IT was the Deoband school of thought that in the past embraced mainly an extremist world view. It also put its weight behind building a narrative against military operations against the Taliban. But of late, the Barelvi school of thought has also adopted a hardline approach.

These events have unfolded in the backdrop of the sit-in. It seems Barelvi politics is experiencing a new high after Faizabad. The followers of the saints henceforth will have a say in the country’s complex political web.

This is an alarming development. The country is already beset by sectarian strife with different sects at loggerheads and the picture becomes grimmer.

The capitulation of the state — unfortunately — seems to have paved the way for more turbulent times.

Ghias-ud-din

Abbottabad