Pakistan has had its share of militancy and thousands of innocent lives have been lost in the process. Much of the fiscal capital, which could have been used for social development, has to be used to fight militancy but it is necessary. At the same time I personally feel that many civil society organizations have done a great job in countering the 'ideological militancy and extremism' by advocating the philosophy of moderation. It is imperative that we all strive and work together to minimize the "ideological extremism" and understand the true meaning of Islam. RASHID SALEEM, Islamabad, October 1.