Safoora bus attack, Karachi (Image from IS media release)
A group claiming to be Islamic State Karachi (Pakistan) have released an audio interview to journalists and politicians today entitled, “Men blinded by religion or endowed with understanding and vision”. The audio is 1 hour 5 minutes long and is produced by Al-Qisaas Media.
The written communication alleged to be from IS features the familiar flag and contains links to several videos of Islamic State. An introduction to the audio refers to the Safoora bus attack in Karachi in May 2015 where gunmen shot dead 45 Ismailis and wounded 13 others, see following link,
“Pakistan: Deadly bus attack in Karachi targets Ismaili community, dozens killed and wounded.”
A familiar nasheed chant featured on IS videos such as that of the burning alive of Jordanian pilot Moas al Kasasbeh is heard on the audio prior to the interview which is presented in the style of an academic debate. Below is the written introduction from IS Karachi…
Interview with Mujahid {Reason of Safoora Carnage} … the following are exact words of IS Karachi…
“The recent arrested suspects of the safoora bus attack in karachi, had the so called “experts” and “security analyst” confounded, leaving them utterly perplexed and gasping for words. None of the stereotypes matched the suspects. The madrassa haters were still pushing for operation against madrassas, but somehow the conviction had left their eerie cries for these people had nothing to do with madrassas. These were neither people living on the fringes of poverty, nor social outcasts and nor were they mentally disturbed sociopaths. These were all well educated individuals, hailing from prestigious institutions, coming from decent family backgrounds who could have had this world and its successes, yet somehow they were accused of throwing everything away for a never seen AKHIRA!
Regardless of whether Saad Aziz, Azhar Ishrat and Hafiz Nasir did what they are accused off, the caravan of such gentlemen started off from Mus’ab bin Umair RA and boasts of individuals like Shaikh Osama bin Ladin, Dr. Arshad Waheed, Faisal Shahzad, Aafia Siddiqui and many more. It is high time that the world and especially the muslims, comprehend the drivers that motivate these men and understand their perspective from their own mouths.”
End
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Synopsis of 1 hour audio tape
The listener is invited to listen to a detailed audio link of an interview between two men described as “mujahid”. There is a discussion on what is theism in general terms of different religions and the importance of total obedience to God who provides “an instruction manual to man” (Quran) and the Prophet who brings the message to the people (the followers). The message is given that any attack on these 3 will be met with “a furious reply”.
The interview moves on to discuss how to recognize the Prophet, the limits on behaviour, atheism and agnosticism and a man-made system. The Question and Answer style of the audio interview briefly debates the denial of God through theories of German philosopher Immanuel Kant and Charles Darwin (Theory of Evolution) which are described as “fallacies”. Their writings, thoughts, are examples given which are claimed to lead to the 5 foundations of the modern secular state defined as secularism, nationalism, democracy, capitalism and freedom of speech. There is also mention of the evil principles of Nicolo Machiavelli’s book “The Prince” describing how to run a state. The discussion then turns to the role of the Illuminati and monarchy and the power of a few rich families in states that rule over others.
The two men then explore the “four tools of the system”. These are defined as the military, education system, the NGOs and civil society, and the media and how they operate/control society. Discussion also includes the role of armed forces, propaganda and a Lord McCauley quote on education during the colonial period in India showing how it can be used to control the population. Islam is a complete way of life including education and the mujahid being interviewed states, “only Islam stands alone as the only religion whose foundations are preserved and in their original state and most importantly only Islam offers a complete alternative to replace the oppression of the secular state with divine justice”.
The interview then highlights 2 men Saad Aziz (arrested in relation to Safoora bus bombing) Azhar Ishrat and Hafiz Nasir and alleged accusations against them. There is also specific mention of Sabeen Mahmud, a Pakistani human rights activist and social NGO worker who was shot dead in April 2015 giving details of why she was targeted. A fellow activist, well known Pakistani lawyer Jibran Nasir also comes into the conversation regarding his and Sabeen’s secular stance. A discussion takes place regarding the issue of apostasy, who can be assassinated and for what reasons someone can be killed. This refers to all that are viewed as going against Islam (including women) and are described as “wild and filthy creatures”.
There is a debate on the role and beliefs of the Shia, Ismaili, Hazara communities. The mujahid being interviewed states, “we consider killing them the only solution for guarding Islam from their innovations” and later adds, “there is no middle ground between us and them.”
The topic of discussion then moves to attacks on armed forces, police, rangers and intelligence apparatus who are seen as allies of Shaitan and legitimate targets. Through-out those interviewed argue why such killings are “justified” according to their beliefs.
The Caliphate is the next topic on the agenda and the appointment of the Caliph, how IS came into being and the requirements for establishing an Islamic State. Hafiz Saeed Khan (former Taliban leader, Orakzai agency) was established as leader of Wilayat Khorasan (IS in Afghanistan, Pakistan) and it is stressed in the dialogue that every Muslim in this region must give bayah to IS.
There is reference to peace talks, those involved are seen as betraying Islam,. Although the rich history of Mujahideen is recognized, it is alleged that there is infiltration by agencies at all levels in relation to those active in AfPak.
The end message is that Allah is soft on believers and harsh on those mention throughout the audio that are seen to have chosen another system and turned away from Allah. IS argue that if you accept the ideology of Islam then “actions are so logical that even goats would not butt their heads over it.” Those following Islam are prepared to forsake this world because love for Allah is not devoid of actions and fight those mentioned with no fear of losing their lives. In fighting disbelievers and traitors, believers are said “to fear blame from no-one not even near and dear.” A quote is given to illustrate this.
Mujahid stress that followers “will fight, kill and die for Allah and his commandments” just as others will fight kill and die for land, power, resources and nationality and all of those false powers in God’s name that those opposing seem to believe in. It is argued that if people do not follow they will be replaced with a new nation.
Then comes a warning to all that have been mentioned as being against Islam, “no longer will we fight you in the plains and mountains, no, now we will bring this war where you fear it the most, where you sit in comfort and plan against the Muslims. We will bring it to your streets and your homes, your drawing rooms and your bedrooms, we will displace you just as you have displaced the people of Waziristan”… revenge is threatened.
Muslims are expected to follow IS in AfPak and give bayah to Caliph Abu bakr-al Baghdadi and repeat an oath of allegiance which is recited by those on the video.
Link to interview,
#IslamicStateKarachi
The audio could not be independently verified
End
Links
“43 killed in attack on bus carrying Ismailis to Karachi”
http://www.dawn.com/news/1181698
“Group of 40 people involved in Safoora massacre”
http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/280696-Group-of-40-people-involved-in-Safoora-massacre-r
“Terrorists behind Safoora Goth massacre, Sabeen’s murder in police custody”
“Police arrest four more suspects over Safoora massacre”
Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog 