True democracy in Pakistan can prevent extremism – by Dr Majjida Ahmed
Mr Seth Oldmixon has brought to our attention a new column by Dr. Majjida Ahmed, a founding member of Americans for Democracy & Justice in Pakistan published today in Daily Caller. The column, ‘True democracy in Pakistan can prevent extremism’, discusses the important connection between cementing a strong democratic process in Pakistan, and the prevention of extremist violence.
What turns middle-class young people from Pakistan, like Faisal Shahzad, toward militant extremism? It’s important to note that Shahzad spent his youth in Pakistan during the military rule of hard-line General Zia al-Huq, who instituted a school curriculum that taught intolerance towards religions other than Islam and promoted militancy. And it isn’t just military dictatorships that have bred intolerance. According to Sherry Rehman, the former Information Minister, rampant conspiracy theories and unchecked hate speech against Americans in the Pakistan media may also be playing a part in radicalizing some of the country’s youth.
Pakistan’s military has been historically reluctant to act against militant groups like Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (“TTP”), which originally claimed responsibility for the attempt, until a civilian government came to power. Since President Asif Ali Zardari took power, the public and the government have been able to press the military into successful operations against these groups. That is why it is so critical for the United States to focus not just on aiding Pakistan’s military but on strengthening Pakistan’s democratic institutions by encouraging responsible participation by all constituents, including the media, opposition and judiciary. That is what the elected government of President Asif Ali Zardari has been trying to achieve, despite severe and irresponsible pressure against such moves by its opponents in those same groups—pressure which arguably supports extremism.
Some ” British born” educated Muslims from the democratic society support the Extremist “Hizbul Tehreer ” and Khilafa and calling Democracy “Kufr” …why ?
I think The main issue of “extremism ” is kind of Ideology which was given by Ayed Qutub ,Moulana Moududdi and others .These man made concepts are the root cause ,where ever this ideology exists this creates terrorists .
JI and others are failed to get votes but the become successful to penetrate their ideology in religious groups and in a common man .Deobandi 50 years ago were non violent as they are today and its all because of concept of “Islami inqilab ”
Political interpretation of Islam
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVtq3-RjRr-hZGQ5ZDgzZDJfMjVka2IyYzhjOA&hl=en
Islami Nizam
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ATRNQzczBrmVZGR3bjR4ZzdfMmRiazUzdGZ4&hl=en
Without any doubts democracy is a formidable source to fight extremism and this can be seen in the case of Pakistan as after restoration of democracy the war against terror was well-planned and the representatives of public were taken into confidence. Also it the war lacked the legitimacy of public support which is vital for keep the moral of soldiers high. Extremism cannot foster in democracy as democracy provides the every stakeholder the opportunity to present their view in front of public without resorting to violent method.
Pakistan is passing through a critical phase of the present democratic institutional crisis that has put the future of democracy in the country in the doldrums. The dream of establishing ‘true’ democracy in the nation state would never be materialized in the presence of perpetual political instability, establishment’s intervention in national affairs, over stepping of Judiciary from its boundaries, lack of impartial accountability and biased media. There is a crying need of reforms in all these fields. Especially media and Judiciary at present putting entire system on stake. The heavy responsibility lies on the shoulder of media as it should play a constructive role to inculcate patriotism and create public awareness about democracy but media is working on 380 degree, rather than strengthening democracy, it is constantly subverting it. The game of democracy and dictatorship turn must end now as it might be a last chance for the democracy and we need to fortify it.