❖ Liberal Extremism and the Tyranny of a One-Sided Narrative ❖
📌 Extremism in Pakistan: Religious and Liberal Attitudes
In Pakistan, the term “extremism” is often used exclusively in reference to the religious segment of society. However, the phenomenon of liberal extremism is rarely discussed. This is a mindset that dominates the media, educational institutions, the corporate sector, and social spheres — promoting a specific ideological narrative while actively suppressing opposing viewpoints.
📺 Media Blackout of the Right-Wing Perspective
❶ The liberal segment plays a leading role in suppressing right-wing voices in English-language newspapers and major television channels.
❷ During hiring processes in TV channels, ideological screening is conducted to prevent right-leaning individuals from entering.
❸ In educational institutions, students face discrimination based on their religious appearance and beliefs.
❹ In multinational corporations, particular dress codes and religious appearances can become a barrier to career advancement.
🔻 Disrespect Toward Religious Figures and Traditions
❶ Criticism of intellectuals such as Allama Iqbal, Maulana Maududi, Ashfaq Ahmad, Bano Qudsia, Qudratullah Shahab, and Shorish Kashmiri has been turned into a fashionable trend.
❷ Young individuals returning to religion are labeled as “brainwashed” and publicly shamed.
❸ Those who discuss the relationship between religion and the state face social boycotts.
❹ Islamic organizations are silenced through fear, using comparisons with foreign authoritarian figures like Hasina Wajid and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
🗣 Freedom of Expression or Ideological Tyranny?
❶ At a forum held in a prominent five-star hotel, discussions were conducted on how to exclude Islamists from media and social platforms.
❷ When a woman presented her viewpoint, she was labeled a “propagator of hate speech” and silenced.
❸ Criticism of religious extremism is considered legitimate, but criticism of liberal extremism is forbidden.
❹ When a scholar or religious personality refrains from condemning a particular event, demands are made to ban them.
⚖ Minority Tyranny Over the Majority
❶ The Constitution of Pakistan upholds divine guidance, and the majority of the population supports religious laws.
❷ Yet discussions persist that target religion, acts of worship, the Finality of Prophethood, Heaven and Hell, and even the existence of God.
❸ Religious extremism has been challenged even by religious circles themselves, but the liberal elite refuses to acknowledge their own extremism.
🚨 Effects of Liberal Extremism
❶ Followers of liberal extremism are usually highly educated and influential.
❷ If today they treat the majority in this manner, then should they ever become a minority, they might repeat the histories of Turkey, Iran, and Tajikistan — where liberal authoritarianism once oppressed religious expression.
