Review of Religious Journalism: September 2008

• Any change in the law of capital punishment falls under the jurisdiction of amending God’s commandments which no one can dare do except He Himself. Behind this filthy step seems to be the dirty conspiracy of changing the blasphemy law, which is an earnest demand and agenda of the so-called humanitarian NGOs of the West.

• This revision would give rise to many complications. The Prime Minister’s (PM) statement that it would do no good to people involved in serious crimes, is vague and confusing. For example, murder is a serious crime and if the person guilty of it is not given the death penalty, how can it be said that he has not benefited?

• “Muhaddis” maintains that this revision would cause a change in 26 different punishments as well as the Qisas (retribution) and Diyyat (blood money) law[4]. Musharraf’s policy of pleasing the West appears to be behind this proposed revision because the parliament seems to be helpless on this issue. This is apparently the work of Kamal Shah who was appointed on different important posts during Musharraf regime and performed duties as the interior secretary. He is also a trusted man of Rahman A. Malik[5] who is an Advisor for Interior to the Prime Minister in the present government.

• Khatm-e-Nubuwwat has expressed anger that such decisions are taken in spite of the Prime Minister’s religious background. Along with it, the journal complains about the double standards of the People’s Party who on one hand is contacting international institutions for investigating into Ms. Bhutto’s murder, while on the other hand, they are making efforts to give relief to people who have committed blasphemy acts against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

• Ahl-e-Hadith writes that such a change in the law will only widen the circle of family enmities. Lawlessness will be promoted in case the life for life and limb for limb law is amended. The journal further mourns that this country is so unfortunate as its rulers become authoritarian for changing any Islamic law.

• According to the Al-Sharia, this law is a guarantee for safety of life “in the society. Since it is not binding on Pakistan to act on any resolutions passed by the United Nations that are in conflict with Islam, It is impossible to do away with this law. Besides, the journal shows concern that in spite of expressing loyalty to the Holy Quran and Sunnah, changing Islamic laws on the incitements by the West has become a regular practice in Pakistan. The amendment in Hudood Ordinance[9] is a clear example of it.

• Nida-e-Khilafat has given the following arguments while discussing the Islamic aspect of this issue:

[1] It was proclaimed in the elections by coalition parties that national policies would be formulated according to the desires of the people.

[2] Weekly Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, July 23-31, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[3] It, however, needs to be noted that as to the Shiite position on capital punishment that it is not different to the Sunni school of thought.

[4] Qisas means retribution and Diyyat means blood money/ransom/compensation. The law is derived mainly from the following verse of Quran: “Retribution is prescribed for you in cases of killing: if a free man is guilty then the freeman; if a slave is guilty then slave; if a female is guilty, then female. But if something (compensation) of a murderer’s guilt is remitted by his brother, this should be adhered to fairness and payment be made in a goodly manner.” (Al-Quran: Al-Baqarah 2: 178-9).

[5] Rahman A Malik is generally believed to be quite close of Pervez Musharraf.

[6] Nearly 90 countries have already written off this law.

[7] Monthly Muhaddis, July 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[8] Weekly Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, July 23-31, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[9] On December 1, 2006, President Pervez Musharraf signed “Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act,” which amended Hudood Ordinance in the midst of fierce criticism from religious circles. For detailed discussion on the issues, please see Muhammad Maulana Taqi Usmani, “Amendments in Hudood Laws – The Protection of Women’s Rights Bill: An Appraisal,” Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, 2006.

[10] Monthly Al-Sharia, August 2008,Gujranwala (Non-Sectarian)

[11] “The Termination of Death Penalty: an Open Deviation from Sharia,” Weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, July 31- August 16, 2008,

• Zarb-e-Momin expresses concern on the recent increase of 10 rupees per liter in the price of petrol despite a reduction of 18 dollars per barrel in the international market. Citing a report the journal asks the reasons for selling petrol at Rs. 86 per liter when the government imports it at Rs. 32 per liter. According to the journal increase in the price of imported items is some times beyond the control of the government but a shocking increase in the prices of edible items and natural gas is a slap in its face especially when it has come to power by raising the slogan of food, clothes and house for everyone.[13]

• Commenting on the rising prices, Nawa-e-Islam says that price hike is destructive for the economy and claims that extravagance of the government is responsible for it.[16]

