The heartbreaking terrorist attack at a church in Quetta, Pakistan on a Sunday (Dec. 17) and during the Christmas season does not come as a surprise. What is surprising is that the government of Pakistan, now widely criticized as a crucible for extremist indoctrination with its infamous blasphemy laws, persecution of minorities and tolerance for religious extremists, remains a recipient of U.S. taxpayer aid and a so-called partner in the war on terror.

Just a few weeks back, extremist rallies in Pakistan were in the news when hardliners demanded a bureaucratic election-form change that plays into the persecution of the minority Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. After several days of protests, the state finally caved in to the extremists demands . Clerics, who publicly call for their so-called holy war against whomever they deem as infidels, are believed to enjoy popular appeal , even state protection.

Hardline indoctrination appears so pervasive that Pakistani bloggers now argue that moderate Muslims in Pakistan have shifted into a minority.