Shootout in Lahore

[Uppercut]

Agreed - tragic.

Sorry Uppercut et al. I suppose just as some revert to humour to try and make sense of tragic events, some others of us (perhaps reverting back to their academic studies in politics/history) revert to trying to analyse the whys etc. Probably a discussion for a later time.

It's not that- it's just when someone makes a post to the effect of "religion on the whole is a force of good in the world", one of us is likely to bite (probably me or SS). And noone wants that

 

[Uppercut]

Thank goodness the Sri Lankan cricketers are alright and glad to see they've been flown home to their families as soon as possible. As for the people who died in the attack, may they rest in peace. My thoughts are with their families.

I have to say my spirits have been broken today. I went to check out the score at work and was devastated to see what had ensued. You try and live in denial about these things. Not because you don't care, but because you feel rather helpless about the whole situation, especially when you live halfway around the world watching your homeland burning. But then something like this happens to one of the greatest passions in your life and to people who were brave enough to give us a chance to prove the world wrong and it all comes back and hits you hard, real hard. When I saw the news I had to step away in to an empty room so I could punch the walls. Something like this gives the world a chance to say 'told you so' ever so quietly. Doesn't matter though, I feel like a broken man today. My only hope is that all Pakistanis feel the way I do and do something productive with this anger. Anyway, sorry for making this personal.

That's what really gets to me. Thoughts really with all the Pakistanis here.

 

[SJS]

It's not that- it's just when someone makes a post to the effect of "religion on the whole is a force of good in the world", one of us is likely to bite (probably me or SS). And noone wants that

I dont think religion on the whole ..... blah blah blah stuff. But if someone says it I dont necessarily 'bite'

 

[Matt79]

Thank goodness the Sri Lankan cricketers are alright and glad to see they've been flown home to their families as soon as possible. As for the people who died in the attack, may they rest in peace. My thoughts are with their families.

I have to say my spirits have been broken today. I went to check out the score at work and was devastated to see what had ensued. You try and live in denial about these things. Not because you don't care, but because you feel rather helpless about the whole situation, especially when you live halfway around the world watching your homeland burning. But then something like this happens to one of the greatest passions in your life and to people who were brave enough to give us a chance to prove the world wrong and it all comes back and hits you hard, real hard. When I saw the news I had to step away in to an empty room so I could punch the walls. Something like this gives the world a chance to say 'told you so' ever so quietly. Doesn't matter though, I feel like a broken man today. My only hope is that all Pakistanis feel the way I do and do something productive with this anger. Anyway, sorry for making this personal.

Ah dude, stuff like this post and poor Fusion and Bouncer going around apologising to everyone, it's gut wrenching to read.

I'm sure I speak for everyone here when we say that the whole cricketing community around the world is with the Pakistani cricket community and fans at the moment. Just such a crappy situation.

Hope you're ok mate...

 

[mikeW]

Who the **** gives a **** about cricket in times like these?

This is just appauling and helped me gain greater perspective on things in my life. The policemen and civillians who sacrificed there lives for the well-being of others are just heroes and only a small percentage of people in this world would of done the same. Alot of questions need to be answered about this.

I dont pretend to have a great knowledge of what goes on across the globe but i am just so thankful Australia isn't overrun by these cretins. Hopefully the Pakistani people will some day be able to look at this moment and believe it was the turning point in the nations history. We all need to come together in times like these and support each other.

I have one question i want to know though, how did this all stop? Why did the terrorists flee? Usually those in such a cause are willing to sacrifice thier own lives for the so called cause.

 

[Uppercut]

I dont think religion on the whole ..... blah blah blah stuff. But if someone says it I dont necessarily 'bite'

Haha, yeah. I'm clearly not going for it here, but on another day in another thread I might have done. I just though maybe it'd have led to another derailing I guess.

 

[jeevan]

Hi Xuhaib

My heart goes out to cricket lovers from Pakistan.

I generally avoid commenting on contentious non-cricketing issues on CW but since you have written this, I am emboldened to write what I am about to. Please do not think of me as anything but an elder. I could very well be from your own family.

I talk to a lot of Pakistani men, mainly youngsters in my travels across the world. One comes across them and since we all lokk the same and speak the same language you always start talking and speaking in one's mother tongue in a foregin land always brings a sense of warmth and intimacy. I have invariably observed the following.

