Bacha University Blast and Unfortunate Pakistan

A Victim being Rushed to Hospital after the Blast

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

“As you sow ,so you reap” goes the old proverb. This is precisely what is happening in Pakistan. The terrorist attack on Bacha University is a pointer to the fact. At the behest of Saudi Arabia, General Zia-Ul-Haque had established ‘factories’ to produce ‘Jihadis’. Saudia had directed Zia to do so at the instance of America to use ‘Jihadis’ known in common parlance as Talibans to oust Soviet Union from Afghanistan. After disintegration of Soviet Union, America lost interest in Talibans, leaving them to hold to ransom innocent people in their strongholds. Nawaz Sharif government had lifted ban on hangings after attack on army Public school in December 2014.A large number of terrorists were sent to gallows also but Taliban struck again, indicating helplessness of Sharif against so called ‘Jihadis’ who were produced on the soil of Pakistan during Zia regime. There is no doubt that Shareef is more secular in outlook and not a fanatic like Zia. He has inherited the problem and lacks resources to combat terrorism. He was under the impression that death penalties would demoralize terrorists. It was an illusion that he harbored. He should read Islamic history. Such problem can never be solved through stringent measures alone. Zia floated the ideology of Saudi Arabia to produce Jihadis. He was successful in his attempt also, for throughout Pakistan he developed a network of hardliners with the help of Mullas. Unfortunately, Neither Benazir nor Nawaz could counter Zia’s ideology. Benazir fell prey to terrorists and Nawaz is finding himself at cross roads. He does not have courage to challenge Mullas nor antagonize Saudia, for the kingdom had offered him a safe sanctuary after Parvesh Musharraf toppled him.

The way terrorists are challenging the Pakistani government is tragic. Situation seems to be simply out of control. This does not augur well for the nation.It is good sign that Pakistani people are realizing the gravity of situation and has sympathized with victims and encouraged Nawaz to become more pro-active. But such sentiments need to be sustained for a long time. They should treat Syed Hamid Hussain as their role model. He saved lives of students and sacrificed himself at the alter of humanity like the Principal of Army School. His  student Zahoor Ahmed said his chemistry lecturer Hussain warned him not to leave the building after the first shots were fired. He fought with attackers till I saw a bullet hit him.At least 21 people died when gunmen armed with grenades and Kalashnikovs attacked the  university in Charsadda using the cover of thick, wintry fog. They scaled the walls of the  University before entering buildings and opening fire on students and teachers in classrooms and hostels. The attack took place at a time when university was in process to commemorate the death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a popular ethnic Pashtun independence activist.


Dr.Syed Hamid Hussain-Martyr of Education

I salute to the bravery of Syed Hamid Hussain. He behaved like a true Hussaini before oppressive attackers who are Kafirs  in reality and pretend to be Muslims. I also urge the teachers of the world to strongly condemn the attack and share the pain of not only Hamid Hussain but families of all the victims.Media has rightly described Hussain as ‘Martyr of Education’. He indeed showed exemplary courage and performed his duty as teacher by saving the lives of his students. The attackers should be track down and punished is the responsibility of Sharif government. But this will  only be partial justice and tribute to the memory of Hussain and other victims. Eradication of terrorists and their ideology is the only solution to the problem. Pakistan must realize it and launch a campaign against fanatics sincerely. The government should also promote inter-faith understanding and ensure protection to minorities.May Allah bless Nawaz Sharif with good sense and soul of the victims rest in peace. Ilahi Ameen.