THE code of conduct proposed by Council of Islamic Ideology member Maulana Tahir Ashrafi contains many points that, if implemented, can work to reduce sectarianism in Pakistan. But this is a huge ‘if’. Few level-headed people will argue against measures such as religious groups distancing themselves from violence, banning the toxic practice of takfir or clamping down on hate speech or literature that disrespects religious personalities held in high esteem by various sects. Yet the key questions are: if the code is adopted, will the state enforce it and equally important, will scholars belonging to different schools of thought play their part to make sure it is not violated? Such efforts have been tried in the past, most notably by the Milli Yakjehti Council in the 1990s. But as the vicious sectarian violence in Pakistan proves, efforts to evolve and enforce a code of conduct have failed to tackle the monster of sectarianism. The main reason for the earlier code floundering is that ulema failed to take action against the black sheep within their ranks who were fomenting trouble. So while the preachers were quick to blame the ‘other side’ for violating the code, most kept silent when it came to confronting rabble rousers within their communities.

If the CII does adopt Maulana Ashrafi’s code and if it is to have any chance of success, two main things are needed. Firstly, the state must crack down on all hate speech and literature, regardless of who is involved in the provocation. The Rawalpindi violence is a prime example of how the situation can catch fire simply through the misuse of the microphone. Secondly, the ulema need to play a more impartial role; if preachers from their own sect are found to be fanning hate, then scholars of repute must be the first to condemn such elements. Without consensus from Shia and Sunni scholars and an effective mechanism to clamp down on violators, the proposed code has slim chances of success.