• Al-Jamiah presents its analysis that it has become impossible for a common salaried person to make ends meet. In the journal’s view salaries and benefits of Ministers, Advisers and Members of Senate and the National Assembly should be reduced by 50 per cent. Limits should be put on the remunerations of officers appointed against heavy salaries and effective price control committees should be put in place in all the provinces. Besides, putting checks on hoarders can help change the existing circumstances. A storm will run through everything if such steps are not taken.[17]

• Ahl-e-Hadith, holding the present government and its policies responsible for the current state of affairs, has also demanded that the situation be improved.[18]

• In the view of the Zarb-e-Momin the judges, though released on the very first day the government came to power, have not been reinstated even after one hundred days and the government’s excuses about it are a big question mark. The limitations that do not allow the elected national government to honor its commitment and put obstacles in taking decisions according to the wishes of the people, are still extremely obscure. The journal demands that rather than working on unnecessary goals, the government should pay attention to the solution of important issues like the restoration of judges and make an effort to ensure the provision of basic needs of life to the public.[19]

• Appreciating the long march by the lawyers and political parties, Nida-e-KhilafatAhl-e-Hadith have hailed it as a step in the right direction. Happiness is expressed on the peaceful long march that was fully mobile for 4 days and was successful in terms of attendance, being completely peaceful, a hope for the restoration of judges and a picture of Musharraf’s helplessness. It is no less than a miracle that no unpleasant incident occurred in it. and

• Commenting on this state of affairs Nida-e-Khilafat writes that because of its eternal enemy – India – Pakistan’s eastern border has almost always been volatile so much so that two wars resulted out of it. Although Pakistan faced political tensions on its northern border as long as Afghanistan was under the Soviet influence, Pakistan never had to deploy its forces along that border. After 9/11 and American occupation of Afghanistan, this border became unsafe and because of President Musharraf’s lack of foresight, even after deploying 80 thousand troops, the situation on the borders is unstable and critical. According to President Musharraf, one of the covert objectives of the change in Afghan policy was national security, which has become much more threatened than before.

• Ruknul Islam, Zarb-e-Momin and Al-Haq have called the land and air incursions of the allied forces into the Pakistani territory an attack on the country’s sovereignty. They have also strongly criticized the government’s apologetic attitude on it.  Ruknul Islam is of the view that the Interior Minister’s saying that the government of Pakistan will demand compensations for the people who have lost there lives as  a result of the American drones unilaterally bombarding Pakistani territory, is against our national prestige. The journals questions whether our soldiers are American slaves that we should demand compensations for them. Zarb-e-Momin writes that it is stupid to dub almost 40 incursions as a result of some misunderstanding.

• Haq Char Yaar, commenting on the movement of the allied forces on the Pak-Afghan border, has called it a prelude to waging war [against Pakistan] and cautioned the government of Pakistan to be cautious. While stressing upon calling of the operation in the tribal areas and seeking solutions to the problems through negotiations, it also says that a meeting of senate and the national assembly should be called to take stock of the situation.

• According to Al-Aitisam, one of the major reasons for the present instability is service of the western countries by the vested interest groups. For their own lust for power, they neglect the objectives of getting Pakistan. As a result in spite of possessing abundant natural reserves and capable human resources, it has become a home to problems of all kinds.[22]

• In the same context, Tohid al Sunnah is of the view that Pakistani public love their country and their religion Islam but the politicians deceive their supporters through attractive slogans; a living example of it is the ”Pakistan First” slogan of Musharraf. The journal views that the clash between the army and the public of Pakistan is a highlight of America’s enmity to Islam and Pakistan that is why the latter is attacking the protectors of Pakistan and Islam through its allies in the region. After using their lands against each other, a conspiracy of making Pakistan and Afghanistan fight each other is being worked on. Pro-west leaders of both the countries – Musharraf and Karzai – are accusing each other of violating the international borders.[23]

• Wafaq-ul-Madaris, criticizing President Musharraf’s policies and his way of governing in the same context, has called him a unique reference of hatred and humiliation in the history of Pakistan.[24]

