Odd ideologies

This refers to the letter, ‘The reaction plan’ (November 6) by B A Malik. The correlation between extremism and terrorism is a known fact. So is the fact that violence has roots in growing inequalities. There is no secret about our neighbours and friends waging proxy wars on our soil and employing the poverty-stricken and unguided younger generation through jihadi networks. An explosive and dangerous situation has emerged where ethnicity has become a lethal tool in the hands of our enemy – both combined have delivered to us the Taliban.
The difference between extremism and terrorism is merely a subject of academic interest. The two are treated at par by our security establishment for what they bring in: chaos and anarchy. Both tear asunder the fabric of our society and defy the writ of the law. About the National Action Plan, it is true that it is reactionary in substance but in its nature it is revolutionary. We have excelled in the art of mixing and grinding together odd ideologies and calling it a ‘consensus’ constitution. We cannot move ahead without the doctrine of necessity. Every time it is used in the best of national interests.
Riaz Missen
Islamabad