1. There is a very strong desire to convince me that all Pakistanis (or a majority anyway) are peace loving.
2. There is a denial of the presence of any major terrorist network in Pakistan.
3. In a very large number of cases there is a feeling or conviction that 9/11 was a conspiracy hatched in US.
4. If the talk ever veers around to terrorism across the world, there is an inclination to talk of the injustices in Paletine, Kashmir, Bosnia etc etc.

I am saying this not to paint streotypes my friend as you will soon see.

I understand how it feels to have the perspective that the whole world is looking at you with 'jaundiced' eyes. I am a Sikh and used to wear a turban at the time of the Punjab terrorism in India. I have seen the same look in the eyes of my countrymen towards Sikhs. I have seen Sikhs react in exactly the same way, talking of conspiracy theories and the injustices against Sikhs by the Congress and the Jan Sangh and so on. I know exactly how it feels and how we tend to react.

But that doesn't get us anywhere.

The Sikhs in Punjab had to decide that enough was enough. That the Sikh terrorists (and thats exactly what they were) were doing more harm to the Sikh community than could be imagined. That unless checked this could have long term consequences and the Sikh community, one of the most prosperous in India would lose all they had earned with their sweat and toil if this went on.

So the Sikhs of Punjab started co-operating with the police much more proactively, putting their lives at risk at the hands of the terrorists (and I admit at the hands of the police at times) but eventually Punjab waas rid of the problem. WE got back, nay earned back the respect of our countrymen which was always rightfully ours but had been denied for a decade due to the misdeeds of some of our co-religionists.

Were we, the normal law abiding Sikhs unfairly targetted? Maybe. But we were indirectly complicit to the extent that so many of us went into a reflex denial mode.

Pakistan needs to , colectively decide to fight this menace. Forget the hurt, stereotyping of Muslims by the world causes. Its a small hurt. The bigger problem lies elsewhere.

Take care

Excellent post. Worthy of a read well beyond the transience of a cricket forum. Sir, at least put it on a blog somewhere.

 

[Richard]

Thank goodness the Sri Lankan cricketers are alright and glad to see they've been flown home to their families as soon as possible. As for the people who died in the attack, may they rest in peace. My thoughts are with their families.

I have to say my spirits have been broken today. I went to check out the score at work and was devastated to see what had ensued. You try and live in denial about these things. Not because you don't care, but because you feel rather helpless about the whole situation, especially when you live halfway around the world watching your homeland burning. But then something like this happens to one of the greatest passions in your life and to people who were brave enough to give us a chance to prove the world wrong and it all comes back and hits you hard, real hard. When I saw the news I had to step away in to an empty room so I could punch the walls. Something like this gives the world a chance to say 'told you so' ever so quietly. Doesn't matter though, I feel like a broken man today. My only hope is that all Pakistanis feel the way I do and do something productive with this anger. Anyway, sorry for making this personal.

Ah dude, stuff like this post and poor Fusion and Bouncer going around apologising to everyone, it's gut wrenching to read.

I'm sure I speak for everyone here when we say that the whole cricketing community around the world is with the Pakistani cricket community and fans at the moment. Just such a crappy situation.

Hope you're ok mate...

Yeah. You have to really, really feel for the Pakistani posters on here (because we know them, to whatever extent, so thus feel for them more so than the countless millions we do not). I cannot begin to comprehend how difficult all this must be.

As I say - it's just unspeakably infuriating how so few people can destroy so much that means so much to so many. Not only have they taken the lives of a few people who were brave enough to endanger themselves to protect others (as all terrorism almost invariably does), but they have soul-destroyed countless people whose crime is a connection to a country, nothing more.

Much as they believe they'll get their reward, you have to hope their God punishes them for this, and severely.

 

[Evermind]

Much as they believe they'll get their reward, you have to hope their God punishes them for this, and severely.

Exactly the attitude that got everyone into this mess in the first place.

 

[Richard]

Err - no it isn't. During life on Earth no-one will truly know whether or not God will punish\reward anyone for anything. One can only hope that people who have performed despicable deeds will be punished for them.

 

[Xuhaib]

An English match referee on his way to officiate at Pakistan's test match with Sri Lanka was praised for his bravery today after diving on top of a local umpire to save his life during this morning's gun attack.