• Anwar-e-Madina laments the rising incidents of suicide and severing limbs and holds the unjust distribution of wealth responsible for this state of affairs. It asserts that an equitable interest-free Islamic economic system is a safety valve and calls for its practical implementation.[25]

• In the opinion of Dawat Tanzeem-ul-Islam, the present time demands tolerance, unity, unanimity and sacrifice from every Pakistani. Central and provincial governments (regardless of the fact what the previous governments did) should seek the ways of solving the problems. Leaving the politics of revenge and uniting the whole nation, one should adopt a way of getting out of this whirlpool of problems.[26]

• Arafat, indicating the particular thinking of breaking Pakistan into parts, writes under the title of “Pakistan Surrounded by Neomujeebs[27]”, opportunist rulers and groups opposed to [the existence of] Pakistan are taking advantage of the present instable condition of the country. The journal includes Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam along with ANP, MQM, Akhtar Maingal (as a result of the unjustified murder of Akbar Bhugti) and many other Balochies and above all Parvez Musharraf to be the representative of the Mujeeb-like role. It appears to be worried about the circumstances prevailing over Balochistan. Moreover it considers the silence of Pakistanis to be meaningful and a lull before the storm. Only the awakening of the Pakistani nation can save it from the so called Mujeebs, it opines.[28]

• Nida-e-Khilafat believes that the politics of Pakistan is still not mature and lacks a political awareness. In its view the past greatness of the Muslims seems to have disappeared when the rulers used to resist whole heartedly the cultural onslaughts of other civilizations whereas today we have bowed our heads in front of the western ways of life. According to the journal, the country was weakened by martial law. Thanks to the interest based loans, the Pakistani economy has been in doldrums right from day one. The industries of the country, especially the textile industry, are at the verge of destruction. This political economic deterioration has been going on from the start but its graph has gone up to great heights in the last 8 years, during which the Islamic civilization and customs are being deformed, by promoting the western culture. This situation is continued so far.

[12] Its details are given under the heading International affairs.

[13] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 25-31, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[14] Monthly Anwar-e-Madina, August 2008, Lahore (Deoband) and Monthly Al-Hamid, August 2008, Lahore (Deoband)

[15] Monthly Nadwatul Ilm, August 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[16] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, July 18-24, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[17] Monthly Al-Jamiah, July 2008, Jhang (Brelvi)

[18] Weekly Ehl-e-Hadith, July 12-18, 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[19] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 18-24, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[20] Weekly Ehl-e-Hadith, June 21-27, 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith) and weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, June 19-25, 2008, Lahore (Non-Sectarian)

[21] Weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, July 24-30, 2008, Lahore (Non-Sectarian)

[22] Weekly Al-Aitisam, August 1-7, 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[23] Monthly At-Tauheed Was-Sunnah, July 2008, Panjpir, Swabi, (Deoband)

[24] Monthly Wafaq-ul-Madaris, June-July 2008, Multan (Deoband)

[25] Monthly Anwar-e-Madina, July 2008, Lahore (Deoband)

[26] Monthly Dawat Tanzeem-ul-Islam, July-August, 2008, Gujranwala (Brelvi)

[27] By Mujeebs, the journal refers to Shaikh Mujeeb ul Rahman who led the separation movement of East Pakistan in 1971, leading to the independence of Bangladesh

[28] Monthly Arafat, August 2008, Lahore (Brelvi)

[29] Weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, July 17-23 and August 31-16, 2008, Lahore (Non-Sectarian)

• In view of Zarb-e-Momin, because of taking others on board for advice but making decisions that serve its interests, PPP is gradually losing the confidence of its coalition partners and is becoming isolated because of its undemocratic attitude. The words uttered by Amin Faheem, a senior member of the PPP that “this is some new People’s Party” are significant in this backdrop.[30]

• In the same vein, Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, commenting on Governor Punjab, Salman Taseer’s withdrawal of the decision of expelling Qadiani[31] students who were guilty of taking the law in their own hands, says that it is an example of encouraging anti Islamic elements in preference to the religious forces. It further elaborates that to add insult to injury, he issued orders to take action against the Muslim students, who tried to rein them.[32]

• Majallah Al-Daawa writes that the word celebration to us seems meaningless. In our view, we should concentrate on our mission rather than indulging in celebrations because the secret of progress lies in devotion to the mission and struggle. Especially in the face of present situation of Pakistan, even the word independence seems meaningless. In this backdrop, the current visit of the PM to the United States and his role there bears witness that the leaders of independent nations do not adopt such apologetic attitude as the one adopted by the Premier of Pakistan.

