Straddling the Fault Line.

Even after 62 years after being founded by Jinnah, my country still hasn't confirmed as to which grounds it stands on. Moderates and extremists' rifts have been happening through the years but now, my country's grieviances have dared to pour out on the streets. Having nuclear technology and the seventh largest army, my country still hasn't stood united even once. Our governments have invested millions in our defence/military and have overlooked the basic needs of my people such as food, health, shelter, security, and.. hope?

The Taliban have caused disturbance in the mass. In the name of Islamic Jurisprudence these wild primitive men of the north have destroyed not only faith in joy but faith in religion and God. They imprint on our minds such an image of Islam, that people see it nothing more but a terrorist code. Faith is not logical, but why believe in a supreme being is somewhat explainable. And when these well-intentioned holy men --*scoffs*-- "preach" Shariah, no body no longer sees any reason to have faith; well, atleast those who have read and understood.
I cease to understand why people who are literate and well aware; of Islam, talibanized Islam, and the effects of talibanization; conform to the propound of these, as Samad Khurram best puts it, Flintstones.

The Taliban have polemic, extremist approaches that have not been verified by any recognized means; as on they have ceased to provide proof of their belief or doing. Of late, I've met, talked to, people, who are educated and know the situation well, 'academics' they're suppose to be, who actually don't mind the Taliban taking over and Baitullah Mehsud screwing my country and my people completely.

Unfortunately, again, my people do not stand united yet again. They don't get it. When people are powerless and vulnerable and unaware, that is when they are easily manipulated; and that is what is happening to my country right now. The Taliban are manipulating the mindsets of many.

Yes, America and India are threats, but the Taliban are the threats within!

Quaid-e-Azam left us with "unity, faith, discipline". Out of three, we have none. To progress and not be a stagnant society, we need all three. Let's work towards it. Let's make a change.

Let's not fight amongst ourselves and let's stand upto the major threat in the face: SAY NO TO TALIBANIZATION. Let's be one. One nation. With one visulized dream and hope: A progressive Pakistan.

And let me add, the term "talibanization" does not refer to the puring of barbarians from hilly areas into a muslim state; it is the manipulation of vulnerable minds. So help stop it. It is the manipulation of those who are deprived of basic needs like education and food. Manipulation of those who give in to the ideas of well-intentioned holy men *scoffs* in order to gain "do-waqt-ki-roti".

Stop them from hurting my people physically, mentally and/or financially. Have the courage to abhor what's wrong no matter what society says, and have the acceptance power to adhere to what's right without taking into account only personal gain and loss.

-Emma.