A Karachi based Islamist tabloid ‘Daily Ummat’— through one of its most dishonest reports— has squarely levelled the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan with some serious blows of allegations that, if unattended, would bump the genuine efforts to relinquish the terror factor in the region. The news report was widely relayed by the youth on social media— some seeking support for it and others just inquisitively.
Generally such reports have impact on the society, especially if the society is largely uneducated. Many thinkers and writers consider such reports promptly disposable and; we partially agree with it. Something that transmits infectious social agents to the subsequent users should be immediately disposed off.
But Isn’t it appropriate to answer the “Why” context before dumping something into the trash compactor? Ummat claims, on its web site, that it provides genuine guidance to the people in national and international affairs. We should respect their good intention and dig a little bit into their report in order to squeeze the bitter truth out of it.
Engaging their readers into a current commentary, apparently on the Kohistan Carnage, Ummat has blamed the Ismaili Community to conspire against the state of Pakistan and to prop up sectarian strife in Gilgit-Baltistan.
“Sactarian Voilence in Gilgit-Baltistan is not a new phenomenon; there it took root way earlier than the establishment of Pakistani organizations (Islamic, perhaps). The situation in the region aggravated when forces from a neighbouring country, for their own interest started pressing a specific sect. The American allied Ismaili community who have always been dreaming of their own state was largely held responsible for this sectarian meddling”, the newspaper reported.
It looks an impeccable report and the editor might have fantasized himself that his investigative genius has cracked the Da Vinci code in the mysterious murder of 19 innocent people in Kohistan and many others in Gilgit. But could Ismaili possibly be involved in sectarian meddling, as Ummat has opinionated? Do they really conspire against the state of Pakistan? Is there any dream of an Ismaili State? Facts have to substantiate such an argumentation.
Modern Ismailis world-wide have earned a character of loyal citizens, devoted social, political and economic contributors and agents of peace. Their books and texts reveal that they take great pride in being part of the Muslim Ummah. They have founded some world class institutions to project the good image of Islam. One of their prestigious institutions is IIS in London that focuses research on Islamic Civilization. The institute has pooled some finest scholarly brains from all shades of backgrounds – Shia, Sunni, Christians, Ismaili etc.— to enhance the knowledge of Islam in the world.
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