Tip of the Iceberg

Lal Masjid is the tip of the iceberg. The episode is not just one of those unfortunate incidents that somehow happened and is not likely LO recur. The fact is that the country, especially its northern parts and tribal regions are dotted with thousands of the prototypes of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid. They are powder kegs fitted with timely devices which could be exploded by their Ghazis without warning. Most of those seminaries are headed by hardline bigots, obstinate and obdurate maulanas who teach religious extremism to their students. Their ultimate aim is to muster enough strength to overthrow the government in power and take over the country just as the Taliban did in Afghanistan. That, of course, is the fond dream of all other religious parties of the country as well.