No conflict justifies the killing of the innoccent
The Muslim Judicial Council and the Media Review Network condemn the senseless and indiscriminate killing of Pakistani villagers by US drone aircraft along the Af-Pak border region of Waziristan. In addition the spate of car bomb explosions have resulted in the deaths and injury to hundreds of innocent Pakistani shoppers and commuters in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. We are also aware that the Taliban have distanced themselves from these car bombings, raising the spectre of the existence of some sinister force or forces operating in the region.
These cowardly deeds against the Pakistani population will not bring success to the coward, faceless plotters who indiscriminately kill others in the name of fighting terrorism. They demonstrate no concern for the effects of these shameful and appalling deeds on the lives of surviving families. The US’s use of Predator & Reaper drone aircraft attacks which has increased in intensity in 2009 has killed hundreds, with villagers having to bury viscera smeared bodies while remote controlled drone plane operators sit in leafy towns in the US. These dastardly deeds devoid of human compassion can never inculcate peace and goodwill. No conflict justifies the killing and senseless destruction of innocent lives.
The criminal use of drone aircraft against defenseless villagers should be reported in the media with the same prominence as the car bomb explosions. On October 27, 2009 UNHRC investigator Philip Alston called on the US to demonstrate that it was not randomly killing people in violation of international law through its use of drones on the Afghan border. Alston criticized the US's refusal to respond to these concerns.
These continuous violent acts of war to secure the occupation of the region and expand American imperialism have benefited and enhanced this cause. It has also granted them access to natural resources whilst increasing the frustration and anger of those who continue to suffer.
With the Pakistani military and political leadership unable to negotiate with the US (their ally) to curb the indiscriminate US drone attacks, Pakistan’s ability to govern is increasingly undermined ensuring the continued US military presence and occupation of Pakistan. These US political trends of seeking allies which former President Pervez Musharraf bought into, and which militarily enforced his undemocratic election as President, has compromised the rights of the people of Pakistan and took them into a war which was not of their making.
We therefore call upon President Barak Obama to honour his undertaking to the Muslim countries in his Cairo address and we quote: “ I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world.……………………we share common principles of justice and progress, ……….and respect the dignity of all human beings.” We also call upon President Obama to honour the undertakings of the Geneva Conventions visa vis the protection of the civilian population during military conflict.
End.
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