Disconnected.

Congratulations, Pakistanis.

The country has been saved. So has Islam. There is now no one calling for independence from this wretched state. No one has been picked up in the middle of the night. No one from any sect, religion or profession has been killed for the virtue of what they do and believe in. No one has been kidnapped, mugged, threatened, injured. No one has claimed moral superiority. There has been no massacre.

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The state’s move to block cellphone services in Pakistan is perhaps not just one of the most misguided, unintelligent and inane moves there is, but is inhumane on a level I cannot even begin to fathom.

Imagine the plight of someone today trying to get in touch with family members to know if they are safe. Imagine someone who doesn’t have a landline trying to call the police, an ambulance service, a doctor – for assistance of any kind. And while those behind this decision may have the assurance of an army at their disposal, none of the citizens of this state rest at night knowing they are secure.

In the absence of a phone, they will leave their house. They will be mugged, violated of their dignity and possessions. They will be harassed by the hordes of men, but won’t be able to call someone to complain. They will approach the police, who will shrug it off. Even if the police tries to help, they’ll be told not to waste their time. VIP duty hai na sir. They will be detained, go missing, and won’t be able to be traced via a cell phone. They will be killed, and no one will know where they are.

This happens every day. Ask the wife who has no idea where her children’s father is. Ask the mourner whose loved ones were shot dead for their faith and then the attackers celebrated their death. Its available on YouTube, you know. Ask the father whose son’s body has appeared at his doorstep. Ask the young girl who lost her salary when someone pointed a gun at her and demanded it as if it was their birthright. This state – its military, its judiciary, its  political parties, its clerics, its enablers – has systematically stripped its residents of the ability to even die and remain buried with dignity.

Goodnight. And good luck.

• pakistan