Pakistan must stand Firmly by Asia Bibi

The country finds itself at a strange crossroads where it must choose the path of moderation or else the zealots will take over

Amomentous decision was reached recently by Pakistan’s Supreme Court that resulted in the acquittal of an alleged blasphemer, Asia Bibi. It was a moment of triumph for Pakistan, a victory for the nation over the bigoted, hate-mongering zealots who have used the blasphemy tool mercilessly over the years. But the developments that ensued proved that despite the commendable judicial stand, there is much that needs to be done to rein in the resurgence of religious extremism in the country.

Not only have countless non-Muslim citizens paid with their lives over blasphemy charges, but those who dared contest these on behalf of an accused individual or who expressed any support for the victim in such cases have had to face death threats or were forced into exile.

The growth in numbers of self-righteous zealots who are encouraged to take the law in their hands and resort to violence, if the law decides in favour of an alleged blasphemer, is disturbing indeed. What is even more alarming is the inevitable impact of such a narrative on the younger generation for whom lynching in the name of righteous religion would become a norm. Frankly, this article is not so much about Pakistan’s dreaded blasphemy law whose legal and political implications actually deserve a whole thesis. It is about surrender to extremism and, not realising that the Faustian deal one makes for the future of one’s political well-being is likely to have a far worse impact on the country’s political and economic stability than any threat from outside.

Call it appeasement or strategic retreat, but it is surrender, especially when each backward step only strengthens the extremists in an environment where fear reigns supreme. This is neither progress nor political wisdom. Have we not learnt a lasting lesson from allowing Mullah Fazlullah the space to take over Swat and establishing his writ there?

Weakness of government, lack of political will and procrastination based on fear of reprisals on the political standing of notables from the area actually emboldened the Fazlullah faction to rapidly gain traction.

As a result, at a very heavy financial cost and that of irredeemable human lives, the establishment had to rush in whole regiments to wrest Swat back from his grip and to rid the area of the Taliban threat.

It is the same Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party now — after being on the receiving end of the sordid fury of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan — that has succumbed to its demands by signing a pathetic agreement, which technically leaves the main protagonist, Asia, in the lurch.

Paralysing the state

For Pakistan as a nation, it was a collective moment of pride when Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered his address on the eve of the acquittal, vowing that he would not allow anyone to paralyse the state or disrupt the government. Even those in the opposition could not have faulted Imran’s impassioned and firm stand against extremists. At long last, there was one politician who had dared stand his ground against the rabid zealots.

It did seem strange, though, that the premier chose not to mention the resignation demand of the PTI government by the zealots, issued in the same breath as the targeting of the judiciary and the army chief. There is no doubt that Imran is the blue-eyed boy of the establishment and has successfully avoided the judiciary’s hammer so far. Hence, his show of loyalty should not come as a surprise. But what then? For despite Imran’s brave avowals, his government was left to eat its words after he jetted off to China and his party was left scrambling to defuse the crisis at home.

But for now, the PTI must show the moral courage to stand by the Supreme Court’s decision and provide the judiciary the highest security. It must also lend Asia the respect and security she deserves, especially after suffering slander and imprisonment for the past many years. Moreover, it must have a well-strategised plan to deal with the aftermath in case Asia is granted asylum by another country and the PTI decides to arrange a secret exit for her and her family.

With all due respect, it is the least that Pakistan can do for the poor woman.

■ Faryal Leghari is a political columnist. She was the former deputy opinion editor, Gulf News.