Pakistan: Call to close student hostels

In a letter to media, leader of banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Hakimullah Mehsud says his group is focused on jeopardizing democracy by hindering elections in the country. He urged TTP militants to target senior politicians and party leaders and continue the battle against the security forces. In attacks on the election rallies so far, the TTP has claimed lives of nearly 60 individuals. Amidst mounting fears of terrorist attacks, most leaders are shying away from holding public gatherings. With the political parties' subdued, the TTP rhetoric comprising threats and vows from undisclosed locations have become more frequent, making the overall election environment dreadful and frightening, indeed. In Multan, a young TTP activists and student Bahauddin Zakariyah University, has been found flashing posters and banners scripted with inflammatory messages to encourage people to refrain from going to polls pleading that democracy was 'un-Islamic and Haraam-a term often used for religiously illegal activity.' Good news is that the police have caught the TTP activists and are looking for his two accomplices. More details will follow in due course of police investigation. The incident, however, has given a big lead to the law enforcing agencies. Earlier, similar activity has been witnessed in other parts of the country too. Across the board, scanning of students at this point is a difficult task; yet, the best course that the administration can undertake is to shutdown all student hostels and residences affiliated with the government and private schools, colleges, universities and religious institutions immediately till elections are held. The closing down the educational institutions for a couple of weeks or so to save the country's system and the lives of the innocent people is not a big deal. The move will disrupt rather uproot the network of the TPP activists at once, bringing some respite--may be for time being. The caretakers governments in the Centre and the provinces must not live under the illusion regarding the extent of penetration of the TPP men across Pakistan. Coupled with the Army vigilance, the volunteers of all the political parties should also guard each and every polling station across the country. Despite terrorist threats, the people are pouring out large in numbers to attend public meetings notcaring for their lives. The political leaders should not take refuge inside armoured vehicles escorted by armed security men or behind the bulletproof glass screens; rather, they should come out in the public to lead the nation from the front-the Awami National Party despite loosing a number of activists and leaders-- is a classic example to follow, and its fortitude deserves appreciation. The support to the ANP will deny encouragement to the terrorists that they can disrupt the system of the country. The security is clearly a major preoccupation-it is just too dangerous, yet the fate of life and death lies in the hands of God only. No amount of security can save a life if it is not blessed by Allah Almighty. A handful terrorists cannot contest might of the nation if the people stand firmly stands behind political leaders. There are several countries, including Iran and Sri Lanka where the leaders weathered even-worst terrorist storm to form their governments in the best interest of the countries. Deriving courage, conviction and determination from faith, many believe in, the three main parties in the outgoing government. The PPP, the MQM and the ANP have curtailed public gatherings in the face of direct Taliban threats; however, this must not leave their followers disappointed in this critical phase of the Pakistan's history. It is a good omen that All Party Conference held in Karachi has united the politicalforces at one platform. Notwithstanding the measures the All Party Conference suggested and adopted, the moot would send a strong signal to that finally the political will of the people does not allow for any self-styled doctrine under any pretext, and that popular will, will prevail, All political leaders must show some spine to lead the country and the nation from the front. The salvation of the country is hidden in an upfront political response of the masses to the terrorist threats.