Another deadly bombing

What can one say after such a horrendous suicide bombing on the eve of World Peace Day, that had left 53 dead and 266 injured, except ‘Be ashamed, sirs, be very ashamed’ (Kamran Shafi, Dawn, September 23).

This time the attack was not in the wild hills of the tribal area, but right in the heart of the federal capital, a stone’s throw from the PM’s House and parliament. And as usual, there was confusion galore about the real target of the attack, with contradictory statements from the PM, the Information Minister and Rehman Malik, PM’s Advisor on Interior Affairs.

All denied that there had been a serious security lapse and a failure in disaster management. Mr. Malik had stated that as the government received warnings of a possible attack, all the law forcing and security agencies had been put on high alert.

If the original venue had been the Marriot, then surely the security arrangements were a total failure, as the bomber had managed to reach his target without any hindrance. Anywhere in the world, this serious lapse of security would have resulted in the resignations of those responsible.

Mr. Malik then proudly proceeded to show a five minute CCTV footage from the hotel camera, which showed a dumper truck calmly driving up to the entrance of the Marriot Hotel, like any guest vehicle. The footage showed the truck being stopped at the security gate for the usual security check, which we all find so annoying and a lone guard trying to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher.

The brave efforts of the Marriot security staff, who must have died in the explosion, must be appreciated and one doubts if Rs. 3 lacs offered to the bereaved families will replace the loss of their dear ones.

The usual messages of condemnation and outrage were read out by our political leaders to appease the gullible citizens. Similar messages were also read out by World leaders, condemning the dastardly attack, promising more aid and assistance to Pakistan and the world moved on, as the killing of innocent men, women and children is just ‘collateral damage’ and have now become a part of our lives.