THIS refers to the current wave of violence against a Muslim sect in Pakistan. The practice of killing fellow Muslims during Jumma and daily prayers, who believe in the same God, read the same Quran, follow the same prophet, is becoming a routine in Pakistan.

According to right-wing religious parties, Pakistan was created to practise the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Unfortunately this never happened.

Instead we have a society full of hatred and intolerance that reflect Saudi Arabia`s pre-Islamic practices.

The real teachings of Islam show a different view to the world, as shown by Norwegian Muslims who have decided to form a `ring of peace` to protect local Jews against increasing hate, violence and anti-Semitism in Europe.

According to a press report, `The local Muslims in Norway have tried to show to the world that Islam is about protecting our brothers and sisters, regardless of which religion they belong to.

`Islam is about rising above hate and never sinking to the same level as the haters. Islam is about defending each other.

`Muslims want to show that we deeply deplore all types of hatred for Jews,and we are there to support them. We will, therefore, create a human ring around the synagogue to protect our brethren.

Why have we become so cruel, ignorant, wild and moved away from the true teachings of Islam? Can any Pakistani religious scholar or politician please throw some light on the subject? Mehdi Rizvi Canada (2) RECENTLY a number of attacks were carried out at Shia mosques, such as the one at Shikarpur`s Friday congregation at an imambargah.

Another attack took place at the Hayatabad mosque in which 20 people were killed.

The viciousness and savagery of the killers have crossed all limits.

Sectarianism and extremism have not only rapidly permeated in every nook and cranny of the country, but have also destroyed the state`s infrastructure.

Theneed,however,isthatthe government and law-enforcers take concrete and effective measures against terrorists to stop massacre, bloodbath, genocide and sectarianism.

Abdul Basit Mirbahar Sukkur