Challenge of extremism
WHAT gives birth to extremism and intolerance in the first place is the inability of educational institutions to inculcate among students the virtues of pluralism and harmonious co-existence at the very elementary level.
What is more appalling is the fact that nearly three million children are still out of schools. Based on the statistics, it can be assumed that at least a small chunk of these vulnerable and out-of-school children can fall prey to extremist ideology. Thus, eventually making extremism perennial in our society.
In short, it is the intellectual revolution that is needed now to wipe out extremism once and for all from Pakistan. For this, it is indispensable to make education affordable, inclusive and accessible to every child in the country. It is time the government swung into action as tomorrow would be too late.
Aurangzeb Zahidi
Karachi