A CASE STUDY OF RADICALIZATION OF ISLAM IN PAKISTAN DURING AFGHAN JIHAD 1979-89

Abstract

Back in August 1947, Pakistan emerged as sixth Muslim populated country on the map of the world with the claim to spread the peaceful message of Islam throughout the world but during cold war 1947-91, when the Americans and Russians intervened in the decaying politics of Afghanistan, Pakistan also came forward to help its Muslim neighbor to ward off the Russians. Thus, this period encouraged the Taliban to form their government in Afghanistan and helped the Americans to push the Russians out of their country but such a move radicalized Islam in Pakistan. The country drifted into extremism though it was already slightly extremist but during Afghan Jihad the ruling elite and Military also move in that direction. It was after that period, the country adopted the Taliban version of Islam which brought inequality in society, it was that version of Islam which created gender inequality, it was that version of Islam which brought an end to religious freedom, it was that version of Islam which brought an end to the practice of tolerance, forbearing and forgiving, it was that version of Islam which says that Islam spread through the use of sword/force, it was that version of Islam which gave an identity to militant organizations and yes it was that version of Islam which gave birth to the evil of suicide bombings. This article will portray the period during Afghan Jihad which radicalized Islam in Pakistan and analyzes the causes for its acceptance in Pakistan and then suggest solutions to de-radicalize the existing version.