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No Talibanisation
* Citizens say rally aims to convey to all state institutions that
Talibanisation cannot be tolerated
Staff Report
LAHORE: A large number of people gathered on The Mall on Tuesday to
protest against
Talibanisation and posted a letter to the president, prime minister
(PM), chief of army staff (COAS), and chief justice (CJ), demanding
action against the spread of Taliban power. Protesters included
human rights activists, artists, students, journalists, teachers and
representatives of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Participants
of the protest said the citizens were concerned about the state of
their homeland.
Demands: They said the protest was aimed at sending a clear message
to all state institutions – ‘Say no to Talibanisation’. They said
the country’s sovereignty could not be compromised under any
circumstances, adding that the democratically elected government
must fulfil its responsibility by following the will of the people.
Protesters demanded the government enforce the writ of the state in
all provinces of the country. They said the citizens were willing to
take a stand against the Taliban. Several protesters quoted
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as saying “Islam stands for
justice, equality, fair play, tolerance, and generosity toward
non-Muslims”. Joint Action Committee Convener Shahtaj Qizalbash said
it was time the government decided on how it wants to deal with the
Taliban. He said the government first fought the Taliban, then
signed a deal with them, and will soon take action against those
challenging the writ of the government. He said the government
should not play a confusing role.
Protest: Protesters gathered at GPO Chowk outside the Lahore High
Court (LHC) and walked towards the General Post Office (GPO). The
Friday Times Publisher Jugnu Mohsin was among those leading the
procession. She urged the government to adopt a clear-cut policy to
combat terrorism. She said the military should play its role against
Talibanisation to save the country. Upon reaching the GPO, hundreds
of people signed and posted letters to the president, the PM, COAS
and CJ
(Daily Times:Staff
Report:29 apr,2009)
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