The dream of a flourishing pluralistic society cant be realised without having this realisation that we need to develop tolerance for every kind of voices, be they from the right or left.
According to some critics, this is weakness on the part of government that it is letting obscurantism spread by not bringing amendments in a few sections of PPC that may ignite segment of religious orthodoxy. But, isnt it an extreme demand given the grim state of affairs in Pakistan and the loss of precious lives that we have suffered.
Nobody can deny that extremist tendencies are prevailing not only on the ground but in peoples attitude also. Such attitudes cant be competed through open clashes or debates or legal amendments. For that, an atmosphere has to be cultivated for discourse which can not be done in a single day nor can it be cultivated by a single party or faction of society.
It rather needs the collective will and effort of all factions of society. Instead of being extremist in ones own ideas one should have tolerance because as evil begets evil, similarly tolerance begets tolerance.
HEENA KHAN
Lahore
