Sir: The surge in sectarianism has caused great concern among all sections of Pakistani society including Pakistanis abroad. Any divisions in the name of religion in a country, which was founded apparently on religious foundations, may hit its very foundation. The incident in Rawalpindi reflects the inefficiency and incapacity of weakening state institutions. Political and religious leaders are playing the part of firefighters yet no one is seriously making any effort to know the cause of the fire. Steps like imposition of curfew, suspension and transfer of police officers have been employed to cool things down for some time. The response is a typical eyewash strategy that has been the favourite of the ruling classes in a security state. Another worn out strategy is to seek help from far right religious elements to curb sectarianism. Codes of conduct are being formalised and are getting signed by all sides and schools of thought. This apologetic attitude of the state reveals the inability and incapacity of the institutions of the state. Political parties are bewildered over the situation as to what course of action might be taken in order to put things back on track. The matter is of the rule of law for which the state’s determination and commitment are required. The state is depending on rightists who, in one way or the other, are actually responsible for sectarianism. The state policy of denial and apathy has led the country to a stage where places of worship are being desecrated and people are being killed in broad daylight in the name of faith. A once very inclusive and tolerant society has now been transformed into a highly volatile and intolerant one. The very fabric of Pakistani society is at stake and the Neros of the present day are playing flutes. The Pakistani state negotiates and seeks peace through supplications. Matters of law and order and state authority are left to interest-seeking far right militants. Party political interests are prevailing over national interests. Political loyalties are often preferred over competence; the cracks in state institutions are evident. The phenomenon of religiosity has fractured society on ideological lines. What used to be routine religious events in the past now bring everything to a halt. The shrinking writ of the state is openly challenged by banned outfits. Proscribed organisations have been emboldened by the lack of effective response from the concerned state institutions. Any armed conflict between rival factions in a country, which is a haven for the illegal arms trade, may have serious consequences for the very existence of the state. The situation is the result of denial on the part of the state. The media has a very strong role to play by educating the masses on the background of the development of different streams in the name of faith. The education system should also be cleansed from exclusivist thoughts. Pakistan needs concrete practical action to curb the menace of sectarianism, which must come in the shape of a multipronged strategy to contain and eliminate it. MALIK ATIF MAHMOOD MAJOKA Melbourne, Australia