The Jihad Factory: Pakistan’s Islamic Revolution in the Making

To a casual visitor who generally roams about in the well-appointed areas of Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawaar, Multan etc., talk of a jihadi revolution might appear somewhat far-fetched. But the real story of the jihadi revolution is unfolding in the smaller towns. It is here that the extremists are finding huge support and where their networks have made maximum inroads. The rising attraction of jihad can now be seen in the kind of turnouts during public meetings held by the jihadi organizations. Most of these public meetings are better attended than meetings of the so-called liberal and moderate political parties. The jihadis are today setting the political agenda in Pakistan. They have made deep inroads into the Pakistan Army and civil services. While the number of military personnel directly participating in jihad is still low, there are enough reports to suggest that the army too is becoming jihadi in its outlook.