right-wing parties; in Pakistan, it is Shiites, who have been made the victims by the political class for their selfish designs.
Mayhem, murders, assassinations, destruction and bloodshed have now become a byword for Pakistan’s politics — thanks to forces, both internal and external, who succumbed to the temptation of polarization and politicization of religious and social issues. The author has made a compelling point when he says, “political parties should be reigning in the lunatics, responsible for such atrocities and barbarism against Shiites.” Unfortunately, however, Pakistan’s political bigwigs, as well as their armed forces, not to mention their intelligence fraternity, are impervious to discredit and disrepute such social and political upheavals have brought to their name. It appears as though Pakistan is now a free land for anyone to conduct any business — political or otherwise, with no-holds-barred approach. — Syed M. Shakir, Dubai
Marginalization of minorities
