Message to our Leaders As the horrific details of the bloody assault on Pakistan’s children filter through, the shock and grief of the nation is fast transforming into anger, as calls for revenge gather pace. As you sit down to chart out the much needed counter terrorism policy draft, I would like to put on the table a number of policy actions which are needed to secure our future. Our children’s future. There is no doubt that a well-planned/targeted military operation is necessary to destroy the infrastructure supporting these barbarians, however the fight for our future only starts with the military action. In my view, the following 5 point agenda is necessary to ensure that the menace of extremism inspired militancy is permanently rooted out from our country: 1. Centralization and modernization of the Madrasah curriculum with core emphasis on the true spirit of Islam which is based on peace, tolerance and humanity. 2. Re-assessment of the practice of blasphemy law to ensure that mis-use of the legislation is viewed in the same light as blasphemy itself. 3. Implementation of credible writ of the state with necessary safeguards in law and credible implementation with no room and tolerance for vigilantism against fellow citizen irrespective of race, color or creed. 4. Seismic shift in development spending priorities with emphasis on science-based education with the aim to generate a skilled-focused population base. 5. Clear and tangible communication of our revised national security doctrine to all international partners including India emphasizing zero tolerance towards extremism (both internal and external). The above points are based on the important assessment that the extremist mind-set and the associated misuse of religion to perpetrate hatred is what fuelled the Taliban movement (amplified by our history and weak policy choices). Taliban are just one manifestation of the evil of extremism. Extremism has deeper tentacles and therefore needs a holistic policy response. This is about Pakistan’s future. Our future. Our Children’s future.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:53:29 +0000
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