Khyber Pukhtunkhwa is the most affected province in the war against terrorism. The violence and terrorist attacks in the province has brought not only human and material loss but also resulted into a great deal of cultural and social demise. Renowned artists in the province have been terrorized and threatened to halt their activities. They have relocated themselves to some other provinces/countries and some have even left the profession. The Nishtar Hall in Peshawar, which was once the hub of cultural activities in the province, now gives a deserted look. The recreational facilities in the province have also been diminished. The pukhtuns have been left to the ideals of extremism and radicalization.
In fact, the pukhtuns are historically remained the victims of circumstances. They remained entangled in the cold war between the two world powers. They have been deceived in the name of religion and were compelled to join the Afghan war against the Soviet Union. They have born the brunt of US attack on Afghanistan because of close proximity with Afghanistan. The influx and amalgam of Afghan refugees have further radicalized the pukhtun society in Pakistan. This resulted into the uncheck growth of various radicalized and extremist organizations which penetrated into the pukhtun society. Therefore, there is no wonder if the pukhtun society became radicalized when it remained entangled in violence for decades while no effort was made for its remedy and revival.
Now with the success of Zarb-i-Azab operation and the changing security scenario in the region a great deal of responsibility rests upon the federal and provincial governments. They should make efforts for the educational, social and cultural revival and uplift of pukhtun society. They should understand that violence should not be fought with violence alone. There is a need for a multi pronged approach. The civilian government should play its role more positively as pointed out recently in the ISPR statement. The government should take ownership and initiate cultural activities in the province. The artists should be encouraged to return and work fearlessly. The recreational facilities should also be increased. The aid received in the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) should also be utilized to build libraries and offer free membership to youths. They should be taught the virtues of peace and tolerance to defeat the vices of terrorism and extremism. Otherwise, the whole region will feel the heat of this in-extinguished fire.
M SAYYAD ALAM KHAN,
Peshawar, December 5.