Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, And the State
“Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, And the State” represents Madiha Afzal’s extensive research and writing spanning several years, focusing on extremism, education, and politics within Pakistan. The opening chapters delve into the origins of radicalism, extremism, terrorism, and the prevailing concept of jihad in the country. Subsequent chapters address topics such as ‘Pakistan’s Legal Islamization,’ ‘An Ideological Education,’ and ‘Islamists and Madrassas.’ The final chapter offers ‘An Appraisal and a Way Forward,’ likely providing insights and recommendations for addressing the challenges outlined in earlier sections.
According to Madiha Afzal, extremism and terrorism in the region are products of Pakistan’s geopolitical history. The conflict between capitalism and communism introduced various militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban. With support from Pakistan, the US, and Saudi Arabia, capitalism prevailed in the conflict, leading to adverse consequences for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both the US and Saudi Arabia provided funding for what was termed as ‘jihad,’ with Pakistan, including its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), playing a role in training militants both ideologically and militarily in new madrassas.
Sufi Muhammad’s jihadist group emerged in 1980, later evolving into the TTP under Baitullah Mehsud’s leadership in 2007. The TTP has been engaged in conflict against the state, civilians, institutions, and military forces since its inception. Similarly, the Afghan Taliban, led by Mullah Umar, arose in 1990 and governed post-Soviet Afghanistan from 1996 until the events of 9/11. This regime was characterized by ultra-conservatism, anti-women policies, and hostility towards the US. Following 9/11, the Afghan Taliban sought refuge in Pakistan, leading to a complex dynamic where the TTP became perceived as negative while the Afghan Taliban were viewed more favourably.
Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) also emerged, with LeT specifically targeting India over the Kashmir issue. Al Qaeda (AQ), founded by Osama Bin Laden and Aiman al-Zawahiri, emerged as a global jihadist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks, targeting the US and the West.
The TTP opposes Pakistan’s constitution and government, advocating for the imposition of Sharia law through violent means. Pakistan’s military, in response, launched operations like Zarb-e-Azb to counter the TTP’s threats. The author emphasizes that the Pakistani military’s role extends beyond defending territorial integrity to safeguarding ideological frontiers, as reflected in its motto: ‘Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fi Sabilillah.’
Pakistan’s journey towards legal Islamization and Sharia began with the Objective Resolution of 1949, gradually shaping the country into a theocratic state, particularly during Zia-ul-Haq’s era. Policies like making Islamiat and Pakistan Studies compulsory in educational institutions propagated Zia’s religious and jihad-oriented views. This Islamization led to legislation targeting Ahmadis, blasphemy laws, Hudood laws, and the establishment of bodies like the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
The author critiques Pakistan’s educational system for its failure to address the root causes of issues like the separation of Bangladesh and the rise of extremism and terrorism. Textbooks and madrassa curricula, devoid of scientific and rational teachings, often propagate anti-women, anti-US, anti-West, anti-India, and pro-jihad ideologies. Despite calls for reform, madrassas remain resistant to change, symbolizing what Afzal terms as ‘the fortress of Islam.’
Ultimately, Afzal recommends a curriculum overhaul in educational institutions to emphasize science, critical thinking, and moderate Islamic teachings. Additionally, she calls for state agencies to move away from religious justifications for warfare.
The writer teaches at Govt Boys Degree College Pishin, Balochistan
