Islamabad, Nov 9 (ANI): Text book lessons on intolerance of Hindus and other religious minorities in Pakistan 'increases the likelihood that violent religious extremism would continue to grow in that country', a study by a U.S. government commission has claimed.
The study also says that most teachers view non-Muslims as "enemies of Islam."
The findings indicate how deeply ingrained hardline Islam is in Pakistan, and help explain why militancy is often supported, tolerated or excused in the country.
"Teaching discrimination increases the likelihood that violent religious extremism in Pakistan will continue to grow, weakening religious freedom, national and regional stability, and global security," The News quoted Leonard Leo, the Chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, has said.
Pakistan was created in 1947 as a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia and was initially envisaged as a moderate state where minorities would have full rights. However, after fighting three wars against India, state support for militants fighting Soviet-rule in Afghanistan in the 1980s, and the appeasement of hardline clerics by weak governments seeking legitimacy, have led to a steady radicalization of society.
The commission warned that any significant efforts to combat religious discrimination, especially in education, would "likely face strong opposition" from hardliners.
The study reviewed over 100 textbooks from grades 1-10 from Pakistan's four provinces. (ANI)
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