Growth of Fundamentalism in Pakistan and Its Repercussions.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was created in the name of Islam, but Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation, wanted a secular Muslim state and not a theocratic Islamic state controlled by fundamentalists. In 1947, when Pakistan was carved out, the population was not fundamentalist, but with passage of time, the inhabitants have become more and more fanatical, turning into religious zealots. Islamisation was used as a tool by General Zia to legitimise his rule. In his speeches, press conferences and deliberations, he criticised politicians for not promulgating Islamic laws. The Shias, who are 30-35 million in Pakistan, opposed the implementation of Nizam-e-Mustafa as well as the wanton killings of the Shias by Sunni extremists. The majority of Pakistanis feel that total Islamisation of the country would be disastrous. However, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) supports terrorism and has launched a low-intensity war against India. Pakistan, which spread terrorism in other countries, is presently the worst sufferer of terrorism. Hence, the government has to adopt stringent measures so that the country gets rid of terrorism. Madrasas that preach fundamentalism and extremism and make the society radical must be closed, or the syllabi of these madrasas may be changed drastically. Pakistan should discontinue playing the China card and stop considering India as its enemy. All the training camps run by the ISI or by various terrorist outfits and involved in training terrorists should be closed. The Pakistan government or some non-governmental organisation (NGO) should start 'de-radicalisation' programmes in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]