n an age where information spreads fast across digital networks, X, formerly known as Twitter, served as my first source to access news about a deeply unsettling incident where rioters vandalised and burnt 19 churches and 86 houses in Jaranwala.

As I scoured the internet for information, I found a video that shook me to my core. In the clip, some children, their ages ranging from 10 to 18, were chanting slogans that sent shivers down my spine. They fervently proclaimed that anyone found guilty of blasphemy should meet a gruesome fate - the severing of their head.

This horrifying display of radicalisation among the youth is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges Pakistan faces in combating extremism. It’s a troubling phenomenon that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to counteract it.

A disturbing reality is taking shape in the heart of Pakistan, where history, culture and tradition coexist with modernity. These young people, still in the formative stages of their lives, have fallen victim to the siren call of radicalisation. It’s a dark path that promises a distorted sense of purpose and belonging, in the name of defending sacred laws.

The consequences of this radicalisation are far-reaching and insidious. While it’s natural to focus on the physical destruction that follows attacks on churches and minorities, we must also recognise the less visible but equally destructive wounds inflicted on the minds of our youth.

Our youth have become unwitting pawns in an extremist game. They are the casualties of a system that failed to protect them from the poison of radicalisation. Their lives are now marred by a perpetual sense of anger and mistrust, their thoughts clouded by dogma and extremism.

The allure of radicalisation is compelling. It preys on the vulnerabilities and frustrations of these youngsters, offering them a distorted sense of identity and purpose. It convinces them that they are warriors safeguarding the honour of their faith, promising salvation through their actions.

The path into extremism unfolds gradually. It starts with the consumption of extremist content disseminated by people who may have hidden agendas aimed at spreading chaos and disharmony or promoting the hegemony of a certain faction. Next, the content infiltrates their families, communities, streets and educational institutions.

Within these echo chambers, their beliefs are intensified and alternative perspectives are systematically isolated. As a result, their minds become fertile ground, continuously nourished with fear and anger, further stoking the flames of radicalisation.

It is crucial to understand that these lost youth are not beyond redemption. They too are victims, casualties of a system that failed to shield them from radicalisation. Their actions, though abhorrent, are desperate pleas for a society that listens and intervenes before it is too late.

The absence of effective interventions can have tragic consequences. Addressing the complex issue of blasphemy-driven extremism requires a multifaceted approach. It requires educational initiatives that promote critical thinking and mental health support systems that identify individuals at risk and community engagement that encourages open dialogue.

As of now, such solutions are rare, if not entirely absent. Governments, non-governmental organisations and families often watch as passive observers, reluctant or unable to confront the menace.

There is a tendency to sweep the issue under the rug, focusing on rebuilding physical structures while neglecting the affected minds. The repercussions of this inaction are dire. It perpetuates a vicious cycle of radicalisation with each generation of lost youth becoming recruiters for the next.

The pressing question is how many more videos must we witness and how many more young lives must be lost before we take decisive action?

Rebuilding churches and healing physical wounds is but a partial solution, the easier half of the battle. The harder, more uncomfortable part is to confront the silence that allows radicalisation to thrive.

To genuinely combat this menace, we must begin with deradicalisation at its core. We must invest in programmes that reach out to these youth, offering them an escape from extremism. We must foster a society where open dialogue thrives and differences are embraced rather than feared.

We also need to prioritise initiatives promoting critical thinking, establish mental health support systems to identify at-risk individuals and engage communities in meaningful conversations.

Only through comprehensive efforts can we hope to prevent the further radicalisation of our youth and ensure a brighter, more harmonious future.

Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads. It can choose to confront the menace of blasphemy-driven radicalisation or allow it to continue to grow. The lost youth reflect our collective failure but they can be a beacon of hope if we decide to act.

The narrative of the lost youth can have another chapter; one of redemption, resilience and renewal. It can begin with acknowledging the pain and suffering these young minds endure and continue with an unwavering commitment to provide them with the support they so desperately need.

While rebuilding the vandalised churches is an essential step, it is only the beginning. The salvation of our society lies in our ability to reclaim these lost youth and guide them away from the darkness of extremism. It is not just their story, it’s ours as well. It’s time to rewrite it with compassion, understanding and healing.

The writer is a former social development practitioner with extensive experience in Pakistan. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education at Ohio University in the United State