Waqas ur Rehman
The counter terrorism narrative (Fatwa) under the title ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ was unveiled by scholars of almost all the religious schools of thought in Pakistan. The narrative is actually a reiteration of the true essence of Islam, rejecting all the forms of extremism, radicalism and terrorism. The narrative was formally launched at Aiwan-i-Sadar, Islamabad on January 16, 2018. The ground work on the ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ was done by the International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad which took months of progressive debates among the community of religious scholars, media personnel and academicians. This national counter-terrorism narrative is manifestation of the fact that the Pakistani government and its nation are extremely serious to get rid of the menace of extremism and terrorism from the society. This counter terrorism narrative is endorsed by 1829 clerics from all the religious schools of thought. This decree, prepared in light of the true principles of Islam, will transform the young mindsets by infusing elements of peace and tranquility. The issues of extremism, bloodshed and suicide-bombing are categorized as spreading evil on earth (Fasaad-fil-Ard), which has no place in the religion.
It is important to note that the Pakistani Constitution is in line with teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH). If we follow the Constitution in true spirit, all evils and obstacles in the society will be removed. Being the worst sufferers of terrorism, the Pakistani society has unanimously rejected the terrorists’ narratives since they are against Islam and humanity. The word ‘Islam’ itself denotes peace, and teaches love and compassion for every human being irrespective of his/her religion. Notably, Islam denounces terrorism and all the violent beliefs. Radicalization, extremism and terrorism have never been the agenda of the Muslims. Unfortunately, the Muslims are blamed for promoting and committing terrorism by the West and Indian media. Retrospectively, nobody has ever tried to unearth the real political and strategic motives behind promoting radicalism and terrorism. The anti-Islam forces have been continuously targeting Islam to defame it, which has in fact nothing to do with extremist ideas.
The young minds in the society get attracted towards an extreme mindset due to socio-economic deprivation. This extreme mindset push them into committing violence and terrorism in the society. The Muslim world has been bestowed by Allah Almighty with numerous natural resources and strategic geographies. The world powerful countries and the Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) exploit these resourceful countries. These corporations occupy the natural and mineral resources by installing puppet leaders in respective countries. Moreover, these corporations misguide and manipulate the unemployed youth in such countries to turn them against their respective governments. In a nutshell, these MNCs make their huge profits by creating instabilities in the countries full of resources. However, the element of trust among the ruling class and the deprived masses can be created by addressing their genuine grievances. A good governance calls for a better care of the masses in all respect. The anti-Islam narratives of the terrorists have created confusion among the youth. Additionally, the menace of extremism and terrorism have resulted in huge human and economic losses. There is no room for intolerance in a civilized society as it badly affects its social fabric. Logical reasoning and debate are the right ways to convince others as enforcing certain beliefs on others have serious consequences along with spreading intolerance in the society. The terrorists and extremists have been trying to propagate their radical mindset among the youth by infusing sectarianism, militancy, intolerance and division. Such a radical ideology endangers the country’s sovereignty and the societal harmony.
The Fatwa of ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ is not a new narrative for the Pakistani youth, but it is indeed a reminder to them that they had been deceived by a bunch of terrorists in the name of Islam. In fact, these terrorists know nothing about Islam and its teachings. There is an urgent need for the religious scholars and academicians to highlight this Fatwa to mold the young minds in a right direction. The ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ will provide a platform for national unity. The initiative of ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ is a key to eliminate all kinds of terrorism in the country and a way forward for the country’s holistic progress. It will counter the extremists’ thinking on the ideological grounds. The efforts of the security and intelligence agencies are commendable as they have taken concrete steps to eliminate safe heavens of the terrorists across the country. The national narrative can be utilized to inform the world that Pakistan is a peace-loving country. It is the common responsibility of every learned to promote the true teachings of Islam in the society along with discarding the terrorists’ narratives.
