Has the Pakistani State become irrelevant in face of Fanaticism

Mob Rule Ahead?   Further evidence of how some segments of society are able to flout or challenge the law at will was provided by a rally in Lahore on Monday which blocked The Mall for several hours. The rally was organised in support of the killer of Salmaan Taseer. Speakers at the rally said that there should be no punishment for Mumtaz Qadri, and that if any court thought otherwise it would be subject to "a stiff reprimand". It was clear from the speeches made on the occasion that the 'reprimand' they had in mind was ripping out the tongues of those who would displease them. Let us be clear about the message being conveyed. The organisers of such rallies are saying that if Qadri is found guilty by any court in the land they will have no hesitation in ripping out the tongues of those who pass a judgement against him, and perhaps of the police who may have guarded Qadri. They may take similar action against any media commentator or columnist who speaks in support of Qadri's conviction or any member of the wider society who, by default, in not openly supporting Qadri, is declared a "blasphemer." Shopkeepers who fail to pull their shutters down, for example, may find themselves in a similar situation – in short, anybody and everybody who fails to toe the line drawn by the religious right. While the above could be seen as unlikely, it is not an impossible scenario. It is not beyond imagination that incited, overcharged crowds may do just that, or at least attempt to. This is a direct challenge to the power of the state and the rule of law, and it is a challenge that so far has been met with deafening silence by the government. It is this very silence that speaks of abdication by the state, of debilitating weakness at the very heart of government which results in the government's attitude being reduced to virtual deference to the power of the mob. Is it to be that any group henceforth can choose, on the basis of its beliefs, to step outside the structures of a civilised state and impose its own will by whatever means – threats, coercion or violence – on as much of the populace as it can? Many more may follow such a path tomorrow. Lawyers were present at Monday's rally. It's a sad commentary on the state of Pakistani society these days that even lawyers showered Qadri with rose petals when he was first produced in court. If the guardians of the law of the land are willing to place themselves at the extremities, so will others as they learn from their example. As for the state, will it let the law crumble in the face of mob rule? http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=26373&Cat=8