The Pakistani Spectator

As the beginning of the New Year reflects hopelessness and despair, people everywhere express seriousness about the ongoing situation in Pakistan. The terrorists are trying their level best to upset the democratic process as well as the economic stability of the country. While playing in the hands of the enemies, Pakistan has suffered the loss of thousands of innocent lives in addition to a loss of $40 billion, greatly upsetting the economic landscape of the country. Success in the ‘War on terror’ is the only option that is imperative for the safe future of Pakistan but parallel efforts to curb this menace are essential. Bloodshed from both
sides has been going on for decades. It cannot be the only solution as there are some grey areas that need to be looked upon.

Let us study some areas that can help us curb extremism parallel to the pressure the security forces are posing on the militants so that casualties from both sides can be minimized in future. Every big movement has a firm ideology and so does this so called ‘Khilafat movement’. The ideology behind this is controversial and yet to
be understood completely by many. Majority of the learned scholars have given fatwa that killing of innocent civilians cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever. Even though these kinds of statements have been issued, the targeting of civilians is still on the rise. One major step that needs to be taken is the distortion of this false ideology that is being used to create bombers amongst the young militants.

Men and women professing Islam have been motivated alike to sacrifice their own lives by a lunatic fringe. Numbering no more than a few thousand out of an estimated Islamic population of 1.5 billion subscribe to this extremist ideology. The supporters of this movement are made to believe that this is a war against non-Muslims. They are quoted and explained various statements out of context from the Holy Scriptures and convinced to attack Pakistan and win over this land as a militant playground. The blame is more on the religious leaders than it is on the militants as they master skills in persuading the masses.

To negate this ideology it is important to show that not only these people are being misled by their leaders but they are also performing actions that are alien and strongly against the principles of Islam. A few leaders playing enemy to our state are ruining an entire generation in the name of religion for shared benefits. It is our duty as a nation to convey the message to all corners of Pakistan that we condemn this ideology as Muslims. The Pakistani Taliban being misguided Muslims having lack of religious knowledge have become bigoted.

It would be correct to say that majority of the militant leaders have minimal knowledge of Islam themselves. Thus, even their followers fail to back up their actions. It is like they have blind faith in their leaders and will do as they order, reflecting a total brain wash. The real Islamic ideology must be conveyed to them through talks about peace in several places that puts bloodshed as last of the options even in the worst scenario. How can such a peace loving religion allow strapping bombs to
one’s body and blowing up? Indeed, suicide is strongly prohibited in Islam, an act that shall receive severe punishments.

The current situation of Pakistan requires complete distortion of this fake ideology and along with that requires extraordinary reconciliation with some of these militants so that they can be brought back on the right path without violence. This is not impossible as we have seen miracles take place in the past.

Betrayal in religion is prohibited and it is vital to keep promises and treat prisoners of war in a humane way. Standing by these ethics is what distinguishes Muslim’s Jihad from the wars of other nations. History shows that without giving further leverage to these extremists, dialogues were carried out and a peaceful agreement was chalked out. The extremists were found to be no different than us and they wanted end of war too. Presently the security forces and the militants have united to
replicate tolerance and respect opinions of each other. They have shown the world that living in peace is better and violence is no solution to problems that have existed since decades. They decided to work together for further peace in other countries by using the strategy to increase awareness among people of the true interpretation of religion and its teachings against violence.

It is our duty as a nation to spread the true teachings of Islam and end all misinterpretations and misguidance. Majority of the militants around the world turn away from militancy when they understand the true meaning of Islam.  Unfortunately, their limited knowledge of both worldly and religious education isolates them in a manner that they are mesmerized by their so called leaders. The end result is that the extremists have the final word and the result is reflected in frequent blood shed and loss of innocent lives.

To conclude, peace will prevail in Pakistan when extremism is curbed from the roots. This is the last and only choice left for us. However this is not something that can be achieved overnight. Counter strategies will have to be carried out against this mostly invisible enemy of ours. Distorting the ideology behind this enemy must be our primary goal  Once we are able to shake the pillars of extremism the infrastructure of our country will be free of militancy threats for ever. This can certainly be achieved but only through a shoulder to shoulder effort of the people of Pakistan willing to be educated and enlightened.