Islamabad:
Pakistan has been battling internal strife for a while now, there have been a series of attacks on important symbols within the country. The latest being that on the Sufi shrine in the heart of Lahore.
The latest attack is a daily reminder now of the Taliban's efforts to spread its sphere of influence by terror. And a message that religious freedom is now their hostage.
"The incident that happened here is awful. Those who did this cannot be Muslims. The Data Darbar was the only place in Lahore. This attack is not only a big loss for us, but also a loss for the whole country," said Khalique Ahmed, follower of shrine.
Ordinary Pakistanis are asking what their bigger challenge is these days. Peace with India? Or peace within?
It is fight against the Taliban in Waziristan and FATA and its many dimensions that is drawing more attention than the Indo-Pak dialogue.
"I think terrorism and all the problems that exist currently are a result of tense relations between both countries. I think the moment these relations will improve the problems of terrorism will also vanish," said a Pakistani national.
Those who have been part of the establishment largely agree, only peace with India, they believe, would allow Pakistan to focus better.
"If you have good relationship with India then you can focus far more on the war against the militancy and at the same time I think it will also help improving the economy. It will bring about political stability," said Lieutenant Genenral Talat Mahmud.
And after the Taliban and the regular terror strikes, it is the fragile economy of Pakistan that is bothering people.
"First of all, terrorism, inflation and unemployment should end. If unemployment ends, prices will stabilize as well. Unemployment is a big concern," said another Pakistani citizen.
Another Pakistani said, "Both countries should try to live peacefully, otherwise terrorists will take advantage of the tensions. Our nation has reached on the brink of disaster."
Pakistan's state of affairs
Pakistan owes about $55 billion and spend almost 46 per cent of its revenue last year to service its debts
Inflation as measured by the Whole Sale Price Index stood at 22 per cent this April
Unemployment in Pakistan has doubled to about 15 from 7 per cent last year
Unemployment, rising petrol prices, inflation and better living conditions and more importantly Pakistani internal fight against terror is perhaps more important for people here than better relations with India.