Like a Frankenstein monster, terrorism nurtured by the Pakistani deep state for decades is coming back to bite it with devastating effects. The recent suicide bombing in the restive Northwest province, targeting the political rally of a conservative outfit aligned with the government, reflects a resurgence of Islamic militant groups. The Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) has claimed responsibility for the attack on a gathering of workers of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl group (JUI-F) at Bajaur bordering Afghanistan, leaving at least 54 dead and over 200 injured. Significantly, the JUI-F is a constituent of the country’s ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement. The terror strike on a political rally has cast a shadow over the national elections scheduled later this year.
The current government, headed by Shehbaz Sharif, is expected to dissolve Parliament in August and hand over power to a caretaker government that will oversee the election process. The coming election is critical to restoring political stability to a country that has been rocked by mass protests since Imran Khan was forced out as prime minister in a vote of no-confidence in April last year. What is happening in Pakistan is a learning experience for India. In recent years the rise of right wing extremism has become a serious concern in India. The political parties as well as the government of the day have literally given free hand to the right wing religious extremists. The religious extremists pose a serious threat to the safety and security of minorities as well as the progressive Indians. In general they have the potential to create havoc in Indian society. The government of India and politicians of India should learn from Pakistan and stop patronizing religious extremists.