• The non-sectarian Ishraq writes that we have forgotten the objectives of the creation of Pakistan. Even the mere existence of Pakistan is something to go by in the present scenario. All the dreams of a welfare state have fallen apart and democratic politics has been linked to personal interests. The reason for the deteriorating circumstances of the country, which is endowed with all kinds of natural reserves and gifted human resources, is ignorance of religious and worldly matters.

• In the view of Muntazir-e-Sehar, the nation is tired of the system of Taliban and America and is waiting for an Imam Khomeini   and this is the message of Independence Day.[36]

• American interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan is no secret. The abrupt visits of the American Deputy Secretary, John D Negroponte and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen seem to indicate some new dangers. It appears from Michael Mullen’s visit that as the American presidential elections are coming nearer, pressure is mounting on the Pakistani Government to take action in the tribal areas and that they want to carry out a decisive operation in those areas before President Bush leaves the office. The reward of playing the role of a front line ally in the war against terror is being paid in such a way that Pakistan’s own security is at risk so much so that Talibanization is being talked about in a city like Karachi and like its predecessor, the present Government is no batter than a silent spectator.

• American dictation to Pakistani rulers and politicians is nothing new but the situation has so much deteriorated that Richard Boucher is telling the Pakistani public that Pakistan’s problem is neither the removal of president Musharraf  nor the reinstatement of the judges but the real issues are:  rising prices, terrorism and the power shortage. His real purpose is to draw the public attention away from the real issues and push them deeper in other issues. The co-chairman of PPP has issued similar statements which prove that he is openly speaking the mind of Bush and Musharraf. Pakistani people’s dream of getting rid of American slavery seems to take a long time to come true.

• The journals reiterate the conviction that policies followed during the last 8 years of the Musharraf regime are a real cause of Pakistan’s miserable condition and his removal from the office is a guarantee for the security of the country. It has also been restated that the new government will have to re-define its priorities by freeing itself from the American pressure in order to safeguard our national character because there is no guarantee of our security as long as Musharraf‘s policies of safeguarding American interests continue.[38]

• Nida-e-Khilafat opines that the Prime Minister’s visit to America during the last days of the Bush administration will not be of much use. It is a 40 years old tradition of Pakistan that the newly elected Prime Minister makes first visit to China because china is a friendly neighboring country; it should have been the first country to be visited. As the economy of the US is in the control of Israel (Which is the sworn enemy of Pakistan), therefore it is not much useful to rely on America for our national security. Under the circumstances when America wants the occupation of Gawadar in order to contain China and backing the separatist movement going on in Balochistan for that matter, our visits and loyalties of any kind can not stop America from achieving its own interest.[39]

• In the view of Ahl-e-Hadith, American bombardment of the tribal areas of Pakistan is a strong message in itself. We should feel it and the Prime Minister should talk to them from an equal level. We are cooperating with them in the war on terror but we will not be silent on the bombardment on innocent civilians, unprovoked attacks in the boarder areas and the atrocities committed against Dr. Afia Siddiqi and other innocent citizens.[40]

• According to Nawa-e-Islam, this visit carries a lot of importance in the background of the political future of this government. Since it seems to be failing to control the situation in the tribal areas of Pakistan, the American President has got an opportunity to put more pressure on Pakistan with the excuse of fighting war on terror and to get his demands accepted. Therefore, while many other issues came under discussion during this visit, the most important was the emphasis on adopting an effective strategy against the rising tide of the activities of militants. However, in the journal’s view, given that the American agents, who were rejected by the people of Pakistan, are still hovering over the government, therefore the chances of success against extremism seem to be impossible.[41]

• The Prime Minister is meeting President Bush in a whirlpool of problems, in the opinion of Zarb-e-Momin, he should not fall under any pressure in such circumstances and being a leader of an independent country, inform the American Administration of the real state of affairs which is that the internal instability and uncertainty is because of the bitter fruits of American pressure. The journal hopes, the Prime Minister will try to dispel the negative impressions rising about him and display courageous leadership qualities.[42]

