Religious intolerance is deep-rooted in our society. It is unlike other Islamic countries where Muslims generally display much civilized behavior towards other religions. It is due to the fact that we have allowed the religious political parties to prosper in this country and gradually these have developed into an uncontrollable monster. This is a phenomenon evident since the days of independence movement when the religious leaders opposed creation of Pakistan. But as soon as it came into being they capitalized the situation to the extent that a leader like Quaide Azam was coerced to wear a cap and sherwani. The 1949 Assembly adopted the Objectives Resolution which is following us like a ghost till today. Later, a defining moment came when Mr Bhutto mobilized and polically awakened the people of Pakistan with liberal approach. But all he ended up doing was banning the liqour, Friday weekly doliday and Ahmadis declared as non muslims. Another great public awakening movement was seen in 1977 after the rigged elections. The movement which started against the rigging somehow turned into Tehreek e Nizam e Mustafa. These examples clearly demonstrate how strong the religious element has become in our society. It seems extremely difficult to curb these extremists now. A concerted, well planned and prolonged struggle may yield results in distant future.
Religious intolerance is deep-rooted in our society. It is unlike other Islamic countries where Muslims generally display much civilized behavior towards other religions. It is due to the fact that we have allowed the religious political parties to prosper in this country and gradually these have developed into an uncontrollable monster. This is a phenomenon evident since the days of independence movement when the religious leaders opposed creation of Pakistan. But as soon as it came into being they capitalized the situation to the extent that a leader like Quaide Azam was coerced to wear a cap and sherwani. The 1949 Assembly adopted the Objectives Resolution which is following us like a ghost till today. Later, a defining moment came when Mr Bhutto mobilized and polically awakened the people of Pakistan with liberal approach. But all he ended up doing was banning the liqour, Friday weekly doliday and Ahmadis declared as non muslims. Another great public awakening movement was seen in 1977 after the rigged elections. The movement which started against the rigging somehow turned into Tehreek e Nizam e Mustafa. These examples clearly demonstrate how strong the religious element has become in our society. It seems extremely difficult to curb these extremists now. A concerted, well planned and prolonged struggle may yield results in distant future.