Pathways to peace

‘The Challenge of Enlightenment, Conflict Transformation and Peace in Pakistan’ by Moonis Ahmar is a comprehensive analysis of the intricate dynamics of conflict and peacebuilding in Pakistan.

Through a meticulous examination of historical, political, and social contexts, the book delves into the underlying causes of conflict and offers insightful strategies for achieving sustainable peace.

Moonis Ahmar’s latest book, published in 2024 by Routledge, is structured around the premise that enlightenment, in the philosophical sense, is crucial for conflict transformation and peace. He argues that without deep-seated understanding and acceptance of enlightenment values – such as reason, tolerance, and human dignity – efforts at peacebuilding in Pakistan are likely to falter. The author explores various facets of Pakistani society, from its colonial past to contemporary issues, and links these to broader theories of conflict resolution and peace studies.

One of the key themes of this book is the historical context and legacy of conflict. It provides an in-depth look at the historical factors that have contributed to the current state of conflict in Pakistan, tracing the legacy of the country’s colonial past, discussing how British colonial policies created deep-seated divisions that have continued to affect Pakistan post-independence. The partition of British India in 1947 is highlighted as a significant traumatic event that sowed seeds of distrust and violence; hence illustrating how these events have sown seeds of discord and mistrust within the country.

The book also provides a critical analysis of Pakistan’s political instability and its role in perpetuating conflict, outlining how a history of military coups, weak civilian governments, and political corruption have hindered effective governance and fostered an environment where extremism can thrive. The author discusses the impact of the military’s dominance in politics, noting that it has often prioritized security concerns over democratic development, which has stunted the growth of a robust civil society.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its examination of Pakistan’s religious and cultural landscape. It explores the role of cultural and religious identities in shaping the dynamics of conflict, with focus on the rise of religious extremism and sectarian violence, particularly between Sunnis and Shias, as well as the persecution of religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis.

Moonis Ahmar argues that the politicization of religion has been a significant barrier to peace, with extremist groups exploiting religious sentiments to further their agendas. He emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of Pakistan’s diverse religious landscape and the ways in which religious narratives have been both a source of conflict and a potential avenue for peacebuilding.

The book also analyzes the impact of socio-economic disparity on conflict, and how corruption, weak governance, and economic inequities are significant impediments to peace. And also how poverty, lack of education, and unemployment contribute to radicalization, particularly among the youth. The author calls for comprehensive economic reforms and investment in education as essential components of any peacebuilding strategy, pointing out that addressing these root causes is crucial for long-term stability and peace.

Drawing on examples from both within Pakistan and international contexts, the book outlines various strategies for conflict transformation, like the importance of dialogue, education, and grassroots movements in fostering a culture of peace. Given the impact of Afghanistan’s instability on Pakistan, including the influx of refugees and the cross-border movement of militants, the author stresses the need for regional cooperation and international support in peace initiatives.

The role of international actors, particularly the US and China, is also examined, with Moonis Ahmar critiquing their policies and interventions in the region. He stresses the importance of regional cooperation, particularly with India and Afghanistan, in achieving lasting peace.

Moonis Ahmar’s work stands out for its thorough research and balanced perspective. His interdisciplinary approach, integrating history, politics, sociology, and religious studies, provides a holistic understanding of the complexities of conflict in Pakistan. His emphasis on enlightenment values as a cornerstone for peace is particularly compelling, as it calls for a transformative shift in societal attitudes and governance.

Some readers may find the book’s deep theoretical framework challenging. However, ‘The Challenge of Enlightenment, Conflict Transformation and Peace in Pakistan’ is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted nature of conflict in Pakistan.

Moonis Ahmar’s work not only diagnoses the problems but also offers a hopeful vision for the future, grounded in practical and philosophical insights; as it should for he is meritorious professor of international relations, and former dean Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Karachi.

The writer is an executive producer at Geo News.

She tweets/posts @munazza193