• Majallah Al-Daawa dubs the Prime Minister’s assurance of complete support to American President and putting the war on terror as his own war as a greater slavery than the one the previous government indulged in. Commenting on the insulting treatment with the Ministers in the delegation as an insult to the nation, the journal further writes, if the visit is seen as a successes even after this insult, it can only be called the Government’s simplicity and stupidity.[43]

[30] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 18-24, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[31] Qadiani (also known as Ahmadi) claim to be Muslims but they were declared non-Muslims in the Constitution of Pakistan for the reason that they do not believe in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) being the seal of the prophets, after whom no other prophet would come. This belief is one of the fundamental prerequisites for being Muslim. All the Islamic schools of thought share the same belief about this group. For details, see Al-Quran (Al-Ahzab 33: 40)

[32] Weekly Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, May 16-22, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

 [33] Weekly Ahl-e-Hadith, August 09-15, 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith), weekly Al-Aitisam, August 15-21, 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith), and weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, August 14-20, 2008, Lahore (Non-Sectarian)

[34] Monthly Majallah Al-Daawa, August 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[35] “The Dream of August 14,” Monthly Ishraq, August 2008, Lahore (Non-Sectarian)

[36] Monthly Muntazir Sahar, August 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[37] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, June 27 – July 3, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[38] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 4–10, 2008, Karachi (Deoband) and weekly Nawa-e-Islam, July 11-24, 2008, Karachi  (Shiite)

[39] Weekly Nida-e-Khilafat, August 7–13, 2008, Karachi  (Non-Sectarian)

[40] Weekly Ehl-e-Hadith, August 2-18, 2008, Lahore  (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[41] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, August 1-7, 2008, Karachi  (Shiite )

[42] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, August 1- 7, 2008, Karachi  (Deoband)

[43] Monthly  Majallah Al-Daawa, August 2008, Lahore (Ahl-e-Hadith)

 {mospagebreak}

• Expressing concerns on Dr. Khan’s statement, the weekly has called it more dangerous for institutions than personalities, however in the journal’s view, it is necessary to analyze the situation with the legal position of the transfer of the nuclear energy because if this transfer of energy is a crime, its real responsibility lies with America and its European allies, because atomic energy is the achievement of the German Scientists. America laid hands on this technology after World War II and from there its proliferation started and many countries, including Israel directly or indirectly got this technology.

• The sacrifices of the martyrs of the Red Mosque will not go waste and their effects are felt in the whole country.

• This tragedy left deep effects on the politics and society of Pakistan, expressions of which came up in the election of 18 February when the party responsible for this tragedy lost the elections shamefully. Indeed the country falling into the prey of restlessness and uncertainty is because of this tragedy.

• For creating and awakening awareness among public regarding this issue, the establishment of “Red Mosque’s Scholars’ Action Committee” is a welcoming step. The journals consider the participation of Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam, Wafaq-ul-Madaris[46] and banned organization Sipa-he-Sabha[47] a good omen.

• It would be easier to get their demands accepted if the family of Abdul Rasheed Gazi joins them.

• It would be much better if other religious schools of thought, political parties and groups of lawyers join them. It is an encouraging decision for Umme Ahsaan[48] to second the Scholars’ Action Committee.

• The journals, criticizing the government for not taking any practical action even after the Supreme Court order of reopening of Jamiah Fareediah and rebuilding of Jamiah Hafsa,[49] demand that the Supreme Court orders be followed to the letter otherwise there would be no difference between the present and the previous regimes.

• The journals have demanded from the successful parties in the elections particularly PML (N) that they got their votes on the cause of Red Mosque, (their slogan especially in Rawalpindi was “who’s vote?, vote for the Red Mosque or Red Hawaili”[50]), therefore PML (N) should play its part in resolving this issue.

• The journals strongly expressed their resolve that the demands of the inmates of the Red Mosque were completely justified and the solution of all the problems faced by Pakistan lies in the implementation of the Islamic system of justice.

