Concern for Marvi Sirmed’s Safety – by Alamdar Mengal
Token cheer-leading is not what Marvi Sirmed needs today
Editor’s note: We at LUBP are deeply concerned for Marvi Sirmed’s safety and will not see her being left at the mercy of wolves. We appreciate Marvi Sirmed’s attention to human rights issues which are simply not being talked about.
We urge all the prominent journalists, especially those who consider themselves as liberal/progressive, to come out and not just cheer Marvi but reinforce anti-establishment narratives. By speaking the truth, Marvi is now in grave danger. She must not be abandoned.
Instead our liberal champions must now pick up the load and challenge the wolves of the Deep State on the media.
If they choose to limit themselves with meaningless platitudes, token cheers and otherwise stay silent on the issues raised by Marvi, it will be as good as abandoning her in her hour of need which is unacceptable.
Demagogues and their backers such as Imran Khan, Hamid Gul, Farid Paracha, Ansar Abbasi, Mehr Bokhari, Zakir Naik, Farhat Hashmi, Moeed Pirzada, Talat Hussain, Maulana Ludhianvi, Hafiz Saeed, Ibtisam Ilahi Zaheer etc need to be attacked and deconstructed at every forum available. If more people step up to the plate and confront these extremists head on, it will be the best way of supporting Marvi Sirmed. (End Note)
**********
When Marvi Sirmed took Zaid Hamid to task on Shahid Nama, many of us were very happy. After all, this was a vindication of what sites like LUBP and the fiercely independent twitter activist, Laibaah had been saying for the past couple of years.
Issues such as:
- Baloch genocide
- Hazara Shia genocide
- Blockade of the Thal-Parachinar Road and genocide of the Shia Turi Pushtuns there
- Historical revisionism to support the establishment’s manufactured Nazariat-e-Pakistan (Pakistani ideology)
- Peace with India as opposed to supporting jihadi networks
- The main source of religious extremism not being 9/11 but the patronage of the Deep State for the Taliban and the various Jihadi-sectarian militias
- The oppression of our Hindu and Christain brothers and sisters by the Jihadis of the Deep State
were regularly highlighted at LUBP and also by friends at Pakistan Blogzine including Laibaah. There were others who did raise them occasionally but whose ambiguous and vacillating depiction of these serious issues rarely moved the debate forward.
For people like me, Marvi Sirmed’s articulate and courageous exposure deserved far, far more than cheers and empty hurrahs.
Today, Marvi has put herself in danger by saying the truths that should have been said and reinforced since the last couple of decades. Unfortunately, even SAFMA seems to have distanced itself from Marvi; rather disappointing given that prominent SAFMA member, Nusrat Javeed was goading her on as “our main attack bowler” on Twitter just before her appearance on Shahid Nama.
Token cheer-leading is not what Marvi needs today. She needs the full support of all those Twitter Elites who think of themselves as the Liberal Banner of Pakistan.
The situation requires them to step forward and reiterate and reinforce what Marvi and highlight the issues discussed in the same open, clear and transparent manner that Marvi did. Applauding her as a performance instead of reinforcing her narrative puts her in danger. If there were more voices saying what Marvi said, her true well wishers would not be as concerned about her safety as we are today. By cheering her and NOT supporting her narrative, we are all guilty of putting her in harm’s way.
Marvi Sirmed’s Note:
Ms Sirmed has sent the following note to LUBP which we are publishing to express our full support and for wider circulation.
Thank you so much for saying what was missing from social media for last few days. While ‘fear’ has so far completely failed to enter into my system, it seems wiser to collectively challenge the deep seated injustices meted out by right-wing usurpers patronized by the state. As expressed in my today’s OpEd in Daily Times, “A Head-on Collision with Hawks”.
I think this is the point in time when all of us can speak loudly what we have been chattering in drawing rooms for so long.
Speak out and be counted. Storm all kinds of media, in all languages, with your articles on these issues. The debate should not die down. I have put myself in front of wolfs quite knowingly. I would be much better served if the silent voices of reason break their silence, even if it is my dead body, kindly don’t stop here. They are pulling earth from beneath our feet. Don’t let them. Reclaim Pakistan from them. That’s our country, how can they ask us to leave it?
Also, let me take this opportunity to put it on record what kind of threats I’ve been receiving (edited on MS’s request).
This is just to keep you informed of what I have put on stake.