Chris Broad was seen walking around in a blood-stained shirt in the minutes after the ordeal, which saw a dozen heavily-armed militants attacking the Sri Lankan team bus, injuring nine team members and officials and killing at least six people.

Broad, the father of England fast-bowler Stuart, was one of several match officials and umpires travelling in a minibus directly behind the Sri Lankan vehicle when it was attacked.

According to an account given by Nadeem Ghouri, the Pakistani test umpire also travelling in the minibus, the Englishman dived on top of Ehsan Raza, the fourth umpire, in an attempt to protect him after he was critically wounded. Mr Raza, who was shot in the back, was said to be in a critical condition in hospital today.

The Sri Lankan team were attacked as they made their way from their team hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to play in the second day of their five-day test against Pakistan.

“It was horrifying. There were bullets flying around us and we didn’t know what was happening,” Mr Ghouri told the Reuters news agency.

“When the firing started we all went down on the floor of the coach. Our driver was killed instantly from a shot from the front.”

He added that, after Mr Raza was wounded, Broad – a former England opener in his playing days – lay on top of him to protect him. “It was very brave,” he added.

Following the shooting of the driver, a local policeman was then asked to drive the minibus to the stadium.

Broad's bravery was also praised by Dominic Cork, the former England cricketer, who said he told him he had suffered "the most frightening experience of his life".

The Foreign Office later confirmed that the Sri Lankan team’s British assistant coach, Paul Farbrace, was among seven injured in the attack, which threatens to leave Pakistan isolated in the world of international cricket.

Cork became the first to call for a boycott Pakistan amid growing security concerns. The Sri Lankan team had only agreed to play the series as replacements for India, who pulled out amid deteriorating diplomatic relations following the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
.....................................................................................................................................

Respect sir

 

[cricman]

Much as they believe they'll get their reward, you have to hope their God punishes them for this, and severely.

I doubt they even believe in God

 

[Richard]

An English match referee on his way to officiate at Pakistan's test match with Sri Lanka was praised for his bravery today after diving on top of a local umpire to save his life during this morning's gun attack.

Chris Broad was seen walking around in a blood-stained shirt in the minutes after the ordeal, which saw a dozen heavily-armed militants attacking the Sri Lankan team bus, injuring nine team members and officials and killing at least six people.

Broad, the father of England fast-bowler Stuart, was one of several match officials and umpires travelling in a minibus directly behind the Sri Lankan vehicle when it was attacked.

According to an account given by Nadeem Ghouri, the Pakistani test umpire also travelling in the minibus, the Englishman dived on top of Ehsan Raza, the fourth umpire, in an attempt to protect him after he was critically wounded. Mr Raza, who was shot in the back, was said to be in a critical condition in hospital today.

The Sri Lankan team were attacked as they made their way from their team hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to play in the second day of their five-day test against Pakistan.

“It was horrifying. There were bullets flying around us and we didn’t know what was happening,” Mr Ghouri told the Reuters news agency.

“When the firing started we all went down on the floor of the coach. Our driver was killed instantly from a shot from the front.”

He added that, after Mr Raza was wounded, Broad – a former England opener in his playing days – lay on top of him to protect him. “It was very brave,” he added.

Following the shooting of the driver, a local policeman was then asked to drive the minibus to the stadium.

Broad's bravery was also praised by Dominic Cork, the former England cricketer, who said he told him he had suffered "the most frightening experience of his life".

The Foreign Office later confirmed that the Sri Lankan team’s British assistant coach, Paul Farbrace, was among seven injured in the attack, which threatens to leave Pakistan isolated in the world of international cricket.

Cork became the first to call for a boycott Pakistan amid growing security concerns. The Sri Lankan team had only agreed to play the series as replacements for India, who pulled out amid deteriorating diplomatic relations following the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
.....................................................................................................................................

Respect sir

Yeah, one of those nice little things to salvage from the wreck. Times like those bring out the best in some people.

 

[Richard]

I doubt they even believe in God

Obviously, we've (to my knowledge) next to no information on the nature of the group behind this, but deranged "religious" fanatics are often high on the list of suspects in many terrorist attacks.

 

[PhoenixFire]

Bravery or stupidity?

