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The message from Karbala

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2 years ago

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As millions of pilgrims converged upon Karbala, southern Iraq this week to observe ‘Arbaeen’ or ‘Chehlum’ – the 40th day after the massacre of Imam Hussain (RA) and his followers more than 1,400 years ago, the event carried multiple lessons that have served Muslims worldwide from centuries past to this day. The observance takes place across Pakistan today [Saturday] with gatherings of mourners planned in numerous urban and rural centres.

Together, these events are a powerful reminder of the aftermath of the resistance by Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussain (RA) who refused to accept allegiance to Yazid ibne Muawiya, the Damascus-based caliph of the time. So powerful was Yazid’s yearning for an overkill to suppress Imam Hussain and his followers that he dispatched anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 soldiers for an encounter with a handful of opponents no more than 72, according to different historical accounts. And yet, the defiance shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and his small group of followers remained unwavering.

But the carnage on that day just did not end the clash between two vastly opposed individuals and their followers, each armed with a radically different view of the world. In brief, the encounter at Karbala far from a military battle was instead a conflict between vastly opposed ideas.

As Mohamed Ali Albodari wrote in ‘Understanding Karbala’ – abridged and adapted from the original work by The Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakeem: “He [Imam Hussain] wanted to draw a clear example of a righteous statesman, so that the public can see the villainous and deviant nature of the others by comparison. He aimed to create a clear and unequivocal distinction between the true teachings of the Prophet [PBUH] and the fabrications that had been popularized by the chieftains before and after him. In this he was successful”.

The same division of ideas was successfully put on full display even after the massacre at Karbala. Bibi Zainab (RA), the younger sister of Imam Hussain (RA) took up the mantle of leadership of the women, children and a sole surviving adult male, Imam Zainul Abideen (RA), a son of Imam Hussain who was too frail to go into battle. In brief, she is still remembered as the heroine of that monumental tragedy.

They were all seized after the encounter, their tents were burnt, they were kept in inhuman conditions and forcibly taken first to Kufa and then to Yazid’s court in Damascus. Along the way, many infants and young children fell from their camels and died instantly. To this day, there are no reliable historical accounts of exactly how many of the victims from Karbala began their journey and the numbers who survived.

The prisoners of Karbala along the way were introduced as family members of dissidents who fought the army of Yazid and were killed in battle. Indeed that was a powerful display of disinformation and censorship at its worst in the early days of Islam.

And yet, the credit for the powerful remembrance to this day must go to Bibi Zainab (RA). Her eloquence, displayed repeatedly during the journey from Karbala onwards has been widely characterized as a shining example of her determination to not only spread the message of her brother Imam Hussain (RA) but also to stand up as the de facto leader of the survivors of Karbala. Bibi Zainab has been widely celebrated in poetry and literature across languages as a pivotal figure in the journeys to and from Karbala.

Father Christopher Paul Clohessy, a South African Catholic missionary in his widely acclaimed title; ‘Half of my heart – the Narrative of Zainab, Daughter of Imam Ali (RA)’ commended Bibi Zainab (RA) when he wrote; “In her decisive role as spokesperson for her brother’s cause, she became the first to drive the adversity of Karbala into perpetuity by moving her brother’s creed and conviction off the battlefield and into the palaces of Kufa and Damascus, not only completing Imam Hussain’s [RA] ‘jihad’ [holy war] but becoming the agent through whom Karbala would become undying”.

Clohessy has gained respect for his research on Islam, notably also with a title dedicated to Bibi Fatima (RA), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He provides a vivid account of the central role of Bibi Zainab (RA) in the story of Karbala.

To this day, the sermon of Bibi Zainab (RA) in Yazid’s court stands out as a unique example of a captive ignoring the very likely risk to their own life and bluntly rebuking their captor in an open court. Clohessy acclaims Bibi Zainab (RA) for the long-term impact of her words on her immediate surroundings and well beyond: “Zainab [RA] meets the needs of the hour, advancing her brother’s principles and so altering the course of history, assuring devotees that they can face the future with strength, courage and wisdom”.

The all-too-powerful impact of the tragedy of Karbala was witnessed yet again this week as anywhere between 15 million and 25 million pilgrims, according to different accounts, passed through the city. Exactly how such a massive buildup is absorbed in a city with a size that can only take far fewer remains an unresolved mystery.

The final convergence of pilgrims upon Karbala on ‘Arbaeen’ was preceded by many setting out on foot from the holy city of ‘Najaf’, walking a 100-km distance along a road that becomes increasingly alive around the commemorations of Karbala. There are roadside volunteers who are eager to offer foot massages free of charge while affluent businessmen host well-stocked rest and eating places every half a kilometre. Unlike challenges in daily lives for Iraq’s mainstream population, makeshift medical camps along the route readily serve any pilgrim in need.

The most powerful message that continues to resonate from Karbala to this very day is just one: that truth and righteousness indeed prevail, irrespective of the passage of time.

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Pakistan will begin a full-scale military campaign in Balochistan to combat terrorism.

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The National Action Plan (NAP) Apex Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced the initiation of a comprehensive military operation in Balochistan to combat terrorism and eradicate militant organizations in the area.

