Extremism Redefined: A Linguist's Pespective

With ever-evolving explanation of ‘extremism’ a new definition is proposed, in this work, with a different perspective than usual – through the eyes of a linguist. The endeavor throughout this work was to identify unrealized variables of extremism and to propose a holistic solution to counter it. This work has tried to understand the complexity of this socioeconomic plague of our times and its subsequent infestation especially into Pakistani society. Pakistan makes an excellent case-study as it was a multi-religious, multi-linguistic, multi-ethnic, progressive and secular society, till General Zia's “martial-law” and Zia-CIA Jihad against Soviet Union in late 70s. This work explored, in detail, what went wrong. Further how the West is thrusting Pakistan deeper into this abyss today. Highlighting the Pakistani predicament, the author has tried to explain this global menace from an oft ignored perspective.