The Challenge of Extremism in Pakistan

How extremism in Pakistan has deepened and to what extent the state and society of Pakistan can deal with that menace by providing better education and ensuring socioeconomic development? One is shocked to see rising intolerance, extremism, fanaticism and terrorism in Pakistani society amidst the culture of silence and appeasement on the part of those who matter. Extremism is not a new phenomenon. It is rooted in human nature as people tend to be aggressive in their approach and way of doing things. But when it comes to a situation where extremism becomes a threat to human survival and the society is taken as a hostage by various extremist groups, it is the obligation on the part of state authorities to take firm action against those who propagate hate, anger, antagonism and violence. Instead of covering up acts of militancy and terrorism and pursuing a policy of appeasement vis-a-vis hard line religious groups, state authorities in Pakistan must take deterrent measures to neutralize those groups and parties who use religion for political purposes and use force to silence those who differ with their extremist ideology.