The communiqué released post-meeting underscored the necessity to reactivate the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and to construct both a national and provincial intelligence fusion center. It was also resolved to establish centers for the identification and mitigation of emerging security threats.

In accordance with federal government directions for counter-terrorism, the committee sanctioned the establishment of district-level coordination committees under the oversight of province Apex Committees. This is a crucial measure to optimize anti-terrorism initiatives nationwide.

Officials were informed on the revitalized counter-terrorism initiative in Pakistan, emphasizing the problems presented by terrorism, religious extremism, and the dissemination of disinformation in the area. The meeting delineated the tactics implemented by various institutions to address these risks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the necessity of political consensus and the cultivation of a constructive national narrative, asserting that political stability is crucial for fulfilling the objectives of national security and comprehensive stability.

The session was attended by the Army Chief, federal ministers, top officials, Chief Ministers from all provinces, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.

– Chief of Army Staff pledges ‘action’ against obstructive entities –

Gen Munir emphasized the shared responsibility of all Pakistanis in combating terrorism, highlighting that the war against terror requires efforts from both military personnel and citizens.

“Each Pakistani is a combatant in the struggle against terrorism.” General Munir, addressing the apex committee meeting on the National Action Plan, remarked, “Some are in uniform, and some are not,” emphasizing the necessity for national unity in combating terrorism.

“He emphasized the necessity of a collective effort to combat the menace of terrorism.”

The army chief emphasized the significance of the Constitution, deeming it essential for all residents. He emphasized that the Constitution established a collective obligation to guarantee both internal and exterior security. The Constitution mandates our obligation for both internal and external security. “Anyone who impedes security will encounter repercussions,” he declared.

In response to national security issues, Gen Munir cautioned that anybody obstructing the endeavors of security personnel will face repercussions. “Anyone who obstructs our work will encounter repercussions,” he emphasized.

Gen Munir observed that the Pakistan Army and law enforcement authorities are addressing deficiencies in governance via the everyday sacrifices made by martyrs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and the government for their comprehensive efforts to restore the nation’s economy.

During his address to the Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, “The nation’s economy is nearing stability.” The nation’s advancement depends on a strong economy.

He emphasized the necessity of collaborative endeavors to guide the nation towards prosperity.

The premier stated: “We must implement sustainable measures to guide the nation towards development and economic stability.”

PM Shehbaz acknowledged the provinces’ cooperation, stating: “The provinces have provided complete support to the federal government regarding the success of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.”

The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) policy rate has decreased from 22 percent to 15 percent. The information technology sector has experienced significant growth. The remittances are nearing stability.

The premier emphasized the significance of investment in the country, stating: “Foreign investors are encouraged by observing local investors making investments.”

He remarked, “The provinces and the central government will guarantee that this will be the conclusive program with the international lender.”

– Prime Minister Shehbaz commends Chief of Army Staff Munir’s endeavors in promoting the nation’s economy –

Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, “The billions of rupees will be deposited in the national treasury, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole.”

“Everyone has offered me an olive branch for the purpose of the nation’s advancement,” he declared.

Regarding political adversaries, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated: “Anyone wishing to organize protests may do so, but only after the conclusion of significant events and occasions.” A decision must be taken regarding whether to organize the protests or to consider guiding the nation towards prosperity.

He emphasized the urgent necessity to eradicate the threat of terrorism to facilitate the nation’s advancement.

“We must exert comprehensive efforts to enhance the tax base.” The PM remarked, “We required the assistance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and China to ensure the completion of the IMF program.”

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A vehicle accident in Nankana Sahib claimed one life and injured two.

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4 weeks ago

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On Wednesday, an overspeeding-related traffic collision in Nankana Sahib claimed one life and injured two more.
Details indicate that a motorcycle and rickshaw crashed at Shah Kot Road close to Chak No-5, instantly killing one man and seriously wounding two more.

After being notified, police and emergency personnel arrived on the scene and took the injured and deceased to the hospital.

Pakistan is one of the riskiest nations due to the high frequency of traffic accidents. Pakistan has one of the worst rates of deadly traffic accidents in the world, which are attributed to terrible roads, poorly maintained cars, and careless driving.

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Condemnation of the Karachi Attack. Pakistan Firmly Denounces Atrocious Terrorist Assault: FO

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Pakistan vehemently denounces the atrocious terrorist assault at Karachi Airport yesterday night, resulting in the fatalities of two Chinese engineers and injuries to another.

The Foreign Office, in a statement issued in Islamabad, expressed profound condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and offered prayers for the prompt recovery of the injured.

The reprehensible act of terrorism constitutes an assault not just on Pakistan but also on the longstanding alliance between Pakistan and China.

The statement affirmed our determination to hold accountable those culpable for this barbaric assault, including the Majeed Brigade.

Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies will do every effort to apprehend the criminals and their accomplices. This heinous conduct will not remain unpunished.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining regular communication with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation. Pakistan and China are close allies and steadfast partners, connected by mutual respect and a shared future.

Pakistan reiterates its steadfast commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions within its borders, and would persist in collaborating with our Chinese counterparts to combat terrorism.

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