Please don’t waste this important turn in the history of our struggle. Speak out. As loudly as possible. This is, please rest assured, not to save my person, this is to save Pakistan of these vultures.
Sincerely,
Marvi Sirmed
Related post: Zaid Hamid bashing bandwagon: Will urban liberal chatterers follow the Marvi model?
Hindu Lobby Tha. Yahoodi Lobby Tha.
Amreeka Kay Ghulam Tha Tha Tha
Excellent post , Alamdar .
You summed up the situation really well . excellent !
Thank you so much for saying what was missing from social media for last few days. While ‘fear’ has so far completely failed to enter into my system, it seems wiser to collectively challenge the deep seated injustices meted out by right-wing usurpers patronized by the state. As expressed in my today’s OpEd in Daily Times, “A Head-on Collision with Hawks” (http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=20118\29\story_29-8-2011_pg3_4) I think this is the point in time when all of us can speak loudly what we have been chattering in drawing rooms for so long. Speak out and be counted. Storm all kinds of media, in all languages, with your articles on these issues. The debate should not die down. I have put myself in front of wolfs quite knowingly. I would be much better served if the silent voices of reason break their silence, even if it is my dead body, kindly don’t stop here. They are pulling earth from beneath our feet. Don’t let them. Reclaim Pakistan from them. That’s our country, how can they ask us to leave it?
Also, let me take this opportunity to put it on record what kind of threats I’ve been receiving:
….
This is just to keep you informed of what I have put on stake. Please don’t waste this important turn in the history of our struggle. Speak out. As loudly as possible. This is, please res assure, not to save my person, this is to save Pakistan of these vultures.
Sincerely,
Marvi Sirmed
Dear Marvi,
We agree with Alamdar’s pov & have been monitoring the situation and are perturbed to hear this development. Can we make your comment as part of the post so that we can start using the LUBP to highlight this situation. We can also ask all our supporters to do so on social networks!
I am utterly and totally ashamed of liberal elites after reading this post and Marvi’s note.
Please report this page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-against-Marvi-Sirmed-and-SAFMA/261070843912675?ref=ts
Also, I think Alamdar and editor note should clarify that Nadeem Paracha has been very critical of Zaid Hamid in the print media. On the screens, yes, aside from some PPP (Faisal Raza Abidi) and Mian Iftikhar (ANP), no one aside from Marvi and Dr. Hoodbhoy has taken on these wolves.
We should have an immediate request to all the bloggers fraternity and social journalists to stand by Marvisirmed as LUBP has done courageously as always.
In fact its the social activism of LUBP which has made taboos like Shia genocide, Hazara massacre and Baloch genocide part of public discourse, though that outspoken and straightforwardness shown by LUBP on these issues is still missing but atleast discussion on these issues is started.
We appreciate Marvisirmed for taking these lunatics to task and will wholeheartedly support her in these all issues.
The most commendable aspect of LUBP and Marvisirmed activism is their support of democratic process and political forces at every cost, which in fact is the only way to get out of this mess and heading to the goals and objectives we set before us, the goal of secular, multicultural and progressive Pakistan.
Ayesha Siddiqa stated that its a do or die situation as liberalism is dying and so is the liberal discourse.
Have been tweetbashing those jerks.The language used by them for a woman is disgusting to say the least.Not only her but her supporters, like me and Awais Masood, are now being showered with abuses and allegation of being RAW agents (MashAllah everyone is RAW agent nowadays).
Hahahaha.First I was a “Homosexual Agent” Now a Raw Agent ;))
But Marvi I am with you :))
Barra mazza aaya unn psychos ko tweetbash karnay ka 😛 😛
Everyone pay heed to Maula’s advise and get on twitter to tweetbash those idiots! 😛
You’ll enjoy it. hahahah!
I was planning to write a full fledge article but have decied against it. Need to learn more on the revisionist history of Pak.Yar koi online link ki bata do.Main to ghareeb ho gaya hun. 😛 😛
Ali Arqam, I do agree with Ayesha Siddiqa.Masla yeh hai in this DO OR DIE situation marna to Liberals ko hee hay. :((
*sigh*
Zaid Hamid is just a pawn in the hands of dangerous duffers and their spy masters, He portrays the jingoistic approach of the state which is built on the doctrine of existential threat, woven in the fallacies aka ideologies like Nazaria-e-Pakistan.
