A few days earlier, hundreds of evil-minded individuals vandalised a Hindu temple in Bhong town (60km from Rahim Yar Khan) and blocked the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5). Many similar cases were reported in several parts of Pakistan. Such people want to destroy the culture of unconditional love and instead want to perpetuate religious intolerance and extremism.
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says that there is “no compulsion in religion”. Then how can a Muslim torture an individual on the basis of his or her religion? Even our constitution says, “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.” Furthermore, Article 5 states, “Adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to freely profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures.”
The religiously frenzied features of Pakistani culture, politics and society are remnants of the long and dark shadow of General Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamist rule that structured the entire state as a theatre of religion. Zia’s regime was a setback for a faltering democratic process and ushered in an era of religious obscurantism.
Religious bigots are another cause for concern. They are neither willing to listen to others’ viewpoints nor do they care for the writ of the state. This type of evil, rooted in extreme ideology, bespatter the peace of the country which leads to instability, anarchy and eventually destruction.
Pakistan’s power elites have been patronising religious, ethnic, cultural and racial disagreements to further their regime, instead of looking at the diversity of religious, cultural and societal opinion.
Extremism is the biggest enemy of the nation, which is not only weakening the already deteriorating governance system in the country but is also undermining national dignity and Pakistan’s global image.
The nation is on the FATF grey list and we have failed to take action against extremist tendencies in Sindh. We have taught falsified history, inculcated intolerance and preached hatred which has jolted peace and harmony.
Two things must be done to protect all religious minorities in the country from violence. First, the groups and individuals using faith to gain political and religious influence should be strictly dealt with under the law. Secondly, the state should demonstrate zero tolerance towards hate narratives being disseminated online and in other ways by extremist religious groups.
It is incumbent upon the state to ensure the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law, which is an effective way to uphold the state’s writ. State institutions should not avoid going against bigots who are able to sabotage peace and stability.
