The Times of India

CHANDIGARH: A section of Pakistanis have raised their voice against Arab colonialism (imposing Wahhabi Islam over Sufi Islam ) amidst attacks on Sufi shrines in Pakistan.“Saudi Arabia which is undemocratic, is exporting Wahhabi Islam to Pakistan where Sufis have been traditionally popular,” Sayeeda Diep from the Lahore-based Institute for Peace and Secular studies , told“An undemocratic Saudi Arabia is funding Wahhabis to crush democratic aspirations in entire world including in Pakistan apparently to let rulers continue their dynastic rule in Saudi Arabia,” she said during her visit to India. Petro dollars are being pumped world over to promote this school of Islam projecting it closer to the original form.“The people of Pakistan need to fight both American as well Arab colonialism,” she said.Both India and Pakistan have seen Sufism grow over a millennium and recent attacks have only been on such shrines in Pakistan. The Taliban and extreme forces in Pakistan are getting support and funds from Wahhabis. Wahhabis do not approve of shrines and saints which are sources of inspiration for Sufis who are known for mysticism. Wahhabi movement emerged in the 18th century.So popular is Sufism in Pakistan that even Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is a descendent of a Sufi from Multan. Ajmer Sharief, Nizamuddin Aulia and scores of saints, pirs have been worshipped in India.Such intolerant are Wahhabis in Pakistan that two theologians Javed Ahmed Shamdi and Maulana Tahir-Ul-Quadri had to look for a secure place after they criticized extremists. The latter, in fact, fled to Canada after issuing a fatwa against the killings of innocents.“There is no space for theological debate like the one that has already started in India,” she said.Diep had to be hospitalized after the killing of Punjab governor Salman Tasir who was fighting against blasphemy law. Her tears just did not stop for three days and she went into depression feeling there is no hope in Pakistan for secular beliefs. Diep was jailed four times for fighting the government on regressive steps. One of her campaigns was asking for registration of cases against the Mullah who issued an edict against those who attended funeral of Salman Tasir shot by his security guard. When she started, only four persons attended her candle light protest against Mullahs. Now, the number has gone up to 70 persons.