• Zarb-e-Momin commenting on the report of the human rights commission (in which the atrocities she was subjected to while in custody were mentioned) writes that on the one hand it is unveiling the hidden character of the torchbearers of human rights and on the other it represents the insensitivity of the Pakistani Government which proves beyond any doubt that it has no role in liberating its prisoners. Introducing Dr. Afia as the sole female prisoner of Bugram Jail has also shown the real face of the so-called torchbearer of women rights.

• Ahl-e-Hadith writes in the background of the PM’s visit to America that he should enquire from them if it is not terrorism to murder innocent people and if Dr. Afia Siddiqui, the woman who loves Islam and Pakistan is not innocent? Is it not American brutality to dishonor a daughter of Islam?[52]

• Khatm-e-Nubuwwat says putting his future at risk by refusing to accept an award from the American ambassador; Samad has elevated the nation’s honor by refreshing the memory of the past glory of the Muslims. The journal further writes that this student does not belong to a religious school or to a religious militant organization; on the contrary he is a common Muslim and a patriotic Pakistani. Our brave army, energetic police, agencies, dynamic bureaucracy and enlightened members of provincial assemblies, national assembly, senate, respected President, Prime Minister and Federal Ministers should follow this deed of honor.[53]

• Sahifa Ahl-e-Hadis is of the view that the media of the country should not have removed this incident from the scene so soon; it should be mentioned continuously because such incidents are a proud heritage in this era of materialism. Talking about such incidents, the journal discusses that they are the source of peace of heart and highlight the fact that there are people in the country who are free of slavish thinking. In the same background the journal appreciates one of the members of Pakistan Cricket team, Shahid Afridi’s refusal to participate in the ceremony of meeting President Bush during President Bush’s visit to South Asia[54] saying that America is inflicting cruelties on Afghanistan.[55]

• Nawa-e-Islam, in the editor’s note on this issue says that in this era when pleasing America is the way of life of the ruling elite, Samad Khuram’s daring step is a message to the westerns of what the people of Pakistan and other third world countries think about them. This student might not get the American scholarship (of which every student of the third world country dreams) but national pride is a greater reward than anything that America can offer. The journal wishes that rulers may understand this reality as well.[56]

• Nawa-e-Islam, talking of the situation in Parachanar, expresses concern over it and considers it the result of government’s coldness and a conspiracy of the political administration. The failure in securing the release of 12 members of the Tori tribe is a clear proof that the government is not ready to practically accept the Shiite population even as equal to the Christian minority; because 9 Christians who were abducted from Peshawar, had their release secured within a few hours of the incident whereas the release of the Shiites has not been possible as yet. The journal, without penning down the names has accused some religious leaders of backing armed militants.

[44] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 11-17, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[45] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 11-18, 2008, Karachi (Deoband) and monthly Al Sharia, August 2008, Gujranwala (Non-Sectarian)

[46] Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam is a political party, lead by Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Wafaq-ul-Madaris is an examination board of Religious Educational Insitutions of Deoband school of thought.

[47] These organizations/institutions come from the Deoband background.

[48] Umme Ahsaan is the wife of Abdul Rasheed Gazi’s elder brother and the administrator of Red Mosque, Maulana Abdul Aziz, who is in prison these days.

[49] Jamia Hafsa was adjacent to Red Mosque and demolished while Jamia Fareedia, a religious educational institution affiliated with Red Mosque was closed down after the operation.

[50] Red Hawaili is the residence of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, a former minister and an ex leader of Pakistan Muslim League (Q).

[51] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, August 1-7, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[52] Weekly Ahl-e-Hadith, August 2-8, 2008, Lahore  (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[53] Editorial, “Long Live Abdul Samad Khurram,” Weekly Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, July 7-15, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[54] March, 2006

[55] Fortnightly Sahifa Ahl-e-Hadis, July 20, 2008, Karachi (Ahl-e-Hadith)

[56] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, July 27-03, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[57] A quotation or action said to originate from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

[58] One of the most prominent companions and relative of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

 {mospagebreak}

• Al-Arif, holding the current terrorism and militancy a continuation of Talibanization, also calls it the result of the free hand given by the government. It raises the suspicion by asking why the people who made such a noise on the matter of the Red Mosque are keeping quiet on the massacre in that area whereas the inmates of the Red Mosque intended to implement the Islam of the Taliban brand. Those who blocked their way by risking their own lives are commendable. The journal has asked the ruling elite and national institutions to play their required role and call an All Parties Conference.[60]

