DanLin O.
“At Top University, a Fight for Pakistan’s Future (New York Times)”
Like some of its neighboring countries, Pakistan has been a country filled with turmoil. Pakistan is made up of an hierarchy with different ethnic groups. Some restless and try to dominate other groups. Recently, at one of Pakistan’s top university, the student group Islami Jamiat Talaba bludgeoned Professor Baloch with metal rods and a flower pot. The attack left the professor bleeding heavily and nearly unconscious. The Islami Jamiat Talaba attacked the professor in retribution for expelling members of their group for violent behavior. The group is prone to using aggressive measures to enforce their policies and views. Because it is associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan’s most powerful and senior religious party, it is hard to dissolve this aggresive student group. Its appealing recruitment for underprivileged students from the countryside also factors into its ability to last. However, there is no justice in their violence. The majority–that is the professors and students who are against the group–is actually being terrorized by the minority. Usually, it would be the other way around. The reason for this injustice is still the same despite who’s terrorizing who.
The reason is because of the hierarchy established in Pakistan. Due to this hierarchy, only the ones with the military power, the religious power, and the political power get to decisions. They instill fear into others. This is the reason why the Islami Jamiat Talaba continues to freely do as they wish. It is associated with a powerful religious group and control dormitories and cafeterias of the campus. It has power and it is not afraid to wield its influence. The New York Times article says, “Last week, several of the attackers were arrested, but Mr. Ashraf, the ringleader, was not among them. Besides, the group’s top leader on campus is the son of an important politician.” This shows the extent of their political influence. This influence provides protection to the bad guys. Where’s the justice in that? There is no justice.
This situation is similar to the issue of racial profiling done by the police. The police attack minorities because they have the authority to. The student group attacked the professor because they have the power to. The ones being oppressed and terrorize by this injustice can only crouch in fear and endure the pain. If the victims try to go up against the injustice with violence, they will only make matters worse. All the victims can do is continue to endure the injustice and advocate for peace.
