| Summary/Abstract |
In South Asia, contemporary Pakistan is one of the most affected countries as far
as terrorism and violent extremism are concerned. Although, the phenomenon
is not new in Pakistan, the country, however, witnessed a gradual resurgence of
violence and extremism during the last three decades. This paper examines the
phenomenon of violent extremism by linking it with the radicalisation of youths
in Pakistan. It dwells at length the permeation of extremism in various segments
of Pakistani society in the post-1971 Pakistan; the role of state in not reversing
the tide of religious extremism which got an impetus because of the Afghan
War and the events occurring in post- 9/11 period. Why the culture of tolerance
witnessed erosion in the last four decades and how ethics and values declined
particularly among the new generation of Pakistan are also be examined in
the paper. More so, the transformation of extremism from moderate to radical
and violent are also examined while focusing on the erosion of the culture of
tolerance and the permeation of violence at societal level. A road map dealing
with the predicament of youths in Pakistan by eradicating extremism is also
discussed and plausible solutions of growing radicalisation of youths of this
country are delineated in this paper. It is argued that meaningful steps need to be
undertaken by the people at the helm of affairs to ensure positive transformation
in the approach, attitude and behaviour of youths to prevent them from falling
into the trap of intolerance, extremism and violence. And such steps include not
only social, economic and governance reforms but also must include extensive
reforms of the education sector as well.
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