TO help heal communal wounds caused by extremists, it is important that public office-holders empathise with minority communities, and reassure them that they are equal citizens of Pakistan. In this respect the army chief’s participation in Christmas Day celebrations at a Rawalpindi church sends the right message, especially in a year where minorities, including Christians, faced the onslaught of obscurantists. While visiting the Christ Church in the garrison city, Gen Asim Munir criticised those “creating fissures using religious, ethnic and political vulnerabilities”, while hailing the contributions the Christian community has made for the welfare and stability of Pakistan.

While the founding fathers, particularly the Quaid, were firm about the fact that minorities would be equal citizens of Pakistan, over the decades these commendable ideals have been ignored, with the result that a radicalised society today tolerates little religious and communal difference. An ugly manifestation of this was witnessed in the outgoing year in Punjab’s Jaranwala town, when rampaging mobs ransacked Christian houses and churches in August over spurious blasphemy allegations. Places of worship belonging to the Ahmadi community were also vandalised in Karachi and Punjab in 2023. Because extremism has struck deep roots in society, it will take time to promote tolerance. In this regard, visits to minority communities and expressions of solidarity by high officials as well as civil society are important. Yet more practical steps are needed to create a more inclusive society. Topping the list should be punishing those involved in acts of violence and in intimidating minorities, while those hurling false blasphemy allegations should also be taken to task. Moreover, those spreading hate speech cannot be allowed to publicly air their toxic views. Dismantling the structure of hate that has been propped up for the last four decades or so will not be easy. But a combination of ‘soft’ and hard’ steps can aid the goal of de-radicalisation, and make Pakistan safe for all communities.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023