Tahrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) Peace March may be harsh and hard for many, but the thing is that the people of Swat, who matter most are happy and relieved. Maulana Sufi Muhammad and his companions may have many blunders and bloopers on their hands, but this gesture from them is very much in sync with the aspiration of the populace of Malakand agency.
As per their habit, PPP and Asif Ali Zardari are backtracking from their resolve for peace in Swat due to the American and NATO pressure. NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti has threatened to quit if hurdles are created in the implementation of the fresh understanding reached between the Tanzim-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) and his regime.
NATO expressed concern on after Pakistan signed a pact with TNSM to introduce Islamic law in the Swat valley. NATO spokesman James Appathurai even said that NATO and US are disappointed.
But NWFP government must now deter from bringing in peace in Swat, and Zardari must know that his NRO is nothing in front of the peace and happiness of Swati people.
How do you know the people of Swat are happy? They did not vote for the militants in the last elections. With this agreement, everyone knows that the government has not been able to enforce its writ. The militants will now demand more concessions, like banning education and declaring certain kinds of men (like those who are not bearded) as infidels. I have visited Swat many times and I and I always found the people there to be modern and progressive (which is why there were so many girls’ schools there in the first place). No, the Swatis are not happy, because with this agreement they have been made prisoners in their own land.