The recent tragedy of Lal Masjid has triggered a string of suicide attacks that has exposed the fact that not all share the President's vision of enlightened moderation. It has also added fuel to an already raging fire in the country, which is now engulfing the tribal areas.
In his recent speeches, the President has clearly stated that he shares the same vision as the Quaid's, and that the only way Pakistan can become a prosperous nation, is through a progressive, moderate and tolerant Pakistan. A view which is also shared by most of the educated and the privileged, but who, unfortunately are a minority.
MMA's vision of an Islamic Pakistan is quite the opposite. Thousands of young students, who have nothing to lose and cannot afford school fees, have been enrolled into the Madrassas where they have been brought up under harsh and strict conditions and taught nothing but Islam according to the Mullah's understanding of the Quran.
The teachings totally disapprove of the visions of a modern, progressive Pakistan and condemns it as being un-Islamic. The recent attacks on cinemas, cable TV and music shops, etc, and enforcement of the Shariah Laws in NWFP and the Lal Masjid area, are what the Madrasass have been teaching to their students, who are now a part of our political system.
This vision of the MMA is shared by many, including some of our past and present leaders and by those who live below the poverty line and have been denied the basic necessities to lead a decent, normal life. Both "visions" contradict each other and this tug of war is gradually destroying the nation.
The President has voiced his concern and has chastised the extremists and their supporters for their "narrow vision". He has warned us of the "enemy within", something which Professor Pervez Hoodbhoy has also highlighted in his article, "The Threat From Within", in which he writes:
"Twenty-five years ago, prayers in government departments were deemed compulsory, punishments were meted out to those who did not fast in Ramazan, selection for academic posts required that the candidate demonstrate knowledge of Islamic teachings and jihad was propagated through schoolbooks."
"Today government intervention is no longer needed because of a spontaneous groundswell of Islamic zeal. With the large and growing popular sentiment against Musharraf and the army, one cannot rule out the possibility that in the years ahead, nuclear armed Pakistan may fall under a neo-Taliban style Salafi--Wahabi-Deobandi leadership, allied with conservative senior military leaders. If it does, then Pakistan could become the world's most dangerous state."
This dangerous clash of vision could have disastrous effect on the relationship between Pakistan and its allies, who have supported us unconditionally for being a "front line state" against terrorism. At present our vision is blurred and it is difficult to identify who is a friend and who is the "enemy within". Until this clash of vision is resolved, Pakistan will continue to be in turbulent waters.
Already there are signals from the Americans, warning us to resolve our internal problems. Any loss of confidence in a strong and moderate leadership in Pakistan could unleash a knee jerk reaction by Uncle Sam, that could destroy Pakistan, just like Iraq and Afghanistan.