We need to consider why we are an intolerant society, segmented into groups, each claiming his individual version of fundamental rights, but denying the same right to others. It is a society where neither religious fanatics nor the liberal fascists have any tolerance for each other.

Why have we descended to such depths of immorality? We accept harassment of our religious minorities such as Ahmedis or Christians and have no remorse that the Father of the Nation assured them of these rights.

This intolerance is visible within the political parties, whether they claim to be liberal, rightist, leftists, religious or even ethnic. The very essence of democracy, which is the right of dissent, is absent when it comes to the day to day working of these parties. Resorting to violence has become a common phenomenon to settle political differences, or as a show of force to establish their political hegemony.

No action was taken against those who openly resorted to firing while welcoming the new PPP Federal Minister for Law in Hyderabad, or members of PML(N) who were celebrating their election for party posts in Faisalabad.

The city of Karachi has witnessed street crimes, extortion, target killings and kidnap for ransom on the rise, with not a single criminal being prosecuted. However, we have a tolerance for those corrupt politicians or members of civil and khaki establishment who have robbed the state and deprived it of billions of dollars.

Just look at the despicable role of the executive in defying orders of the SC and protecting those accused of graft and financial white collar crimes or even those involved in robbing Hajjis.

MALIK TARIQ ALI

Lahore