Pakistan

Sorry, Palestine; we are powerless

Written

2 years ago

May 20, 2021 01:51 AM

Faheem Ahmad

A recent picture I saw spoke to me. It was of a Palestinian child, martyred by Israeli brutality.

Faheem Ahmad

The child asked me what was the use of Pakistan being a mighty atomic force, of the fabled wealth of Arab nations, of Iran’s revolutionary guard, of Turkey’s great history and of Muslim unity, when my life can be sniffed out this easily. The image of the child was not the only one that asked these questions. I saw pictures of women running for their lives, of innocent people left at the mercy of the cruelest force in the world. And each image seemed to beseech, what happened to your faith, your self-respect.

To each question, I felt like replying, you unarmed Palestinians are indeed better than all of us.

I fear the day we Muslims will show up before Allah, and he will ask, why did you not help these people? I fear that these victims of terror will stand beside God and ask him to question us over our silence, our failure to help. I am afraid that our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be there to witness the Palestinian children accuse us of cowardice and of complicity.

Would Allah be satisfied with our reply that we had to follow global laws? That we did not have the economic might to face off with Israel? Or that we were cautious because we did not want to become a victim ourselves? Of course not. On that day, in front of our God and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) we will stand ashamed at our behavior.

So what can we actually do? Take up arms and march towards Palestine? We will be stopped, incarcerated or sent back at the very first border we will hit. The solution lies in truthfully examining the reasons that have rendered the Muslim Ummah completely useless.

We will have to acknowledge that Muslim countries have weak political structures that allow incompetent rulers to reach the pinnacle of power. We will have to admit that the division of the nation into borders and countries, which could have been our very strength, has made us selfish, helpless and even cowards. These rulers, lacking courage, are neither able to do anything themselves except issue empty statements, nor will allow their people to do anything. In fact, openly and in secret, Muslim countries are always out to scheme against one another.

Our enemy would be foolish to not attack this fragmented lot. And the enemy is anything but foolish.

It is time to put illogical religious fanaticism, empty emotional slogans and hollow condemnations to bed. Practical steps are required, ones that are based on what our religion tells us. Perhaps we need to once again revise history. How did Salahuddin conquer Jerusalem? Through the power of his belief, unity, learning through past mistakes and flawless planning. We would do well to remember that great nations are not built on emotions, but on self-accountability, planning and struggle.

If the Muslim world really does want to be free of the pain that is being inflicted on it, then it simply needs to take two steps. One, the establishment of an ideological system inside Muslim countries. Two, unity. I know this will not be easy. In fact it will be exceedingly difficult. But I see no other solution.

New life needs to be breathed into the Muslim Ummah. For that, a deep internal cleanse will have to take place before we can stand united under a flag. If we do not adopt this solution, we are condemning ourselves to a hundred more years of meaningless condemnation.

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Faheem Ahmad

Faheem Ahmad is an associate producer at GNN

Regional

Interior minister visits NADRA center near Shimla Pahari

Mohsin Naqvi hears the complaints of the citizens present there and assure them that they will be addressed soon.

Published

10 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 06:18 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Lahore: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday visited NADRA center Shimla Pahari which is working round the clock in Lahore.

There was a lot of rush at the NADRA center.

The citizens lodged complaints with Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the citizens' complaints about lack of staff issue. Minister Naqvi met the citizens in the center and inquired about the problems.

The Federal Minister respond to the complaints of the citizens, saying that they would be resolved soon. “I have visited the center and reviewed all the situation myself. The officials will quickly end the hassle of delay and waiting. Solving your problems is not a favor, but your right and our duty,” said the interior minister.

He said that the elderly citizen while talking to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that he had come here.

The citizens talking to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that “You have a great name. I am sure that you will improve the NADRA center as well,”.

Pakistan

PM calls for transforming Pak-Kuwait ties into economic partnership

Prime Minister Prime Minister thanks the Amir for sending him a warm congratulatory letter upon his re-election.

Published

7 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:38 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Riyadh: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the sidelines of Special Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on Sunday.

The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for sending him a warm congratulatory letter upon his re-election.

While congratulating Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on assuming the role of Amir, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his desire to work closely with the Amir to transform bilateral ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership that would serve the best interests of the peoples of both countries.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and Kuwait signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding and agreements to deepen cooperation in trade and investment last year.

The Prime Minister assured the Kuwaiti leadership that these MoUs and agreements would be implemented in an efficient and timely manner.

In addition to bilateral ties, the regional situation, particularly with regards to the crisis in Gaza, was also discussed.

The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Amir of Kuwait to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Business

Rice exporters organize medical camps for agri-families, farmers

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the efforts are underway to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

Published

6 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:52 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Islamabad: The rice exporter associations, in collaboration with Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd and The Lord Sarfraz Foundation on Sunday organized successful medical camps and hygiene awareness Programs in Punjab for agri-families including farmers.

Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd. (RPL) is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of communities through innovative initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, and education, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, RPL continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. The organization, actively collaborating with farmers, farm workers, and local communities, places a special emphasis on contract farming programs.

Since 2015, RPL has been conducting medical camps throughout Pakistan, providing treatment to nearly 100,000 patients in various regions of the country.

In pursuit of its mission, RPL with collaboration of The Lord Sarfraz Foundation has conducted a series of free medical camps and personal hygiene awareness sessions in District Narowal (Punjab), underscoring the importance of proactive health measures in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is scarce.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Tariq, alongside Head of Sustainability Zafar Iqbal and Program Officer Mudassar Ahmed, led the planning and execution of field operations for complimentary medical camps and instructional workshops and training sessions.

Meanwhile on the occasion while talking to the media, CEO, RPL Ali Tariq said the lack of basic health information in rural areas contributes to poor health outcomes, emphasizing the vital role of such initiatives in improving overall well-being.

More than 1500 patients were the beneficiaries of free medical camps, he said.

Lady Health Workers (LHWs) deliver hygiene education, including personal hygiene, clean drinking water, mosquito-borne disease prevention, balanced diets, antenatal care, nutrition for vulnerable populations, and hepatitis prevention techniques. Educational materials were distributed, targeting community women and children, fostering a collective understanding of essential hygiene practices for a healthier lifestyle, he said.

Tariq said that thousands have benefited from the camps, receiving not only diagnosis and treatment but also free medicines.

RPL remains dedicated to bridging healthcare disparities, preserving the earnings of vulnerable populations, and fostering community well-being.