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Pakistan, a diverse and complex country, has been battling with the rise of extremism, both religious and political, that threatens to undermine its stability, security, and democracy. Recent events underscore how quickly certain segments of Pakistani society turn into violent mobs. In a disturbing occurrence at Ichhra Market in Lahore, a woman dining at a local establishment fell prey to a frenzied mob that accused her of blasphemy. The uproar erupted when bystanders purportedly observed Quranic verses adorning her attire.
The incident unfolded on Sunday in Lahore’s Ichra Bazaar, where police intervened to protect a woman clad in a kurta bearing the inscription “beautiful life” in Arabic, a design feature by a prominent clothing brand that some misconstrued as Quranic text. A viral video on social media captured the terrified woman seeking refuge in a shop, vehemently refuting the allegations of blasphemy.
It is difficult to pinpoint why extremism is spreading throughout our society at such a rapid pace. Still, it may be argued that extremism in Pakistani society stems from myriad interconnected factors, including the enduring legacy of colonialism and partition, which carved boundaries and sowed divisions, leaving behind festering disputes such as Kashmir. Additionally, external influences such as the Cold War, the Afghan jihad, and the War on Terror, coupled with regional rivalries, exacerbate the situation. Moreover, governance failures and developmental shortcomings have engendered widespread poverty, inequality, corruption, and injustice, fostering a sense of disenchantment and resentment, particularly among marginalized groups and youth.
Addressing extremism necessitates a multifaceted, long-term strategy entailing collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders including the state, civil society, media, religious leaders, educators, youth, and international partners. While the challenge of extremism is formidable, it is not insurmountable. Through collective determination and concerted efforts, the country can overcome this challenge, realizing its vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive nation.
