Genesis and Effects of Religious Extremism in Pakistan
Dr. Umbreen Javaid

Abstract
The religious notion of the fore-fathers of Pakistan and their vision for the role of religion in the national politics of this country was entirely different from the present day’s radical views. Although, this country was acquired in the name of religion, it was not the objective to make it a theocratic state. Unfortunately, the current security threats to the very existence of this nation are inevitable upshots of religious extremism. This extremism has distorted the global image of the country and as a matter of fact the militants have put the future security of this country at stake. In this situation, the whole society is terrorized and fear prevails all around. Furthermore, earlier on the militants’ activities were limited to tribal areas but now they have reached to settled cities and towns. Even more disconcerting is the fact that in some cases these elements are winning popularity in the weaker segments of society. Massive reformation in the government structures, education system and societal taboos would be needed to regain the confidence of the masses and the perpetuity in democratic processes and elimination of despotic tendencies in the political system of Pakistan. This paper attempts to analyze the genesis of religious extremism in Pakistan. At the end it also presents various measures for improvement.

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