The cold blooded killing of Benazir may not shock some as killings in Pakistan have become as sure as sun rise every morning. The main reason for the calamitous turn is religious intolerance, without any rhyme or reason. These zealots think they are acting for God who, as usual, always remains unseen.
Benazir had a western upbringing having studied in Oxford & Harvard. She was more comfortable with her western outlook, but as the scion of the dominant political family she thought she could make a difference. She knew the dangers and went in, eyes wide open.
Some feel we should just carry on as none of our business. I feel while we should allow things to settle down in Pakistan, we have to also learn our lessons. We have given meaning to our lives outside the religions. Anybody willing to work it out can come up in life. Despite the religious posturing of a minority, most of us know, which side of the bread is butter. Belief in God only, will not fill our stomachs. We have learnt to be self dependent.
Religious intolerance has to be kept away at any cost. I shudder always when our politicians play with fire for selfish ends and many, mainly poor, pay with their lives. The festival of democracy can end sooner than we think, if we do not rein in on these unscrupulous people. The lessons played out in Pakistan, Sri Lanka have to be learnt by us all as how things can go horribly wrong. Pakistan is not suited for democracy, but are we so different?
