Pakistan has been faced with the twin menace of terrorism and extremism for quite some time and some in Pakistan claim, and still others in the West think, that a democratic dispensation can rid thecountry of the problems of extremism and terrorism.

This is not true. While it may be true that a return to democratic system may bring peace to the country but that peace will be detructive and destroy the country. An objective review of the situation can very well depict the truth.

A few years back the country was facing the very real threat of sectarianism i.e. members of different sects were carrying out bombings and firings and killing scores of opponents. This was being done by ‘muslims’ against their own countrymen who too were muslims although of a different sect.

Musharraf took a very strong stand against these sectarian killings and the government was able to curb these sectarian killings within a few years.

Sometime later the country saw the emergence of groups that claimed to be religious. They believed that they were the only right sort of muslims and wanted to force every other muslim even within Pakistan to come round to their line of thinking ‘by force’.

The intentions of these extremists were pious andt if they had preached peacefully whatever they believed Islam was in reality they would have been received sysmpathetically. Instead, they became radical and tried to enforce their brand of Islam on their fellow counrymen and in doing so challenged the writ of the government.

If Musharraf had kept quiet in order to perpetuate his rule and not opposed the extremists then everything would have been alright. But he did not want to have Pakistan Talibised and thus he was propagated by the religious religious elements as siding with the US and not fighting for the cause of Pakistan! Moreover, the extremism deteriorated into terrorism and despite the battle against them they are still active.

But hopefully, just as he was able to collar sectarianism sometime earlier, Musharraf will probably prevail over the terrorists although it might take some time.

The need in the meanwhile is for all democratic forces in the country to rally round, by not taking extremist positions in their politics, and join the fight against terrorism even if it is only by word of mouth.

All political opposition must understand at this time that their extremist positions are an impediment in the fight against terrorism and extremism. That is not to say that they should stop opposing Musharraf if there is genuine cause but they must control their opposition to be realistic.

For the sake of the country’s people,  one hopes that the advice will be followed. Ends.

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Tags: Democracy, Extremism, Musharraf, terrorism