Reema Shaukat
We have seen our homelandstanding against all odds. It was the test of time when we witnessed all political parties and whole nation on one page when a narrative was launched after APS attack in the form of National Action Plan(NAP). This 20 point agenda brought an appraisal or strategies against terrorism and militancy in Pakistan. NAP truly was the need of hour but over the years, it was observed that it was not able to bring the desired results. Though the counter terrorism strategies are practiced but still not able to curb this menace forever. NAP was a comprehensive and consolidated measures by the government and law enforcement agencies to eradicate extremism in country and all political and religious parties despite their difference of opinion on certain other matters, agreed and showed willingness on this NAP. It’s a long debate about the implementation of NAP and flaws which caused damage to the prolific results of NAP.
One cannot forget the role of Pak Army’s commitment and other law enforcement agencies role to root-out terrorism from the country. Pak Army played a vital role in successfully countering the militancy in tribal areas. In the latest phase of military operations, Pakistan Army successfully conducted ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad’ to eliminate the militants’ hideouts and their remaining pockets along Pak Afghan border. Not to forget that religiously motivated terrorism of Al-Qaeda and Daesh and their affiliates and franchises has been a big challenge internationally. USA and its allies used all their military power and resources against Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq but still they are struggling for its complete dismissal. Based on religious extremism, Al-Qaeda and Daeshare sensitive threats for Muslim states as their ideology is appealing for certain segments of society. For same reason, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen are in complete chaos while other Muslim states of Middle East and North Africa are also having difficulties in overcoming Al-Qaeda and Daesh. Pakistan, on the other side despite having limited resources and technology, has been successful in defeating the ideology and military capacity of these extremists’ elements. Extremists tried to harm Pakistan’s citizens and their national assets but the resilience of people made them united against this enemy. Despite deadly terrorists’ attacks, Pakistan’s state apparatus is also fully functional and its armed forces and law enforcement agencies are working round the clock to ensure safety and security of people. In the same spirit, Ulema and Muftis of the country proclaimed Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa, which is the final ideological victory of the state of Pakistan against all violent extremist ideologies.
Religious scholars of country gathered under one roof and gave a 22-point joint declaration naming it as Paigham-e-Pakistan. This Paigham-e-Pakistan’ fatwa (decree) is to address the challenges of sectarianism, extremism, and terrorism. In the document of Paigham-e-Pakistan political and religious party’s representatives emphasised on national solidarity and called for a unanimous, undisputed narrative to fight the terrorism in the country. According to authorities the issuance of the unanimous fatwa through consultations is a step in the right direction and it would go a long way in projecting the soft and positive image of Pakistan across the globe. This decree, prepared in the light of true teachings of Islam, will transform hearts of people and pave the way for their salvation in the hereinafter. It was pointed out that the state and its institutions to a certain extent fell short of exercising their responsibilities during 1970s to 1990s which resulted in several complexities. Our nation sacrificed 70,000 precious lives and suffered huge financial loss due to terrorism and all segments of the nation must make a resolve not to repeat such mistakes. It is known that the roots of extremism and militancy lied in intolerance and in not appreciating different points of views, which fostered sectarianism by eliminating moderation. Not to forget that the country’s constitution provided a strong foundation for national unity and communal harmony, and was the fundamental narrative based on the teachings of Quran and Sunnah and on the sagacity of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The fatwa which is signed by 1800 clerics from different school of thoughts in Pakistan states that suicide attacks are haram or forbidden.The ruling states that those who commit suicide attacks, those who order such attacks, those who train such people are all considered rebels against the true spirit of Islam. The decreefurther said Pakistan state has the right to act against people who commit such act.It outlined clearly that the act of waging war and bloodshed in the name of Jihad can only be initiated by the State. Those who impose their viewpoints on by force are responsible for spreading mischief on earth (Fasad fil Arz).The fatwa also mentioned that armed conflict in the name of Islamic Law (Shariaa’h) is forbidden (Haram) in Pakistan.
The declarations in this fatwa are not new but what the Islam has taught us more than 1400 years ago. There is a dire need that clergies, Islamic scholars must clearly convey the teachings of Islam in true essence and according to the need of present world. Where frustrations are increasing day by day and so-called holders of Islam are brain washing innocents, it is the responsibility of state to rheostat such elements which are leading to intolerance. Not alone these objectives or measures to control such elements are done in single day but its high time now. This peril of terrorism which is persisting at all levels must now be obliterated. It is not about just suicide attacks but the wrong practices of society must be chalked out and solved. Madaris play a significant role for Islamic teachings but if they are kept unchecked, definitely their malfunctioning will give suicide bombers or insane peopleto country. Like NAP, from Paigham-e-Pakistan, people expect implementation and improvement in all domains. Narratives, legislation, drafts, charters or any kind of declaration losetheir worth if they are not implemented and acted upon timely.
