Biggest challenge we face is rising extremism: minister

Says changing geopolitical dynamics in region has also posed new threats to our peace

KARACHI:

Sindh Minister for Mines & Mineral Development, Mir Shabir Ali Bijarani has said that in present day geographical confines, Sindh, which has long been known for its progressive politics, religious tolerance, pluralism and vibrant civil society, like other parts of Pakistan, has undergone change and is no more immune to the security challenges. He added that the biggest challenge that we face today is 'Rising Extremism'.

The provincial minister expressed these view while addressing as chief guest at an 'Awareness Session on Preventing Violent Extremism', organised by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NECTA) at a local hotel.

The minister said that violent extremism, such as mob violence, propaganda, intolerance, vigilante justice towards religious minorities is a consistent threat to peace and order in society. Bijarani said that in recent days the changing geopolitical dynamics of the region has also posed new challenges to our peace. Enemy, within, and from outside, is hell bent to destroy our peace by exploiting the differences of opinion among various schools of thought which can otherwise be settled through peaceful dialogue.

He said that the Sindh government is actively implementing National Action Plan (NAP) under the Provincial Apex Committee framework and has conducted 26 Provincial Apex Committee meetings, the most by any province, with tangible outcomes.

Read More: K-P considering safeguards against extremism

The provincial government has taken remarkable steps to curb violent extremism. Hundreds of fiery speakers have been arrested for violating Sindh Sound System Act, 2015; innumerable hate speeches and written material has been confiscated; wall chalking has been erased; cases of violence against religious minorities have been reduced to a great extent and so on. Moreover, the provincial assembly has taken a lead role in enacting laws that would provide a comforting environment to religious minorities and to promote harmony and peaceful co-existence among different communities.

The minister underlined the need of collective efforts by all the stakeholders in understanding the dynamics of the problem as short-sighted approach only empowers and emboldens the anti-state outfits. He added that the people of Pakistan deserve a smart and strong Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) policy, based on zero tolerance of human rights abuses. He disclosed that to ensure the success of extremism prevention strategies, the Provincial Apex Committee, in its 25th meeting had directed the Information Department, Government of Sindh to prepare a CVE policy. "It is also worth highlighting that no effort at countering and preventing violent extremism is successful without involving society as implementation partner. A nation-wide consensus is required by all the stakeholders to deal with this home-grown problem and to promote social cohesion and peace building in Pakistan," he concluded.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2021.