The lawlessness at Gojra

From today's Dawn editorial:

"A state held hostage by its own bigots cannot guarantee protection for religious minorities in its jurisdiction. For that to happen, the state will have to ensure that all forms of religious discrimination, including faith-based laws that victimise even innocent civilians, are done away with. "

The day is not far off, when Chief Justice's claim that any law that is against the fundamental rights of a Pakistani citizen is illegal, will come out marching in spirit. Our politicians may be cowards and refuse to stand up against a small violent minority, but the law will be indiscriminate.

The past week's incidents of Gojra where the Chrisitian minority was targeted by vigilantes and the state apparatus stood by may not be the last time minorities are targeted - but today we can say with some confidence that it will be the beginning of the end of fascist minorities abusing laws without the fear of recriminations. If the politicians, namely those of the PML-N continue to muddle the issue and do not provide administrative justice, the doors of the courts are no longer closed. The more these traditional (cowardly) politicians try to pass the buck of clearing the stables to the judges, the more likely we will see a rise of middle class politics emboldened by the assurance that the courts will provide them an even playing field.