Extremism challenges

This refers to the article, ‘The monster of extremism’ (Aug 29) by Saleem Safi. The writer has explained the multifaceted nature of extremism and lack of clarity in our policymaking circles. Militancy, terrorism and extremism have played havoc with us at home and tarnished our image abroad. The state is either unwilling or incapable of coming with up with lateral thinking, pragmatic measures and across-the-board implementation. Deradicalisation remains a missing link in countering extremism. It is assigned to isolated cabinet divisions, departments or teams rather than streamlining it as a national policy. Rather than reforming the existing judicial setup, military courts were established without holistic, dispassionate analysis. Instead of reforming the police, a brigade of private militia and groups are encouraged. Security personnel and state dignitaries show up at funerals in a bid to cover up their incapacities. Nacta functions rudderless. NAP serves as a bone of contention between the government and the military. Rather than promoting political socialisation, almost all political parties function with militant wings for suppressing dissent.

Reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system, de-politicisation of police and paramilitary forces and total deweaponisation of society should be the main areas of policymaking. Madressah reforms, especially curricula, and checks on those mosques and seminaries which harbour affiliations with terrorists must be prioritised on a war footing.

Saeed Ullah Khan Wazir

Islamabad