Former Generals condemn attack on Malala

Rawalpindi:The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) on Thursday condemned in strongest possible words the savage attack on Malala Yusafzai in the name of Islam.

Terrorists are defaming the religion of peace for their unholy agenda which is nothing but fierce rejection of anything that stands for democracy, moderation and human rights, it said.

These observations were made in a meeting of PESA presided by Lt. Gen (retd) Ali Kuli Khan. Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim. Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, former ambassador Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brig Riaz Ahmed, Brig Masud ul Hassan, Major Farouk Hameed and others were also present.

The meeting observed that there could be nothing more barbaric than a pre-planned direct attack on a 14 years old schoolgirl who is a symbol of hope. The terrorists are not only defaming religion but also Pashtuns who have glorious traditions of bravery and chivalry.

Former military strategists said that recent attack highlight need for total defeat of Pakistani Taliban while reaction indicates that masses have rejected return to tyranny and barbarity in the name of religion. False interpretation of Islam by TTP stands rejected.

This attack highlights total failure of our law enforcement agencies in dealing with this band of terrorists, they observed.

The meeting noted that a great fanfare is made when some so-called ‘master minds’ are arrested but none gets convicted due to absence of any worthwhile evidence. This reflects very poorly on investigative ability of our police and Intelligence Bureau.

It is also unfortunate that the government has taken no action against police officers for their failure to pursue terrorism-related cases effectively which has provided open field to the criminals to engage in such terrorist activities all over the country.

It also shows failure of our political and religious leadership to deal with the terrorism effectively as expression of regrets is not suffice. The perpetrator of terrorism must get the punishment they deserve.

We are involved in a war which is threatening to destroy our national values and even the country itself, the former military Generals said adding that such attacks can be prevented through better intelligence-gathering.

Former serviceman said that country urgently need a special anti-terrorist law, allowing quick summary trials, before the situation gets totally out of hand.

All PESA members join the nation in prayers for early recovery of Malala Yusafzai, the brave daughter of Pakistan.