Majyd Aziz
It is time to forget what happened
in the past . . . who killed Liaquat, Benazir, or how did Jinnah die, or even
the circumstances that led to the death of prominent personalities. Conspiracy
theories, accusations, and suspicions are floated off and on but only those who
committed or authorized the act know the truth. Today, one suicide jacket or
one drone or one missile attack kills thousands. The grief is there, but soon
the names of victims become numbers and the world moves on. The past is past. It
is time to focus on solutions to eliminate or reduce modern day killing with
sincerity of purpose and full accountability.
Maintenance and monitoring of law
and order situation should not become a shuttlecock between law enforcers and
political hierarchy. The privileged few who exert influence are the root cause
for the deterioration of a peaceful environment. This is nothing but a tragedy
perpetrated on the citizens of Pakistan. This has also sullied the positive
image of the nation all around the globe. This pathetic scenario, as well as
the general apathy and attitude of authorities, remind one of a Nursery Rhyme learnt
in Kindergarten school. "Who killed Cock Robin?"
"Who
killed Cock Robin?" "I," said the Sparrow,
"With
my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin."
"Who
saw him die?" "I," said the Fly,
"With
my little eye, I saw him die."
"Who
caught his blood?" "I," said the Fish,
"With
my little dish, I caught his blood."
"Who'll
make the shroud?" "I," said the Beetle,
"With
my thread and needle, I'll make the shroud."
"Who'll
dig his grave?" "I," said the Owl,
"With
my pick and shovel, I'll dig his grave."
"Who'll
be the parson?" "I," said the Rook,
"With
my little book, I'll be the parson."
"Who'll
be the clerk?" "I," said the Lark,
"If
it's not in the dark, I'll be the clerk."
"Who'll
carry the link?" "I," said the Linnet,
"I'll
fetch it in a minute, I'll carry the link."
"Who'll
be chief mourner?" "I," said the Dove,
"I
mourn for my love, I'll be chief mourner."
"Who'll
carry the coffin?" "I," said the Kite,
"If
it's not through the night, I'll carry the coffin."
"Who'll
bear the pall?" We," said the Wren,
"Both
the cock and the hen, we'll bear the pall."
"Who'll
sing a psalm?" "I," said the Thrush,
"As
she sat on a bush, I'll sing a psalm."
"Who'll
toll the bell?" "I," said the bull,
"Because
I can pull, I'll toll the bell."
All
the birds of the air fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
When
they heard the bell toll for poor Cock Robin.
The message in this poem is loud
and clear. The whole forest got into the act to honor Cock Robin, to do
whatever needed to be done, offering their expertise and resources, but no one
accused, arraigned, or arrested the sparrow. Maybe the sparrow was forced to
admit that he did the killing whereas it is not known who ordered the killing. Notwithstanding
the fact that the sparrow is a small bird, the other bird species, as well as
concerned fish and animals, were ready to do everything for the dead Cock
Robin. A few offered to sing eulogies or toll the bell, but they did not light
candles, they did not go on a protest march, nor did they demand exemplary
punishment for the sparrow. Amazingly, the poem does not mention even one line
about the role of the lion, the King of Jungle, nor did any monkey, giraffe, or
elephant come forward to do a good deed. Not even one condolence message.
In Pakistan, we have developed a new
tradition by lighting candles to mourn or protest a killing. Usually less than
50 social activists gather at a place, light candles, post strong messages on
Facebook, Twitter or Whatsapp, put the pix of the deceased as DP, and one week
later, they all forget and bide their time waiting for another such cause. Like
Sabri or Sabeen who are no more prominent in the news. Even Edhi, who did die
of old age complications, is no more on their radar. Of course, death
anniversaries are observed religiously and politically, and the speakers pledge
to carry on the cause of the deceased. Gradually the tide ebbs, and the
intensity and commitment to the cause lessen. The police as per SOP round up a
large number of suspects and after interrogation or after offerings of
sweeteners, or after both options, release them. The political leaders have
already given a 72-hour deadline for apprehending those who committed the
dastardly act.
The killers of the high profile personalities are still on the
Most Wanted list, and like the sparrow, totally confident that they will live
out their lives in total freedom, unless their string pullers have not already
bumped them off. They smugly enjoy the contents of the heavy purse given to
them on completion of their mission. The truth stays hidden and safe. "They used not to prevent one another
from wrongdoing that they did. How wretched was that which they were
doing" (Al-Quran 5:79)
