Qudsia K, Khan

Every time an act of terrorism or a tragedy befalls this nation, we condemn, sympathise, write about the horrors of such incidents. The government orders inquiries, offers compensation to the families, issues statements - and life goes on. However, if we have to stop just for a moment to ponder and question such horrific incidents, we would surely find some answers, some insight leading to the occurrence of terror and terrorism.
Conflicts are basically power struggle between smaller nations and the world powers in a broader perspective for the control of territory.
Today in countries, such as ours, violent conflicts are primarily due to economic reasons, due to economic deprivation and vast gap between the rich and poor masses in a country. The feeling is of helplessness and decadency, which further leads to more violent crimes in society.
The last 56 years have seen Pakistan going through the aches and pains of growing, the lack of education and massive illiteracy rates and extreme poverty have lead to a wide and gaping hole between the privileged few and the deprived majority.
According to a labour force survey of the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the rate of unemployment in the country has increased from 5.89 per cent in 1998 to 7.82 per cent in the year 2003. At present more than 3.34 million people are unemployed in the country, compared to 3.27 million in the year 2002. The total labour force in the country is 42.75 million, out of which 3.34 million are unemployed. Such high statistics on the unemployed is frightening.
Coming back to the increased activities of terrorists, one does not have to contemplate at the root causes of such heinous crimes. The economic managers of our country continue to harp on the foreign exchange reserves, rise in stock market and a flush of liquidity in the banking systems.
Our economic Gurus have been unable so far to steer the country out of the depths of its economic depressions. The so-called trickle-down process to the common man is minimal. The rate of suicide deaths due to unemployment is astounding. It is this unemployed youth or man who sells himself to the call of the rich predator. The predator lies waiting for his prey, exploiting the weaknesses of the frustrated, angry, depressed and hungry prey. This is the man or woman used to bring death and destruction and create violence and instability.
We find that most religious movements, which have gained momentum today have fully taken advantage of the situation. Friday's human carnage is a tragedy of mammoth proportion. Statements from Islamabad and top government officials in the province are being considered a mere lip service, as culprits are always Scott-free to carry out the next acts of terror.
It is time we get our house in order to fight such elements in society, not only through proper installation of security, but also by laying the foundations of an equitable economic system in society - one which endeavours to close and eliminate the gap between the rich and the poor. It is indeed with a heavy heart we have tried to pen down our views and thoughts. We pray that such senseless and callous end of human lives never takes place in our city and in our country. "Knowledge is a light, enriching the warmth of life, and all may partake who seek it out, but you -my countryman seek out darkness and flee the light, awaiting the coming of water from the rock, and your nation's misery is your crime… I do not forgive you your sins, for you know what you are doing."