A rare moment of joy

Islam,Terrorism and Jihad

07 May 2008, NewAgeIslam.Com

A rare moment of joy

An editorial in Dawn   IN these trying times, it was indeed heartening to see Pakistan's ambassador to Kabul, Tariq Azizuddin, reunited with his family on Saturday after three months in captivity. He had been kidnapped from Khyber Agency in February as he headed back to his post in Kabul. His beaming and charming wife had clearly been counting the days since his disappearance as she didn't need to pause even for a moment before telling a DawnNews reporter she was seeing her husband after 97 days. Although Interior Adviser Rehman Malik, badly needing something positive after his hitherto unexplained by-elections fiasco, made sure the ambassador returned home to a media circus, such was the joy of the occasion that the former could be forgiven for claiming credit. As the dust settles over the issue, and the veracity of Mr Malik's assertion is ascertained that no deal was made or prisoners released in exchange for Mr Azizuddin, other issues need to be addressed.   The abduction episode underlined how the media has still a long way to go before it can claim to be mature and responsible. First there was an unfounded press report on how the family was reacting — it claimed close relatives were unaffected and happy. The report was nonsensical and exposed a lack of professionalism and, worse still, compassion. Then, because the government rightly made all the moves to secure his release away from the prying eyes of the media to ensure the abducted envoy's safety, it came in for flak for perceived inaction. But this debate can continue at another time. For now let's join in the joy of the Azizuddin family and salute their courage and stoicism. Let's also spare a thought for other innocent victims of extremism whose ordeal is not in the public domain and who suffer in silence.