Save the Buddha Statues in Swat, Pakistan
It is disturbing that there is no writ of the government in Swat – otherwise a stunningly beautiful valley. Considering that the army is engaged in a battle with the militants in these areas, the Buddhist relics would be least of government’s priorities.
Yet, they are not unimportant. In fact, it is imperative that the government should protect them as a symbol of our rich past and to send a message to the lunatics who pretend that the cause of [their] Islam would be served. Nonsense – in this day and age and in an overwhelmingly Muslim majority area. What threat they pose and whose ‘eemaan’ is endangered?
It is painful to see how a bunch of extremists are pushing us towards that.
A dynamic and enlightened friend suggests that we should write here, here and UNESCO to register our protest. Notwithstanding the limited chances of any action or corrective measures, at least we would have made the effort!
Please also see my earlier plea[s]:
Death of Pakistani Culture, Our endangered heritage, Saving heritage, Architectural neglect Â
All My Posts, Buddhist, History, On Pakistan, Pakistani Art, South Asian Art, War, World Artists, heritage
Noble thoughts Raza, and an even nobler directive! Please let’s sign or else we’ll become apathetic bystanders to another shameful act in the history of our civilization!
Indeed, a noble idea, or they will be blown up as the Taliban did in Afghanistan, a stupid and useless act.
Ya Haqq!
what i can say abt your post is,
NERO FIDDLED WHILE ROME BURNED.
ppl are dying out there, they are made of flesh and blood, stones and scluptures come second.
i wudnt care if we had to demolish KABA in order to save precious lives.
To me a separation between religion and the state is a must. A state needs to offer proper education for her citizens and such education need to be liberal, tolerant and open. Once religion (Church, mullahs etc) is taking over, a country is on a lost course. All religions are based on holy words and doctrines and all differ due to interpretations (same in the Bible, same in the Quran etc) but all believers are sure that their interpretation is the only one. Result: unsolvable conflict among (true) believers.
Should have written more but pls refer to the French history before and after the French revolution. As more recent examples pls look into the Spanish, Portuguese and Ireland histories. U.S.A.? Religion seems to be back in the elites. Will be another lost course if common sense doesn’t strike back.
Its a scary situation – no writ of gov.
These jokers in Islamabad are worried only about themselves. Someone rightly said above NERO FIDDLED WHILE ROME BURNED
woh intzar tha jiska ye woh sahar to nahi
It would be a grave crime if we fail to pass on our heritage to the future generations.
As directed, I have written to the three offices.
Perilous times these are, indeed.
Thanks for creating such a good site.
I was looking for Amrita preetam’s poems and landed here. it
your site is captivating!!!!!!!!
great job
Thanks Raza for this , lets stop this madness!
Tuwan qatil key az behrey tamashan khun e man rezee
Manan bismil key zerey khanjar ey khun khar mi raqsam
Manam Usman e Harooni wa yar e shaikh e mansooram
Malamat mee kunad khalqey waman bardar mi raqsam
Thanks , keep dancing —–
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Dear Sir,
I am greateful to you for your codemnation of these lunatics who in the name of religion destroy what is beautiful and everlasting. That any body could cause violence to anything connected with Buddha is so crazy even to thinkof India and Pakistan have had common past and continue to have ommon aspiration despite an arbitrary border line We would overcome all these fringe elements
Hello. I think you are eactly thinking like Sukrat. I really loved the post.
Good job web creater.
i also condem to those who have done it, basically they are not muslim, coz in our religion e,i Islam, ask to respect other religion. So the person who dont follow are excluded from Islam, if they are suffering they should keep patience, dont get frustrate from these resources and respectable resources for us, Thy should Act upon the life style of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W).
Dear all. all religion are stand for Peace, prosperity and Love. if anyone destroy our/your religious assets they should be treated very hard.they should get senteces.
What are the Taliban fighting for? How can Islam be in danger…….the country itself is an islamic state! The old saying, “without a past there can be no future,” seems to be becoming a frightful possibilty.The Bamiyan Buddhas went and the entire country of Afghanistan seems to be teetring on the brink of total failure.Do these guys want Pakistan also to go that way? And why?? What for??
Raza, lets try to documnet more of the rich Bhudda relics in the Swat valley
Im running an NGO working to save buddha heritage in the world, particularly in Pakistan. So collecting data about the heritage and places to visit and work. Hope you people will help us in this noble cause.
Swat its called Switzerland of Pakistan, what happened in swat no one can believe, everything come to an end, a ordinary life of one local individual is lifeless, what our leaders are doing? There are making fun on it??? It’s not time to compose political principles
I want to appeal to all pray for our Pakistan and Pakistani people and also pray that our leaders get some sense to effort for Pakistan, they are member of staff of Pakistan they should work for Pakistan not for their own profit
An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.