Multiple processes of activism are gaining ground in Pakistan with political and religious parties leading the recent discourse on activism. Social welfare and rights groups are also quite active in Pakistan, but ultimately they contribute to enriching existing religious and political discourses. Their activism has yet to create the sort of synergy and ‘social acceptance’ that can have an impact on the ongoing processes of socio-cultural and political change in society.

[In recent years, there is an increasing attention to the Deobandi dimension of violence against Sunni Sufi, Barelvi, Shia and other communites in Pakistan and a highlighting of the fact that most of the terrorist outfits eg TTP, LeJ, SSP-ASWJ, Jundallah, Ahrar etc belong to the Deobandi sub-sect.]

Jamaat-i-Islami and Deobandi religious-political parties are trying to reinvigorate their traditional mode of activism and politics of alliances with a view to responding to emerging internal challenges in the country. The JI’s moot in Lahore and the Deobandi parties’ recently reached agreement to respond collectively to common challenges can be seen in this perspective.

Source: http://www.dawn.com/news/1147778/the-romance-of-activism

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