Progressive forces asked to counter extremist ideology: Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo

Lahore: President of the National Party (NP) Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo has asked the progressive writers to unite and come forward and hit back at the extremist thoughts in an effective way to save the future of country. He also urged the government, the print and electronic media and non-government organisations to use the best available resources to promote harmony which will change the way in which many people think.

Hasil Khan Bizenjo said this while speaking at launching ceremony of the book titled, ‘Urdu Nazm Ki Azeem Rewayat” written by famous critic Sarwar Javaid.He said that progressive writers are not discharging their duties while those promoting extremism are busy in accomplishing their mission without any fear.

Extremist tendencies are common in all segments of society, irrespective of their socio-economic status, he said, adding that involvement of highly educated youths in Safoora Goth massacre shows growing extremism among educated and higher-income groups.

The real challenge is to break the existing perceptions that only poverty, inequality, and economic deprivation contribute to extremism, the Senator said.

Speaking on the occasion, President NP Punjab Ayub Malik, Dr. Ehsan Akbar, Tauseef Tabassum, Jalil Aali, Ali Danish and others said that tribal areas, some districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, parts of southern Punjab and interior Sindh are known for the menace where poverty, inequality, and loose administration spur extremism.

It was against social norms that a handful of people try to impose their ideology on a majority but some religious organisation maintains wings with a particular focus on students, women, traders, lawyers, doctors, and teachers, etc. for recruitment to promote extremism.

They consistently spread radical literature and publications and also use CDs, DVDs and the internet very effectively which is a grave threat to Pakistan that has already paid a lot for it.

The challenge of terrorism cannot be overcome without weakening this bond between terrorist organisations and masses.