 

[Fusion]

An English match referee on his way to officiate at Pakistan's test match with Sri Lanka was praised for his bravery today after diving on top of a local umpire to save his life during this morning's gun attack.

Chris Broad was seen walking around in a blood-stained shirt in the minutes after the ordeal, which saw a dozen heavily-armed militants attacking the Sri Lankan team bus, injuring nine team members and officials and killing at least six people.

Broad, the father of England fast-bowler Stuart, was one of several match officials and umpires travelling in a minibus directly behind the Sri Lankan vehicle when it was attacked.

According to an account given by Nadeem Ghouri, the Pakistani test umpire also travelling in the minibus, the Englishman dived on top of Ehsan Raza, the fourth umpire, in an attempt to protect him after he was critically wounded. Mr Raza, who was shot in the back, was said to be in a critical condition in hospital today.

The Sri Lankan team were attacked as they made their way from their team hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to play in the second day of their five-day test against Pakistan.

“It was horrifying. There were bullets flying around us and we didn’t know what was happening,” Mr Ghouri told the Reuters news agency.

“When the firing started we all went down on the floor of the coach. Our driver was killed instantly from a shot from the front.”

He added that, after Mr Raza was wounded, Broad – a former England opener in his playing days – lay on top of him to protect him. “It was very brave,” he added.

Following the shooting of the driver, a local policeman was then asked to drive the minibus to the stadium.

Broad's bravery was also praised by Dominic Cork, the former England cricketer, who said he told him he had suffered "the most frightening experience of his life".

What a hero. I hope the government of Pakistan recognizes his bravery in some fashion.

 

[Fusion]

Bravery or stupidity?

Selfless bravery. I don't see where the "stupidity" part comes from.

 

[Richard]

Bravery or stupidity?

Well it's not really stupid - it's not like he was putting himself in any more danger by doing that. He was in danger regardless - he just tried to slightly reduce the danger someone else was in. Just good to see that he was still thinking of others despite the situation he found himself in.

Either way, I haven't heard any details but I hope more than ever that Ehsan Raza pulls through, if he's in a critical condition. Would be nice to know that someone, somewhere has helped someone without having to forfeit their own life as several of the police did.

 

[cricman]

Obviously, we've (to my knowledge) next to no information on the nature of the group behind this, but deranged "religious" fanatics are often high on the list of suspects in many terrorist attacks.

they just us term "Religion" to Garder more attention and also hide themselves, They are in no way religious whatssoever.

It doesn't take a Genius to have an Idea who was responisble for this Tragedy.

RIP to those Officers who put up a fight and defended against them, They were just overmatched.

I saw a Rifle the Officer was holding in Cricinfo, those terrorists had AK-47's, Rocket launchers, just not a safe world anymore. Take way to much for granted.

 

[Xuhaib]

Yeah. You have to really, really feel for the Pakistani posters on here (because we know them, to whatever extent, so thus feel for them more so than the countless millions we do not). I cannot begin to comprehend how difficult all this must be.

As I say - it's just unspeakably infuriating how so few people can destroy so much that means so much to so many. Not only have they taken the lives of a few people who were brave enough to endanger themselves to protect others (as all terrorism almost invariably does), but they have soul-destroyed countless people whose crime is a connection to a country, nothing more.

Much as they believe they'll get their reward, you have to hope their God punishes them for this, and severely

Reminds me of a funny story from my O'levels in early 2000's We had an Islamic teacher who dressed up in a typical Taliban manner (no! he had no guns) at our school. When you would ask him why he was such a staunch muslim he use to come up with crap stuff like 'when you die Allah will reward you with 70 beautiful virgins in heaven' ,like any mischievous teenagers we use to piss him by asking will they be hotter then Briana Banks or Jenna Jameson and all this crap

This use to really piss him off and he use to come up with statements that get on the right path or you will face Allah's wrath blah blah...and I saw quit a few guys getting influenced by him since that is indeed an impressionable age.

Now I am not saying he has turned in to a terrorist since last In heard he was working for KPMG in Kuwait and doing quite well for himself as he is a qualified CA.

Now my point is that sort of brain washing is so strongly embedded in Pakistan that even educated people can fall for this if you are unfortunate to get in contact with these guys so you can imagine the impact it has on the poor and illiterate a number which is increasing in Pakistan day by day.