THIS is with reference to the editorial `Banning groups` (March 9), which commented on a list of banned outfits released by the Punjab government, warning the public that funding such groups is a crime punishable under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The fact of the matter is that the deep-rooted seminary culture that has gripped the whole country is the root cause of the curse of terrorism. Religiouscum-political parties have been nurturing seminary students, injecting venom into their brains against the `others`, and transforming them into `jihadists`. The blasphemy law is a weapon they have in their hands to use or abuse at will.
This culture has badly distorted Pakistan`s image internationally, and the country has paid a heavy price already.
If the government is serious about rooting out terrorism, it should rein in this culture.
To ensure that this planis a success, the federal government must cut off funding and then de-weaponise society.
