My Murder, My True love

Forbes Magazine published an article, a few months back, which ranked Pakistan 11th on the list of the most unhappy nations in the world. At first glance, there seems to be no obvious reasons for such declarations but, upon further reflection on the present environment and the political rhetoric, my thought blossomed like an unfurling parachute.

The untimely death of Hakeemullah Mehsud has sent the Pakistani nation and, especially, the right-wing political leadership spiraling into depression, They wonder when  Sharia can become the law of the land? When will the nation witness the birth of another Hakeemullah Mehsud who will shatter all records by claiming 50,000 kills (we all know that records are not made in a day!)?

A leader who was the link between the Afghan Taliban, the Punjabi Taliban and Al-Qaida. He mastered the precision of slitting Pakistani soldiers’ throats. He righteously declared Quaid-i-Azam to be a Kafir-e-Azam and generously handed out fatwas of kufr free of charge. He proudly accepted all responsibility for explosive acts of terrorism. I ask you, how can a nation be joyful when a hero of this stature leaves us? This tragedy is compounded when it follows another great loss...yes I am talking about the Honorable Sheikh Osama bin Laden. What nation would not lose its ability to smile in the face of such devastating tragedies?

The demise of Hakeemullah Mehsud has also plunged the government of Pakistan into an abysmal sadness. Chaudhry Nisar, the interior minister, was unable to control his emotions and droned ...I mean... addressed a very sentimental press conference. Meanwhile, prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif also arrived home after his foreign trip.

This breaking news felt like a drone attack to Imran Khan, who was already distraught over Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Award nomination. With a show of strength he was able to rein in his despair and after declaring solidarity with the fallen leader announced that the NATO supply routes should be shut down in protest. After more time had passed and Imran’s anger was yet unabated, he broke tradition and attended the national assembly session for an unprecedented third time. He delivered a moving eulogy to the dear departed and left everyone wondering why we did not witness such a display of emotion at the time of Major General Sanaullah Khan’s shahadat?

Jama’at Islami was not far behind. Munnawar Hussan immediately bestowed the honor of Shaheed upon the deceased and prayed for his elevation into Jannah. May be Mr. Munnawar Hussain forgot that Hakeemullah Mehsud, himself, had facilitated the last meeting between Allah Ta’ala and Colonel Imam.

Confusion ensued when we read and heard about the distress of law enforcement agencies. Why were these esteemed persons upset? Maybe they were upset over the fact that they had been unable to collect the considerable bounty. After all, the deceased had sacrificed the lives of many Pakistani soldiers to actualize this prestige.

Even the media was complicit in depriving the nation of any semblance of joy. The news of the tragic death was broadcast right when Pakistan was about to win the second one day match against South Africa...even though the drone attack had happened the day before and our hero had already departed for his much anticipated meeting with seventy-two hoors. I wish that the media had waited and given the nation a chance at experiencing some pleasure.

If Forbes Magazine had conducted its survey on the day of Mumtaz Quadri’s (Governor Salman Taseer’s bodyguard and, respectfully, his murderer) first appearance in the court, maybe Pakistan would have led the world in the list of the happiest nations.

Twitter ID : @fawadrehman
Also published at Saach.tv  http://www.saach.tv/2013/11/20/my-murder-my-true-love/
Urdu Translation: http://defenderofhope.blogspot.com/2013/11/mehsud.html