KLF: religious scholars.

KARACHI Literature Festival has recently concluded. Such events are an opportunity for critical thinking and healthy discussion in a society which lacks debate culture. As one of the keynote speakers pointed out, a difference of opinion should be celebrated instead of being tolerated.

However, religious scholars' absence at all such events such as LLF, ThinkFest, etc., is conspicuous. The religious or pro-right thinkers are the most vulnerable in terms of discussions and debate. This exclusion in general promotes a sense of alienation from the general literati.

Religious scholars also need recognition in our society. Their sense of inferiority is what promotes intolerance, and they ultimately take violent...