RELIGION is the most precious set of beliefs in one’s life. It is beyond social, political and moral dictums because of its permanence and ideological support regarding both here and the hereafter.

The recent Sialkot incident is a stark depiction of the sorry state of affairs in the country. While most officials adopted a nuanced approach, one could easily observe a clear divide in society.

We need to understand that no amount of punishment and fear can restrain a person from committing such a heinous crime due to the misplaced ideological belief which upholds him as a hero. It is the mindset, not the individual, that needs to be reformed.

Although state intervention in moral and ideological policing matters is not welcomed in intellectual circles, some level of state-sponsored education is required. Perhaps the government is shifting the national vision of Islam towards a pluralistic society rather than positioning Pakistan as the saviour of Islam against the vices of communism and Western values.

In doing so, however, it must be noted that Pakistan is a potpourri of religions, sects and social classes, and all of them have their own interpretations. In line with religious teachings, the focus, as such, must be on values of love, peace, honesty and tolerance. These universal values cover the entire humanity irrespective of beliefs.

Muhammad Moeez Javed
Quetta

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2021