However, one must bear in mind that all incidents can be looked at in two different ways. The first would be that of perceiving only the negative aspects, whilst the other instigates one to concentrate on the positive points that can be speculated upon and extracted from the negative constraints. Ms. Bhutto’s assassination is tremendously tragic, but it would become even more seriously so if the country spirals into the whirlpool of violence. If this were to happen, Ms. Bhutto’s sacrifice would have served for nothing. In today’s global village, there is no place on earth that can remain indifferent to any violence that erupts even in the most remote areas and regions.

Let it be clear, this is not only Pakistan’s problem. The problem is in each and every country of the globe be it West, East, North or South. In essence violence is evil by nature simply because it targets that very bond between all human beings. We all are the creation of the same Divine source. From the eldest to the youngest all humans form that marvellous BODY called HUMANITY. Any person who gets pricked by a needle says ‘ouch’. Likewise HUMANITY gets hurt with the loss or injury of any one of its members – even those conceived and still in the womb I must say. Violence is sensless for the simple reason that those who wield power can coerce others into anything but cannot control thoughts and feelings. Even if one does exert such control it is only temporary. Forcing does not mean converting. Quite the contrary, with the lapse of time, those who wield ruthless power end up hated. Eventually, time shows that they fooled none other except themselves.

The point of departure should be that of LOVE and RESPECT towards all neighbours immaterial of colour, creed, political thought, race and status. It is high time that discussions – even those that deal with problem areas and regions where conflict is rife – should, in my opinion, be structured in a different way. Parties to meetings at all levels should, apart from listing their own requirements based upon what they want to achieve, place themselves also in the shoes of the other part and understand their requirements as if they were their own. I am of the opinion that each representative delegation should have one or two members who are well-balanced, peace-minded think-tanks who fully understand in a positive and highly respectful manner the opposing delegations’ cultural, religious, economic, political and historical characteristics. The world should start thinking on the lines of ‘what are we ready to concede’ instead of ‘what can we exploit and win’. The first statement brings about much more gain whilst the second is apt to transpire into lack of agreement – or stalemate at most. As the saying goes, ‘no pain, no gain’.

I believe in a motto: “Dispose and scrap the arms (armaments) that waste precious life and open the arms (body) to embrace all priceless life”.

Open up your eyes, minds and hearts to LIFE all those who have a leader role. By keeping them closed there might come a time (and it might be sooner than one thinks) when the whole world becomes so ill, there will be nothing left to lead.

Rich people of the world, don’t just be bystanders to the billions of poor and suffering. Everyone should engage in doing something to eradicate these scourges from the face of the earth and all the serious problems start to disintegrate one by one. Is what I say utopia? I do not think so – where there’s a will there’s a way!

Hoping things settle down fast!!