Name: Mudasir Hussain

Reg no: Huss201101050

Subject: Professional Ethics
Topic: Education and Sectarianism
Teacher: Mam Farhana
Assignment no: #02

Education and society are entwined in a symbiotic relationship. The

vitality of one depends on the existence and functionality of the other.
Recognizing the integrated nature of education and its purposeful role in
society underscores the importance of a coordinated effort to achieve
educational objectives and societal progress.
Sectarianism:
The term "sectarianism" is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "excessive
attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion". The phrase
"sectarian conflict" usually refers to violent conflict along religious or political
lines, such as the conflicts between Nationalists and Unionists in Northern
Ireland (religious and class divisions may play major roles as well). It may also
refer to general philosophical, and political disparity between different schools of
thought, such as that between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Non-sectarians espouse
that free association and tolerance of different beliefs are the cornerstone to
successful, peaceful human interaction. They adopt political and
religious pluralism.

Introduction
The sectarian conflict in Pakistan is seen as a consequence of state policies that
focus on Islamisation and the marginalization of secular democratic forces. This
analysis explores how these policies have led to the rise of religious extremism,
threatening the stability of both the state and society.
Military's Co-option of Religious Parties:
Successive military governments in Pakistan have co-opted religious parties,
relying on them to counter civilian opposition instead of empowering liberal,
democratic voices. This approach has resulted in a skewed political landscape,
favoring religious right groups.
Failure to Protect Institutions:
The government's failure to protect the judiciary and equip law enforcement
agencies adequately has allowed sectarian terrorism to persist. Despite
constitutional provisions for Islamisation, there is a lack of effective measures to
counter extremism.
Weaknesses in Counterterrorism Efforts:
Administrative and legal actions against militant organizations have fallen short,
with banned groups persisting under new labels. The government's focus on certain
extremist Sunni organizations, often with ties to political structures, raises concerns
about effective counterterrorism efforts.
Sectarian Bias and Discrimination:
The Islamisation of laws and education has reflected a Sunni sectarian bias, leading
to discrimination against non-Muslim minorities. This bias has fueled sectarian
divisions within Sunni Islam, undermining the country's religious diversity.
Lack of Reform in Madrasas:
Efforts to reform madrasas, except for a few showcase examples, have been largely
unsuccessful. The political utility of the puritanical clergy has led to the
abandonment of proposed measures, with financial and political incentives
reinforcing their influence.
Anomalous Constitutional Status:
The constitutional status and political disenfranchisement of regions like FATA and
the Northern Areas have created havens for terrorists and facilitated illegal
activities.
Parallel Legal Systems:
Parallel legal and judicial systems, tolerated by the state, undermine the rule of law
and hinder efforts to address sectarian violence effectively.
Military-Mullah Alliance:
The government's unwillingness to address internal jihad could jeopardize
international support, crucial for Pakistan's role in the global war against terrorism.
The importance of pluralistic democratic structures in combating terrorism is
emphasized.
In conclusion, the complex interplay of state policies, military alliances, and
sectarian dynamics has created a challenging environment for Pakistan, with the
need for comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of sectarian conflict and
extremism.