Extremism in Pakistani Youth: A Social Policy Failure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

2 PhD Candidate

Abstract

The concepts of social policies and welfare states have been limited to the contemporary western
civilization. Muslim nations have not been great examples of investing in the human resource.
The effects of social policies like free healthcare and competitive education system are directly
proportional to the level of extremism a country’s youth reaches upon. States concerned on this
correlation understand the psychological and physiological needs of their citizens. Problem under
study is a lack of investment in human development in Muslim countries with Pakistan in focus,
and a psycho-religious affiliation of youth with ultra-orthodox extremism. To examine the issue
theoretically, we have used two theories: Religious pluralism to comprehend its various concepts
of harmony among world religions and subsequently their sects; and social constructivism to
connect its discursive formations with the secluded terminologies of pluralism. The purpose
was to produce a discourse analysis of societal harmony vis-à-vis religion and society. To make
the research methodology more reliable and authentic, data and incidents have been taken
from renowned published sources, e.g. journal articles mentioning the belief structures in the
Ulema (theology men) of Pakistan. It is a case study modeled on Pakistan’s youth radicalization;
explanatory mode of research approach has been used. Pakistani forces have consistently fought
the Taliban and other extremist groups in a series of operations after 9’11, Zarb e Azb being the
most famous and successful one. A sizable chunk of the country’s youth has been affected by
foreign funding of Madrassas; the level of radicalization varies. Government must fight at two
fronts: Provide basic needs to every citizen; and deradicalize the youth by investing more in the
ongoing rehabilitation centers or make new programs.

Keywords