Lonely voice

It is disappointing that in the face of an explicit and blatant challenge to the authority of the state and the rule of law by a religious party, the state has failed to respond. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) has not only admitted to having instigated the recent lynchings in Swat and Sargodha, but has also held press conferences proclaiming that it reserves the right to do so at any time of its choosing. This, of course, is in line with its long history of religiously motivated attacks on politicians.

Why then does the state remain silent? Why do the military and security institutions remain silent? Why do the noisy political cadres remain silent? Why does the honourable judiciary remain silent? If nothing is done to counter them, the influence and moral corruption of this group will only grow.

In the face of this deafening silence, only one voice has been raised so far. At a conference organised in Lahore by the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen – a body set up by the Punjab government to maintain religious harmony, brotherhood and tolerance – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz spoke of the need for police action against blasphemy suspects, but warned against using such allegations to “settle scores”.

“No matter what happens, we must not allow anyone to take justice into their own hands, to set up courts in their streets and neighborhoods, and to issue sentences and fatwas,” Maryam said in a speech that responded to a need of the moment.

So far, her speech is the only one that challenges the violence and bigotry of the TLP. She needs support and urgently. The politicians, the judiciary and the clerics of the country must unite behind the chief minister and push for a rejection of lynchings and the misuse of the blasphemy law. An isolated opposition to the TLP will be drowned out by its organised propaganda and will put the president in danger.