Three-pronged strategy proposed for fighting extremism

Former envoy BA Malik on Sunday proposed a three-pronged strategy to fight extremism and curb the spreading cancer sapping energies of the nation. Malik claimed that if his strategy was implemented, it would help achieve the set goals against terrorism.
In a statement here Malik said after considering the country's apparent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), he would say "the challenges that we are facing are larger than life, my three point proposal can help to fight back. My idea will address the problems of extremism, neighbourhood and democracy, all three for an integrated implementation."
He said in the case of Pakistan it was safe to maintain that its real enemies were terrorists and "not some other countries whom many of us are accustomed to blame for our problems."
This does not mean, however, that some other countries will miss an opportunity to exploit its difficulties. Malik said his special stress was on simultaneous operation of the three pillars of his strategy otherwise this would not work.
He said first the distinction between extremist mind set and use of guns to change the opinion of others must be highlighted to plan strategies.
"To fight this pernicious mind set a mass scale national campaign of public awareness must be launched immediately through print and electronic media as well educational institutions. No where in the Quran the use of force is sanctioned to convert others to the religion of the bomb throwing heaven hunters," he said.
This inordinately delayed campaign must begin without delay to deny the underground support enjoyed by killers who are committing murder in the name of the religion of peace and brotherhood. This is a war for the hearts and minds of the people and must be fought accordingly. Mere condemnations of terror attacks, though necessary, will not cut anything, he said.
Second, relations with neighbours must be revisited. On a wider scale every country in the world is our neighbour in the global village. Terrorism thrives on conflict between neighbours around the world, he said. "I may be touching the raw nerves of those who are addicted to the hatred of neighbours but ideas must flow to change the world."
Malik said third, democracy must improve it's performance around the world. Extremists are waging a world war against a culture of tolerance, pluralism and democracy.
He said democratic governance around the globe, therefore, had to prove it's superiority over an ideology based on hatred, intolerance and the darkness of dogma. Reason and critical thinking must prevail over irrational behaviour and addiction to the past, he said. Malik said he acknowledged the tangible achievements and the supreme sacrifices of the nation in this long war of the 21st century.