Blind faith

Not something we can afford

We have been facing the same issues for decades without any solution. Whether it were the 1950’s, the 1980’s or the current decade, the issues have been the same in our country; only their form and extent have varied. Eminent writer G W Choudhry (1967), while highlighting the problems in the constitutional development, explains that a certain sect of people thought Pakistan was being too religious, while a second section of the society thought that religion was not given the place it deserved in the society. And it is a pity that even after so many years, we are on the same standstill while the extent has even worsened.

While the government is handing over power to military in Karachi, no much political weight is being put behind uprooting militancy-inducing seminaries. The army has done a tremendous job in the tribal agencies but we still need a lot more. After the heart-wrenching attack on Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, the whole nation was mobilised to get rid of the termite that has engulfed our society — terrorism. Religious fanaticism, to be specific. The constitution was amended and a 20-point National Action Plan was devised. One of the ingredients of this plan was the reformation of the religious seminaries and madrassas, to avoid any hate speech.

Sadly, nothing was done in this regard; at least nothing noticeable. When the Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed dared call these religious seminaries “centres of ignorance and illiteracy” on May 3, he faced an upheaval of fury and sentiments from the masses, especially the religious sections. From declaring him non-Muslim to issuing fatwas to kill him, these seminaries made sure that he apologised and he offered an explanation. On Monday, May 18, the Information Minister tendered an apology to those who had been hurt and explained that his words were meant only for “those seminaries that are promoting the culture of terrorism”.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi of Pakistan Ulema Council when questioned about this issue clearly stated, “I don’t think that there is any anger or backlash left on what the Information Minister said. He gave a statement that hurt and enraged people but he then explained why he made that statement and apologised to those who were offended. I think the matter is settled for now. No one has the right to call him a Qadiani or a Kafir on this. Anyone who declares a Muslim non-Muslim, he himself has to inspect his own faith carefully first. This issue is being stretched for political and fanatical reasons only. In essence, it does not exist now.”

Ideally, the Information Minister should have nothing to worry about, as is evident from the words of Allama Ashrafi. However, such is the sway of the religious sections of the society on public policy and security matters that the Information Minister had to give in and clarify his position, a position that the government had taken a stand on only a few weeks ago.

Manipulation of religious ideology in Pakistan

Conceived as a nation state based on Islamic principles, Pakistan’s ideology has changed over time. However, due to confused ideologies and manipulation of religiosity by certain forces, the nation still stands confused on this issue even after 68 years of inception. Some of the religious seminaries that are supposed to be the centre of learning and culture are playing a vital role in hatemongering and disintegration of societal fabric – the emphasis being on some and not all.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi while discussing this issue stated, “No one person has perfect authority on religion. You are as religious as I am. So those who try to hijack religion should stop from doing so.”

Dr Mehdi Hasan, senior journalist and historian, offered his take on this issue, “I would want to highlight that our society is under the control of religious extremist elements which manipulate people and make them do as per their will, on their terms and conditions. This is the main cause for the prevalence of militancy and extremism in our society. Absolutely no one has the right to impose his will on anyone else’s religious matters and one should be free to choose for himself his beliefs.”

Wise words, but the direction our society has taken, along with the government and establishment, point towards a bleaker future, a future where tolerance and religious harmony will give in to hatred sectarianism.

A foreign policy standpoint

Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former Foreign Minister, when asked about his perspective from an international standpoint, highlighted, “Understanding the background is important. Every region has some particular importance. Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey have particular importance to Pakistani people, both for emotional and sectarian reasons. Unfortunately, all three of them have deep-rooted discrepancies among themselves. However, owing to our linkages we can only arrange a diplomatic and negotiated setting with them but cannot be a party to any of them in their conflicts.”

“When I was serving as Foreign Minister, the Palestine issue was raised. President Musharraf visited many countries of the Islamic world to arrange a solution. However, I felt that Iran was being isolated. The foreign office could not afford and it decided that Iran should not be left out.”

When questioned about the recent tiff between Pakistan and Gulf countries, Mr Kasuri was very confident and positive. “There is a need to explain things to Saudi Arabia,” he suggested. “Our army is already stretched to its limits. We have sensitive borders already and cannot get involved in anything that hurts the sentiments of any sect of our country. I think Saudi Arabia will understand our situation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have common interests. Three million Pakistanis are working in Gulf countries, adding to their and our economy. So there is a lot that can help resolve this issue peacefully.”

How this societal disintegration can be undone

Enough damage has already been done. The most important thing in this regard is that we as a nation must improve our critical thinking and realise the difference between jihad and fasad.

The mindset of the nation needs a new direction, to peace and tolerance. There is a need to get rid of terrorism and fanaticism. Mr Kasuri, supporting this viewpoint, stated, “People need to be mobilised and united. As the nation is already united after the Peshawar tragedy, turning this mobilisation into action should not be a problem.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi was also in support of this idea, “The society as a whole should get rid of such elements. “If anyone tries to promote extremism and fanaticism in the name of religion, he should be boycotted by the masses. Everyone should study religion himself and then decide. There is a need to change how and what we think about religion.”

Dr Mehdi Hasan had his recommendations to offer. “As far as terrorism is concerned, I think is excessive display of religiosity should be stopped in our society. There are many initiatives that need to be taken. Some are short-term and the others are long-term.”

He added yet another thoughtful dimension to the scenario and declared the need of a psychological rather than an armed warfare. “A psychological warfare has to be undertaken. The curriculum of schools should be upgraded and made in par with the developed countries. Values like tolerance and human rights should be incorporated. This is a long process and needs to be started immediately.”

When asked about the failure of National Action Plan when coming to religious extremism, he added, “We have to change the mindset of the people first and educate them on these matters. Both the government and the media need to play a vital role in this regard. And until now, no visible initiative on this part has been taken.”

The future of national action plan and militancy

Unfortunately, the National Action Plan never got off ground when it came to exterminating fanaticism. The most important thing in this regard is the need of psychological warfare, as very wisely recommended by Dr Mehdi Hasan. Mr Kasuri’s comments about having a friendly but neutral foreign policy are very helpful and of strategic importance. Like he said, the whole nation needs to be mobilised. That the KSA will understand our situation is definitely worth considering.

Militancy and extremism can be uprooted only in the long-term by providing education and awareness to the masses. Misinterpretation of religion for personal gains is what is fuelling this issue. Another important recommendation in this regard is to bring FATA under the mainstream constitutional framework, as operating it under the colonial Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) carries no logical weight. Unless all parts of the country enjoy the same rights and regulations, militancy and extremism cannot be abolished. In 2015 alone, 1,672 people have lost their lives to terrorism. This is a dreadful figure. We cannot exist like this forever; this has to change.