Re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan: Implications for Culture of Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistani society has been very religiously tolerant, but the spread of Taliban’s ideology has posed many serious challenges to Pakistan's religious tolerance, society, and diverse cultures. This article examines the impact of the Taliban’s strict and selfconceived Islamic laws on the diverse cultures of Pakistan. This article briefly describes the Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi and Balochi cultures in Pakistan to illustrate the impact of the Taliban’s extremist religious attitudes on these cultures. Most of the regions of present-day Pakistan, especially Punjab, are a good example of mutual tolerance despite the fact that this area has observed differing cultures, beliefs and views since many centuries. With a few exceptions, this region has always been receptive to new ideas and progressive. Along with progressive ideas, attitudes towards religious communities and Sufism in Pakistan have always been respectful. The import of Taliban ideology from Afghanistan into Pakistan has had negative effects on religious, economic, social attitudes and culture. This article examines how the Taliban have threatened Pakistani society and culture, especially since their reemergence in Afghanistan after US withdrawal.