Pakistan under Siege: Extremism, Society and the State
- Extremism in Pakistan is driven by complex factors including anti-Indian sentiment, hostility towards US policies, perceptions of Islam in the West, and a pervasive sense of national victimhood.
- The education system, influenced by extremist narratives from Madrassas and political manipulation, perpetuates distorted views of Islam that fuel radicalization among the youth.
- Pakistan's state narrative, shaped by years of conflict and the war on terror, plays a crucial role in framing attitudes towards extremism, external threats, and national identity, often reinforcing regressive forms of Islamization.
Since the inception of Pakistan, the country has faced multi-dimensional problems. At first, it has its roots in tortured birth and then being surrounded by a hostile neighborhood, led it to the verge of deterioration. Further, the country’s polarized politics, poor governance, and mishandling of situations ruined the foundation of the state. It is postulated that a country’s best survival depends upon its strong management and policies. The book, “Pakistan under Siege: Extremism, Society and the State”, explores the complex and profound issue of extremism and militancy in Pakistan. It also sheds light on its adverse effects on the society and state. The author examines the socio-political landscape of Pakistan to show that the elements of extremism not only are devastating or exacerbating the peace of the country, but also, exasperating the feelings of the people.
Extremism refers to extreme political, social, and ideological views within the society that undermine the societal norms, values, and institutions which in turn lead to extreme violence and chaos in the society.
It is speculated that a narrative or blame game has dwelled deep into Pakistan’s politics due to its weak governing policies, teetering economic fallout, and adverse infrastructures. Whenever any political party takes up the baton for the country, scapegoatism starts for the previous one.
To a certain extent, India’s hostile attitude is prevalent in letting Pakistan down, but, it is also true that excessive incrimination worsens the situation. The country’s socio-economic and political proceedings are also responsible for pervasive extremism. The author’s findings highlight the complex nature of extremism in Pakistan, noting that while a majority of Pakistanis oppose terrorism; their nationalistic ideologies often reflect extreme narratives. These narratives are driven by several factors:
Anti-Indian Sentiment:
From the beginning, the entrenched political conflict between the two countries and hostile attitude of the people towards each other considerably enhanced the rude sentiments towards extremist views.
Dislike for the US and its Policies:
Similarly, the pervasive hostility towards the United States, emanating from its foreign policy and intervention in the region aggravate the extremism.
Status of Islam in the West: Perceptions of how Islam is treated in Western countries, or so called escalation of Islam phobia in the West, influence public opinion and can add up to fanatical views.
Sense of National Victimhood: A ubiquitous feeling of being victimized and a constant fear of being subjugated by global powers and neighboring countries fuels nationalistic and extremist narratives and in spite of curtailing it exasperate the situation and sentiments.
These findings underscore the nuances of extremism within Pakistani society, depicting that it is not just a matter of religious extremism, but is persistently weave together with national identity and perception of external threats by the people of the country.According to Martin Luther King Jr. :
“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence, you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence, you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. Violence merely increases hate”.
It is also postulated that the fear that hovered over Pakistan for decades, has created disquietude among people. It has verily affected the religious, educational, and social systems of the state. For instance, to education system, such as the Madrassas and Mulah culture, has inculcated the spirit of “die for Islam”, in a wrong manner. Rather than instilling the true essence of Jihad and Islam, they start brainwashing the new generation. Therefore, the education system is devastating and extremism is prevailing.
Similarly, many times the political parties and the clerics use Islam or the culture of Islamization to dominate and to derive power over the nation. Extremist groups use distorted and vague images of Islam to justify violence and terrorism. This often recruits followers and legitimizes their actions. Control over the media and education system shapes people’s beliefs and values, where they can reinforce their ideological control.
Subsequently, it is no denying the fact that the ‘state’s narrative’, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the country. It is verily known that over the last fifteen years, Pakistan has been struggling and entrapped in the war on terror. It is widely encapsulated that the state has its narrative and anticipation towards extremists, outside threats, and Non-Muslims. The paranoia has been shown in various laws and curricula. This also depicts the regressive form of Islamization and shapes citizens’ attitudes.
In a nutshell, it is palpable that one’s narrative is more profound and crucial in shaping reality. Not only thing, the vague laws and gal baked policies also originate the evil of politics. If for instance, any calamity occurs, the state’s concern is at first to formulate policies and strong governance to counter it. Rather than just take up the hatchet against the enemies, one must enable oneself to push against the cataclysm to survive and rise properly.
The author is a lecturer in Higher Education department and believes that words are powerful enough to transcribe the stories into reality.
