The defence committee's decision to start a deradicalisation programme to combat extremism is a much-needed step.
LAHORE: According to a report in your newspaper, the defence committee of the cabinet has decided to start a nationwide programme for deradicalisation to combat rising extremism in the country. This is a much-needed step. It is imperative to understand that terrorism and the ideology that drives it can only be nullified by an equally formidable apology, and this can be derived from liberalism and modernity. In this, of course, political parties and civil society need to play a major role.
The issue is that currently a number of madrassas are producing armies of young men with a narrow outlook and often imbued with intolerance and sectarian hatred. This kind of education is only raising the level of extremism and potential for violence in our society. Furthermore, such ‘graduates’ are not really qualified for any kind of professional employment.
The government needs to ensure that the madrassas must be reformed so that they impart scientific and technical education as well. This way, at least their students will have the opportunity to acquire skills that will enable them to become productive members of society. Furthermore, any cleric who comes on television and lectures on religion should have his credentials and qualifications scrutinised by the relevant authority. Furthermore, all state institutions must embark on an internal purging of all employees who are members or have sympathies with banned outfits or militant organisations.
All this should be supplemented by a policy of building as many sports facilities such as playgrounds and fields as possible, especially in areas where there is a significant population of young people. This will channel their energies, and boredom, towards more productive things like sports.
ST Hussain
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2011.
