Sufism: A Peace-building and Resilient Strategy to Curb Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Abstract

The wave of global terrorism and violent extremism emerged after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US. Pakistan has also been grappled with the paramount challenges of violent extremism posing a threat to its security, stability and social harmony. Tackling the issue by using hard power and military strength led to the proliferation of terrorist outfits. The US after spending several billion dollars and tons of state-of-the-art military weapons had to withdraw its forces again by terminating the longest physical and military operation in Afghanistan after two decades without achieving any success. The current research tries to address the issue of violent extremism in Pakistan and explores the potential of Sufism as a counter-extremism approach that offers tolerance, compassion, social inclusiveness, non-violence, and interfaith harmony. This research has employed thematic analysis in qualitative research to identify themes and patterns by coding, categorizing and interpreting Sufi literature and policy documents to comprehensively investigate the potential of Sufism to curb violent extremism. The paper concludes by suggesting policy recommendations to incorporate and revive Sufism through its incorporation in curriculum, promotion of Sufi cultural festivals on media and interfaith dialogue so that the Sufi approach could contribute towards fostering a peaceful and tolerant society in Pakistan.