IF the political elite is determined to eradicate extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, then its circle should be expanded not only to madressahs and seminaries but also to public sector institutions where several proscribed extremist groups of different political parties are preaching terror.

Ironically, no mechanism has been adopted by the government to monitor these violent groups in educational institutions.

Moreover, the police and other law-enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter the university or college premises. As a result, these extremist and violent groups feel free even after inflicting injuries on anyone who raises his voice against them.

Their conservative thinking and hostile attitude towards students is dreadful. They are enjoying authority over others. Their brutal surveillance of students and administrations of educational institutions is increasing day by day. This means the state is losing its writ over a powerful segment of society.

The state must take serious view of such matters and tackle these violent groups in public-sector universities.

Ahmad Kamal Qureshi

Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2015

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