Religious Extremism
akistan is a land in which sets of different religions are involved. Among them the majority is of Muslims. In other words we can say that the main factor of the establishment of Pakistan is to have a separate state where Muslims can live their lives according to Islam, where they can practice their religion freely. But with the passage of time we have seen such incidents that are the horrible examples of religious extremism where a set of people are showing the negative side which doesn’t even exist in our religion.
Religious extremism is a major issue in Pakistan that has had a significant impact on the country’s social, political, and economic landscape. This phenomenon has been fueled by various factors, including historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. In this article, we will explore the incidents, and the causes and effects of religious extremism in Pakistan.
Incidents of religious extremism in Pakistan:
Over the years the conflict between Shia and Sunni is the hot topic which revolves somehow on a daily basis. This whole mess has become the major war against both the parties. Many people lost their lives because of this problem.
Similarly the country has seen several suicide bombings by extremist groups, targeting crowded places such as mosques, markets, and public gatherings. One of the deadliest attacks was in 2010, when two suicide bombers killed 102 people at a Sufi shrine in the province of Sindh.
On the other and religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis, have been targeted by extremist groups in Pakistan. In 2013, a suicide bomber attacked a church in Peshawar, killing more than 80 people. In 2017, a mob attacked on Ahmadiyya mosque in Punjab, killing several worshippers.
Also Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have been used to target religious minorities and suppress dissent. In 2011, the governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his own bodyguard for speaking out against the blasphemy laws.
Addressing the issue of The Taliban, it has been active in Pakistan for many years, and have carried out numerous attacks on civilians, government officials, and security forces. In 2014, the Taliban attacked an army-run school in Peshawar, killing more than 140 people, mostly children.
Another reason is the groups operating. Several militant groups operate in Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have been responsible for attacks in India as well as within Pakistan itself. These are just a few examples of the incidents of religious extremism in Pakistan. The government has taken steps to counter extremism, but it remains a major challenge for the country.
Causes of Religious Extremism in Pakistan:
- Historical Factors: One of the significant factors that have contributed to religious extremism in Pakistan is the country’s history. Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims, which led to the emergence of Islamic nationalism. This ideology became deeply ingrained in the country’s political and social fabric, which paved the way for the rise of extremist groups.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and inequality are major socioeconomic factors that have contributed to religious extremism in Pakistan. These factors have led to a sense of hopelessness and frustration among young people who are vulnerable to extremist ideologies.
- Educational System: The education system in Pakistan has also played a significant role in promoting religious extremism. The country’s education system is largely based on Islamic teachings, which has made it easier for extremist groups to influence young people with their ideology.
- Political Instability: Pakistan has been plagued by political instability, which has created a conducive environment for extremist groups to thrive. The country’s political system is characterized by corruption, nepotism, and a lack of accountability, which has eroded the people’s trust in the government.
Effects of Religious Extremism in Pakistan:
- Terrorism: One of the most significant effects of religious extremism in Pakistan is terrorism. Extremist groups have carried out numerous attacks on civilians, security forces, and government installations, causing widespread fear and panic.
- Sectarian Violence: Religious extremism has also led to sectarian violence in Pakistan. The country has witnessed numerous clashes between different religious sects, which has resulted in the loss of lives and property.
- Economic Impacts: Religious extremism has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy. The country’s tourism industry has suffered due to the perception of Pakistan as an unsafe destination. The business community has also been affected by the frequent strikes and violence.
- Social Impacts: Religious extremism has created a deep sense of fear and mistrust among people from different religious communities. This has led to the fragmentation of society, making it difficult for people to live and work together.
In conclusion, religious extremism is a complex phenomenon that has had far-reaching effects on Pakistan’s society, politics, and economy. As The religious notion of the fore-fathers of Pakistan and their vision for the role of religion in the national politics of this country was entirely different from the present day’s radical views. To tackle this problem, Pakistan needs to address the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, unemployment, religious propagandas and political instability, and promote tolerance, pluralism, and respect for diversity.
