Ali Malik's blog

Almost all of the (pseudo) educated people (not those who could hardly sign but the ones who have good grasp of reading and writing either English or Urdu) in Pakistan are hit by either of the two syndrome (some times even both at the same time). A sizeable are getting euphoric about the religion and turning to religion (branded mind you) as their sole survival, and the remaining are all praises for military rule, considering it the mantra for all the ills. This lack of objectivity and rationale amongst the educated people in Pakistan should be the prime cause of concern for the nation-state. For anyone who is sensible enough, and has not closed his mental faculties to listen to any rationale or logic, how religious euphoria is a killer needs no proof. Similarly, why those who think military rule is the cure to all ills are naive needs no explanation if one digs just a little deep. Still, I will analyze both. This article is for Mushy lovers. And later, I will talk about the "Isla...

It's becoming more and more evident that the Mullah Military Alliance was on display during the recent rioting and agitation. However, for all parties concerned, here are a few questions that need to be answered: 1) To military; with his even growing influence, militant power and control, will not mullah start claiming the whole pie sooner? 2) Writ of the state usually is more a myth and perception than an actuality. Have not the Aristotles of corridors of power caused severe blow to this writ through their plan and action on February 14 and 15? 3) Who is running the show, Musharaf (I am more inclined to believe this) or some secret hands? Who is the General of Aftab Sherpao? Above all in the words of Nazir Naji, who is the General of Liaquat Baloch? 4) To the people of Pakistan; why were Qazi and Fazal Ur Rehman absent from the Parliamentarian's procession? and what is behind Qazi sahab's timely and convenient house arrests and releases? 5) How come MMA holds rallies in Pu...

Keeping in view the current violence, I believe a change in setup atleast and a martial law at the most is imminent. Now whether the man at top (Musharaf) will be at the helm of affairs or not is still unclear but these riots provide a perfect pretext for a Martial Law or change in setup. Whether those who Perpetrated it did it on Mush's behest or others is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Pakistan will be moving well on its way to become a successful torn state (as per huntington's theory of clash of civilizations). Whether it will actually succeed or not is yet to be seen. And if its others and not Musharaf master-minding this all then it is yet to be seen how successful Musharaf will be in countering their move. As far as the violence and looting goes, the mob mentality is a result of decayed morality in last three decades. Morality, mind you, is not sex and drinking, it is bigger issues like honesty, integrity, fair play and most importantly self-esteem and these ...

I am becoming more and more convinced that the current row over cartoons is being fueled by I)Iran, ii) the autocratic regimes in the Muslim world (these Sauds and Asads and Musharafs), iii) religious extremists. These cartoons to say the least were an idiotic vulgarity but the way the religious right, autocrats and Iran are using them for their own political agenda is shameful to say the least. This folly and lack of understanding on part of West of Muslim sentiment, values and thinking has provided the religious extremists with the best hiring tool they could ever dream of. It has also served well for the autocrats in the Muslim world for they have fueled these demonstrations to prove to the West, that amidst rising fundamentalism in the Muslim world and with masses with mob-mentality, they are West's best bet. Who could dare hold a demonstration in these autocracies. Why was there no police presence anywhere in Lahore just when it was eminent that the things could go out of hand...

I am not shocked to see the "mob mentality" that was on display all across the Muslim world in response to the cartoon controversy. Over the years, ignorance, lack of understanding and objective thinking, and immaturity has marked the Muslim world in general. Here are many people in our world (Muslim world) who await such opportunity and then exploit the religious sentiment of ordinary people to further their political influence and agenda. However, what concerns me is the absence of any voice of reason all across the Muslim world that could dare say that this response is wrong. Being categorical, I find the response of the Muslim world to be uncivilized, mob-like and unacceptable. Being followers of a Prophet (P.B.U.H.), who would pray for the guidance and prosperity of people who will stone Him and throw dust and garbage at Him, requires us to be even more tolerant and civilized specially when it comes to something concerning Prophet. Our reaction and response to it should ...

Well I don't feel like saying anything about marathon, for the stance of MMA and Imran Khan was an utter nonsense. For that matter even PPP and N-League didn't make any sense on this (Timing was wrong, my foot. It was announced a year back). However, I have a question to ask to Qazi sahab and his daughter. The threatening, gangster language that Samia Raheel Qazi used on Geo Tv's "50 minute" - a night before the race. Is this the language that suits a nobel person (forget about a nobel lady for the time being)? abusive, threatening, "haan behan aap kul doraeen apnae risk pur". And man you should have heard the expression. It was Sanjay Dutt style. These shameless people have no morals whatsoever. And by the way this Samia Raheel Qazi is an MNA who sits with men in National Assembly and she isdaughter of Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who was elected from two constituencies and in both of them the women were forcefully disallowed to vote through jirga decisions init...