Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on ulema to strengthen the state's anti-terrorism narrative to counter terrorism and social disorder [1, 2].
This initiative seeks to leverage the influence of religious leaders to stabilize the country. By aligning the messaging of mosques and seminaries with government policy, the state aims to reduce the social unrest often exploited by militant groups.
Naqvi said ulema, including those overseeing mosques, seminaries, and religious boards, should coordinate their efforts with the government [1, 2]. The Interior Minister said that religious scholars are critical in shaping the public's understanding of security threats. He said that a unified approach is necessary to prevent the spread of extremism and maintain public order across Pakistan [1, 2].
The call for coordination comes as the government seeks to bridge the gap between state security narratives and the religious discourse found in local communities. By engaging with these influential figures, the state hopes to create a more resilient social fabric that is less susceptible to the influence of terrorist organizations [1, 2].
Naqvi said that the cooperation of religious boards is essential for the success of the state's internal security strategy. He said that the fight against terrorism requires not only military action but also a strong ideological front to ensure long-term peace [1, 2].
“Mohsin Naqvi called on ulema to strengthen the state's anti-terrorism narrative”
The Pakistani government is shifting toward a 'hearts and minds' strategy by attempting to co-opt religious infrastructure. By integrating the ulema into the state's security narrative, the administration is acknowledging that military force alone cannot defeat terrorism if the underlying religious justifications for violence remain unchallenged in mosques and seminaries.
