KARACHI, April 21: Suicide bombing was termed against all the notions of humanity and civilized conduct and killing of innocent women and children was deplorable. This was contended by security analyst Ikram Sehgal, at the department of International Relations under the Programme on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. His Topic was “The Challenge of Extremism and Terrorism in Pakistan.”

“In modern day history no curse is worse than terrorism. Terrorism breeds destructive tendencies in the society. It is highly detrimental to the well being and prosperity of a society,” he said.

Mr Sehgal argued that terrorism occurred largely due to absence of moderation. This in no way meant that economic and other social factors are not influential in promoting extremism and terrorism. He believed that the sectarian crisis that Pakistan-unfortunately-had been witnessing is a result of hardened attitudes and ways of thinking. He also mentioned that terrorism had been a very costly problem all over the world.

Islam clearly rules out the possibility of infliction of pain on the innocent. This suggests that there are moral parameters for the exercise of force in any given situation.

Speaking on the crisis in Balochistan, he said that the problem is not with the people of Balochistan but with the Sardari System which is tyrant and exploitive. He said that the people of Balochistan have been deprived of several opportunities due to the decadent Sardari System. This Sardari System does not promote the cause of the people rather it causes innumerable injustices. He also threw light upon the affairs in FATA. He said hat the situation in the northern areas is reminiscent of the past mistakes committed due to imprudent policies pursued by various regimes in the past.

About Islam he believed that it is a very peaceful, assimilative and most importantly tolerant way of life. But unfortunately due to the short-sightedness of the vision of the few, Islam is criticized.

Prof Dr Moonis Ahmar in his concluding remarks said that attitude of tolerance can best shield the society from extremist tendencies.