The Extremism in Pakistan: A Religio-Political Study

Abstract

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary describes extremism as “political, religious etc.ideas or actions that are extreme and not normal, reasonable or acceptable to most people." In other words, extremism is a term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or groups outside the perceived political center of a society; or otherwise claimed to violate common standards of ethics and reciprocity. It is typically used in reference to political and social ideologies seen as irrational, counterproductive, unjustifiable, or otherwise unacceptable to a civil society. The term indicates the illegitimacy of certain ideas or methods. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Extremism is a quality or state of being extreme, especially advocacy of extreme political measures. It can also be described as a, “political theory favouring immoderate, uncompromising policies. Extremism is closely associated with terrorism, as the rise of extremism can also lead to increase in terrorist agendas. It is not a religion. It is not Islam. It may be better defined as a “political agenda seeking justification in religion”. Normally extremism and terrorism are considered exchangeable words. In reality they are not. Terrorism is a physical act, whereas extremism is a state of mind. Terrorists resort to violence in order to achieve their objectives. Extremist preach and convince others to follow their thoughts. There exists a clear linkage between the lack of human security and the phenomenon of extremism. Rise in extremism can lead to human insecurity and vice versa.