• In the view of Al-Makhzan, the situation of the region demands a serious consideration because the conspiracies of hidden forces behind these activities are not out of question. The journal asks the government to fight the government of Afghanistan and the NATO forces if it is absolutely necessary and the patriotic Shiites are ready to stand by it but they should not be crushed down through Taliban or other forces of the kind.[61]

• It has been a way with People’s Party to launch negative propaganda against and hurt religious schools but the saddest aspect of it is that this statement has been issued at a forum at which all participants were socialists, secularist and people who reject religion. It was the voice of their heart that religious schools should be closed down.

• The journals have shown regret that Mr. Zardari has said something absolutely baseless just to please his ‘ideological masters.’ This unfounded comment has been made without the knowledge of the educational system of the religious schools.

• Rather than changing the syllabus of religious schools, he should study Farkhanda Noor Muhammad[67]. Religious scholars are well aware of their curricula and they have been efficient in making necessary changes according to the need of the hour.

• Zardari is also suggested that he should try to remove the anti Islamic sections from the syllabus of state and privately run schools and the guardians of religious institutions will whole-heartedly accept the same curriculum.

• The journals expressed that Mr. Zardari’s statement is a cause of anger for the religious circles and forces them to think that the present Government also intends to take steps like those of its predecessor.

• Zarb-e-Momin pointing in this direction stated that Taliban have inherited resistance; they neither trust Pakistan nor depend on it. In the opinion of the journal, the reason for the instability is not the Pakistani support to Taliban, but the bigger countries of the region may help the Talabin to resist the American forces the same way as America had extended a helping hand to these combatants against USSR. It simply means that history repeats itself. History has proved that the outsiders have never been able to establish a foothold in this region. The journal advises that it is better for the allied forces to grant the people Afghanistan the right of self determination and withdraw from Afghanistan.[69]

• Muntazir-e-Sahar in its editorial, presenting a review of the sanctions imposed on Iran by America since 1984, has called the American policy, a collection of self conflicting features and based on double standards. A clear evidence of it is the objections on the Iranian nuclear program and use of all kinds of methods to put a stop to it and backing Israel in every possible way.[71]

• Nawa-e-Islam has called the possible American attack on Iran publicized in various newspapers of the world as a part of America’s psychological warfare. Its purpose is to get its demands accepted by terrorizing Iran.[72]

• Commenting on American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice’s recent statement that she is “proud of the U.S. decision to wage the Iraq war,” Nawa-e-Islam expresses that it is like rubbing salt into the wounds of the Muslims. If America is really proud of liberating two hundred million people through this invasion, then what is the reason for its stay in Iraq now? The journal further elucidates that the US-Iraq security agreement is a conspiracy of capturing Iraqi natural resources in general and oil reserves in particular. It has appreciated the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Almaliki’s demand for the evacuation of forces and has maintained that it is the result of a public reaction that the government has been forced to make this demand.[73]

• Commenting on the statement of American presidential candidate Barack Obama, of his intention to bring the Iraq war to a close and “It’s time to end the war in Iraq responsibly by asking the Iraqis to take responsibility for their future and to invest in their own country,” Zarb-e-Momin regards it a gust of fresh breeze amidst the present atmosphere of brutality. It further says that it is the need of the hour that such examples are not restricted to Iraq alone. A decision to bring the Afghan war to a close should also be taken. The weekly has further advised America to stop its hypocrisy if it wants to restore its confidence.[74]

• According to Nawa-e-Islam, the conflict between Hamas and Fatah is aired by Jewish lobby which, by supporting Fatah, tries to damage the popularity of Hamas. The journal also comments on the agreement of cease fire for six months which was brokered between Palestine and Israel through the mediation of Egypt asking the combatants to stop armed incursions against each other and Israel to lift the siege of Gaza. The journal says that although Israel was forced to make this agreement on account of its internal situation but now it is not sincere in honoring it. Palestinians should unite under the present circumstances that would ease the way towards their destiny.[75]

[59] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, June 27-July 3; July 4-10; July 11-17 and August 1-7, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[60] Monthly Al-Arif, July 2008, Lahore (Shiite)

[61] Quarterly Al-Makhzan, July-September 2008, Multan  (Shiite)

[62] Dr. Israr Ahmad is the founder of Tanzeem-e-Islami, Pakistan and carries out preaching and thinking activities from its platform. He is the torch-bearer of implementing Islam as a system of law through Khilafah.