I am afraid its actually
Marvi Sirmed vs State,
which has proxies like Zaid Hamid, Maudoodiat, Jihadi Orgs, Sectarian Organisations and columnists ranging from Haroon Rashid to Ejaz Haider with different attires and avatars.
Dont be deceived with their western outlook and choice of English music, they will never stand by Marvi Sirmed and us LUBP.
Welcome to the real world!
I am addressing this note to Zaid Zaman Hamid.
Dear Zaid,
Assalam-o-Alaikum
Almost a year ago, there was a vicious campaign against you by the Aalami Majlise Tahafuze Khatame Nabuwat (AMTKN), Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Teeth Maestro, PkPolitics and other organizations and websites.
Do you know who came to your defence when some of the staunchest of your supporters had left you at the mercy of extremist wolves?
It were we at LUBP who took a principled stance against religious fanatics and pseudo-liberals to defend your right of free speech, free from harassment and abuse.
Evidence of threats to your life / hate speech against you:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28203674/Aalami-Majlise-Tahafuze-Khatam-e-Nabuwat-Gives-an-OPEN-Challenge-to-Zaid-Hamid
http://zaidhamidexposition.org/2010/03/14/fitna-e-zaid-hamid-aalami-majlise-tahafuze-khatam-e-nabuwat/
http://zaidhamidexposition.org/2010/04/15/shabaan-khatam-e-nabuwats-response-to-zaid-hamid-fans-propaganda/
http://www.haqqforum.com/vb/showthread.php?13627-Aalami-Majlise-Tahafuze-Khatam-e-Nabuwat-Gives-An-OPEN-Challenge-to-Zaid-Hamid
http://teeth.com.pk/blog/2008/10/07/who-is-zaid-zaman-hamid
http://pkpolitics.com/2010/03/13/zaid-zaman-accused-of-karachi-murders/
Now compare the above to the LUBP’s stance:
http://criticalppp.com/archives/1821
http://criticalppp.com/archives/6562/comment-page-1#comment-3239
http://criticalppp.com/archives/5214/comment-page-1#comment-3231
http://criticalppp.com/archives/6562/comment-page-1#comment-3267
http://criticalppp.com/archives/6562/comment-page-1#comment-3268
http://criticalppp.com/archives/6562/comment-page-1#comment-3791
Of course, LUBP strongly disagrees with some of your political and strategic ideas and tactics. However, despite this disagreement, we did not compromise on your personal safety and right to free speech.
Through this brief note, I request you to urge your followers to refrain from harassing, abusing or/and threatening Ms Marvi Sirmed in the aftermath of your encounter with her in Express News’ Shahid Nama.
Your fans and followers may politely disagree with Ms Sirmed’s ideology or views but they must not resort to harassing and threatening tactics which are neither Islamic nor ethical.
Regards,
Abdul Nishapuri
Dear Marvi,
We are with you. We support wholeheartedly your cause.
Why don’t you guys call your “Commander Chaddi”,sorry “Commandar Safety” to come out of his cave and face Zaid Hamid. Kia ek Aurat k tarha toilet me betha rahta hay aur article likhta rahta hay
yes, let’s speak out the truth and be counted, i totally support marvi sirmed..
And for those who are ashamed or whatever, guys please focus on truth, gone are the days when things were settled just on gestures of disapproval, if you have any validity in your point of view, bring it on..
we are with u marvi , stay blessed !
Neutral on this issue. There are issues with both parties
ہاں جی، پاکستان میں ہر “امیر” کی جان کو خطرہ ہے لیکن غریب؟ غریب کیا کرے!
ہاں جی، پاکستان میں ہر “امیر” کی جان کو خطرہ ہے لیکن “غریب”؟ “غریب” کیا کرے!
“غریب” وہی کرے جو کر رہا ہے یعنی “امیروں” کی سیکورٹی کیلئے اپنا تن من دھن سب قربان کردے ۔
This woman is working for chamaar hindoos. May allah panisht her.
Allahu Akhbar!
Death to Marvi.
She said she and her daughter are having rape threats !
They are so spoil no one even bother to rape them.
There come a time in whore’s life when she gets old and even offers sex for free but no one turn on her.
Then she amuses by calling herself a bitch. Marvi is now passing through tha times.
