As reported in Dawn dt: 02-Mar-17, Lahore Capital City Police Officer Amin Wains said “For high vigilance, the Pakistan Army, Rangers and Punjab police shall take control of surroundings of Qadhafi Stadium and its adjoining areas a day before the PSL final” “We have called 10 senior police officers from the whole province for different duties in connection with the high-security sports event”, “In addition, the Punjab Constabulary, Dolphin Force, Police Response Unit, Elite Force and personnel from various police stations have been deployed to guard the stadium, all routes, nearby buildings and the roads”.
Comment:
The people of Pakistan for decades have been obsessed with cricket. In recent weeks the cricket mania in Pakistan is at its peak as the nation has been driven into Pakistan super league (PSL) with special focus on the final which is to be played in Lahore. One reason this league has attracted excessive focus amongst its people at home or abroad is that since the attack on Sri Lankan team 8 years ago almost no international cricket matches have been played in Pakistan due to security concerns raised by different countries. However the Pakistani regime has also left no stone unturned in driving the nation towards this league.
Even considering the recent surge in violence, the regime went ahead with its decision of scheduling the PSL final in Lahore. It had taken extra ordinary measures and beefed up its security in Lahore, where the final is to be played. It has deployed different Special Forces and set different check-points. Even days before the final, the vicinity near-by stadium has been cordoned off, the near-by shops, marriage halls and other public places has been forcefully closed, the utility gas connection has been disrupted, traffics is being diverted, strict checking and interrogation has been started all of which has almost brought parts of Lahore at verge of stand-still. Not only that but the elite military and political circle`s just after the tragic Lahore attack (the first in recent surge of violence) were quick in throwing the notion that the attacks have been plotted so that the final could not be played in Lahore. In recent day’s media outlets, regime and opposition circles all seem to have turned the nation`s prime focus to nothing but PSL. Folly notions like this PSL final will bring “Peaceful positive image of the country to the international community” or it will “be a defeat to the terrorists”.
On other hand using the recent surge of violence, the Pakistan regime on dictates of new American administration has launched another military operation within the country and especially across the region bordering Afghanistan. As reported in Dawn dt: 16-Jan-17, US Defence Secretary James Mattis said, “I believe they should do more to collaborate with their neighbor. We should urge Pakistan to take further actions against the Taliban and the Haqqani network.”
The Pakistan regime has already played a pivotal role in strengthening American position in Afghanistan as compared to earlier years. However with the launch of new attacks by resistance movement in Afghanistan against America and its allied forces, some concerns have been raised in rolling back of recent gains by the US. The pressure to “do more” from previous and new administration in America was building up on Pakistan and launch of some new operation was inevitable. The regime would like to use these sporting events in diverting the people from yet another brutal operation against the Muslims aiding the resistance movements in Afghanistan to secure American interest.
Earlier in the history, the Roman leaders used to arrange big sporting and festivity events in a bid to exploit its people for reigning into power and diverting them from their oppressive policies. Known in history as “Bread & Circuses” the event was well famous across the region, driving other nations as well. The Pakistan`s regime is acting no differently.
Dozens of Muslims have been killed whilst hundreds injured in recent attacks yet the regime care less for its people than the sporting event. Instead of expelling the likes of Raymond Davis network working under the guise of diplomats and shutting down American embassies cum military operating centers, the regime is following their dictates. This re-iterates the point that the treacherous leadership in Pakistan is working day and night in securing the American hegemony in the region at the expense of the Muslims of Pakistan and the region.
As for the Muslims, the discussion of any event like the current sporting festivity should not be limited of it being permissible alone but should exert themselves in understanding the objectives being pursued by the rulers under the guise of any event. In addition the Muslims should be setting up their priorities as per Shariah. Any sport or festivity cannot be made to turn into a larger than life issue. The regime has its hands drenched in the Muslim blood-shed which continues further. The Muslims must not let such events be used in diverting them to cover the heinous crimes of the treacherous rulers.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
ٱعْلَمُوۤاْ أَنَّمَا ٱلْحَيَاةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِى ٱلأَمْوَالِ وَٱلأَوْلاَدِ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ ٱلْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرّاً ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَاماً وَفِى ٱلآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَاةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلاَّ مَتَاعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ
“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.”
(57:20)
Muhammad Salahuddin