[63] Q TV is a religious TV channel of ARY Digital Network

[64] They probably consider this Hadith credible. Since the Hadith belongs to the period before liquor was prohibited, so they may think there is no aspect of the sacrilege of Hazrat Ali or any other companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

[65] Monthly Daqaiq Islam, July 2008, Sargodha  (Shiite), monthly Al Arif, July 2008, Lahore (Shiite), monthly Khair-ul-Amal, July 2008, Lahore (Deoband), and weekly Khatm-e-Nubuwwat June 26-July 6, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[66] Monthly Tarjuman Al Hadis, August 2008, Faisalabad (Ahl-e-Hadith) and weekly Zarb-e-Momin, July 11-17, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[67] Farkhanda Noor Muhammad wrote an Islamic studies book for Cambridge International O Level program. Religious circles in Pakistan have raised their concerns over the concepts presented in the book.

[68] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, July 4-10, 2008, Karachi  (Shiite)

[69] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, June 27-July 3, 2008, Karachi (Deoband)

[70] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, August 1-7, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[71] Monthly Muntazir Sahar, July 2008, Karachi  (Shiite)

[72] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, June 27-July 3, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[73] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, June 27-July 3, and July 11-17, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

[74] Weekly Zarb-e-Momin, August 15-21, 2008, Karachi  (Deoband)

[75] Weekly Nawa-e-Islam, July 4-10 and August 1-7, 2008, Karachi (Shiite)

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• Zarb-e-Momin protested on Muslims being humiliated at this occasion. Commenting in this respect, it says, even though the head of the spiritual center of the Muslims presented himself at the meeting, no significant personage from any other faith turned up for the conference and deemed it worrying. According to the journal, the effort to spoil the atmosphere even at this critical occasion at the hands of some of the participants belonging to other religions is a question mark in itself.[77]

• Ahl-e-Hadith thinks while the interfaith conference is important, the unity of the Ummah is more important.[78]

• The article by Muhammad Sami in Nida-e-Khilafat considers the conference a welcoming step. However, it also suggests that an effort should be made to appease our own people who annoyed as they have a more privileged right to dialogue.[79]

• Al-Jamiah appreciating this attempt, advises the Muslims that keeping the policies of UNO regarding Kashmir, Iraq, Palestine, Bosnia, Kosovo and other Islamic countries in view, they should urge the 56 countries of the OIC to re-invigorate this organization rather than pinning any hopes on United Nations. Moreover, it appeals the Islamic countries to take necessary steps for resolving these problems from platform of OIC.[80]

• The journal thinks that the organization could not succeed achieving any of its goals for the reason that it is working in the atmosphere of conflict between the member countries. This element has been more troublesome than the deficient economic and financial policies. The fact of the matter is that right from its inception; the organization has failed in resolving the differences and conflicts between member countries. As a result, meetings of SAARC countries are restricted to issuing declarations alone. In comparison, because of the mutual co-operation and tolerance “ASEAN” is batter able to achieve it objectives.

• In its editorial with the title “D-8 countries: Unity Required,” the weekly has laid stress on the member countries to display an ideal unity like the G-8 countries while endeavoring to achieve the mutually agreed goals of the organization. For the larger interest of the region, they should keep their mutual differences aside and instead of issuing declarations only, a serious effort should be made to resolve the problems of the member countries at least. Interestingly, the journal suggests that the G-8 and D-8 countries should join together for resolving the problems faced by the world and for developing a strategy to meet the forthcoming challenges and resolving the crises the world is facing.[82]

• Zarb-e-Momin expressing concern on the rising prices of oil in the international market, discusses that because of the surging oil prices, the prices of edible items have soared up resulting in entrapping the already poor countries into extreme poverty.

• Nawa-e-Islam maintains that the increase is artificial, a scheme to safeguard the American economy from destruction and a strategy to keep its supremacy over the world. Developing and smaller countries are suffering from the results of these strategies.[84]