I bet her days are numbered
I bet her days are numbered
Bravo Marvi, to take a bold stand against these papputs of MMA( Mullah Millitary Alliance. we stand with you
Well anyone in Pakistan, struggling for the secular Pakistan and opposing TN Theory will be disowned by his parents soon as the same has been done to Marvi. SAFMA has declared that she is not our daughter while the “DNA” reports (tweets) are the evidences of the relation.
Anyhow Marvi, believe me, their are many other organizations who will adopt you as they care for ideological Orphans. Apply to any of them and make hope that they will NOT leave you anyway. Goodluck !
What a load of sheer bullshit..You are judging Imran Khan and Hafiz Saeed in the same scale??
Do you call yourself liberal and educated? I hate Zaid Hamid too, but your discussion and way of communication was anything but descent of a lady and a person on TV. It looked like two of our corrupt politicians just having fun on TV.
And your supporters like Usmann Rana above..Where the hell do you think you are going with the tweet war? what benefit is it brining to the country or the people?
This is not liberalism.. This is ignorance and stupidity..Marvi has proved she is no different to Zaid Hamid or any other
@ Khurram
The problem is this that only people like IMran Khan & Hafiz Saeed are now safe in Pakistan, one a terrorist with beard & other a terrorist without beard.
Its a “sheer bullshit” from you when you try to defend people like imran Khan, the worst kind of islamfascist. it was his vice president Ijaz Chadhri who spoke to the rally organized by jamaat Ul Dawa in defence of Mumtaz Qadri. Don’t blame others ignorance for your own ignorance.
Yes Marvi is defending high human values the way saman Taseer defended it.May God keep her safe.
Marvi Sirmed is an agent of RAW, and undercover agent working for India. Few days back i just came across one of his article published in ” Daily Times” in which she loudly praised India and bashed Pakistan. No citizen badmouths his own land specially when compares it with a neighboring rival country, but she often does? No one knows what is her agenda and motives. Infact, all such blog spots and newspaper are non sense asinine that are popping up a RAW agent by considering her intellect. She must be kicked out from Pakistan because she does not deserve to live on this Pak land.
MARVI BITCH! LISTEN WE WILL NEVER SUCCEED YOU IN YOUR EVIL AIMS.
NONE OF YOUR SUPPORTER WILL BE ABLE TO STAND FOR YOU.
A CHALLENGE FROM KHAN
Arundhati Roy speaks against India’s interest in Kashmir and on many other issues.. is she an ISI agent? Grow Up. People may have difference of opinion. In a free country people can say anything freely but in pakistan you will be dead. This is what defines Pakistan. If you dont consider religion and state together and think about the state alone, she is correct on most of the issues. And if religion and state must go hand in hand then why not to go for Sharia Law. There shouldnt be any hypocrisy. If people wants Sharia then implement it and if not then please dont connect religion and state. AND if religion and state should go hand in hand then why not to create a one great islamic country. Be logical not rhetoric.
Marvi jee
apna khayal rakhen. Khuda aap ko lambi umr de
mam
Can i talk to you ?
We agree with you Marvi, our love and passion for Islam is always misused by radicals… I feel so sorry and embarrassed reading the language they are using … Nothing to justify but it was language of our beloved prophet, since they represent them…
Anyways…I pray that May Allah keep you safe and you keep spreading the goodness… And Yes you are not alone and Yes we stand next to you!
Regards,
Alija MN
When i think of Pakistanies, and even Indians at times. I think of woodcutter who is cutting the very branch that he is sitting on.
This incredibly brave lady who is standing to making Pakistan secular. Is a pride for any country to have who is braving the radicals, in a country where killing is as simple as breathing.
To everyone out there. I have a question- Why is US, the richest and most advanced country. Its because they are SECULAR. They don’t religion run the affairs of the state. The same goes for the rest of the EUROPE.
Today Pakistan is only burning because the Molotov cocktail or religion and state is mixed. The results are in front of everyone. The Saudi-es are the biggest culprits in this. They are exporting their terror/useless ideology in the guise of religion everywhere.
Do Pakistani’s need Inspiration from them, while in their own home they have Sufi pir like Babe Bulle Shah & Mian Mir.
This brave lady is fighting for the future of Pakistan, I request all Pakistanies to nurture this amazing person, who in a lot many ways in like Quid e Azam. Liberal, progressive, Secular.
She is one of the famous Pakistani journalist, and she should refrain from the above mentioned talk.