Tackling terrorism

Pakistan has been grappling with terrorism for three decades. From the GHQ to fruit markets, from the President and Prime Minister to ordinary citizens, everyone has been affected by terrorism. Nearly 90,000 individuals have fallen victim to this terrorism, yet no serious practical strategy has been adopted to rid ourselves of this curse.

During this period, religious and political gatherings, Friday prayers, and public gatherings have been targeted, along with police lines and military recruitment centers. There are many forms and faces of terrorism. First and foremost, there is a need to understand and correctly identify them, and then through a comprehensive, multi-pronged, and long-term policy, gradually gain control over this demon.

The first type of terrorism is one that is often discussed. It is linked to extremist religious ideologies that forcefully impose their beliefs on others using the power of force. This type of terrorism includes TTP, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jundullah, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The question arises: why is the Zionist, Christian, and Hindu religious extremism and terrorism not mentioned in the West?

The second type is secular and free-thinking extremism, which spreads disrespect for other religions and desecrates the dignity of sacred figures under the guise of freedom of expression. This also falls under secular terrorism.

The third is international terrorism, where some powerful entities aim to destabilize other countries, seize resources, and establish governments according to their will and interests. These entities provide leadership and financial support to terrorist organizations for their own gains. This form of terrorism can be seen in Syria, Balochistan province of Pakistan, and the FATA region.

The fourth type is sectarian terrorism, which affects Pakistan’s internal conditions due to mutual friction among certain Middle Eastern countries. The country becomes vulnerable to insecurity as a result.

The fifth is political terrorism, where several political parties have their own armed wings. Political terrorism is also responsible for the instability in the country. In addition, organized criminal groups operate in major cities. These groups engage in bank robberies, kidnappings, and other crimes. The inflow of illegal goods through these groups and on the streets creates a sense of fear and insecurity among the public.

Pakistan and its people are facing all these forms of terrorism simultaneously. In some places, blood is being shed on the basis of religious differences, while in others, bullets are fired for monetary greed. Some big powers’ interests are at play, and political interests have turned them into enemies. The challenges Pakistan and its people face are a result of the weakness of our government system. Our administrative and police systems are so weak that stopping crimes or detecting them is often overshadowed by criminal protection and involvement.

Unfortunately, our government system has become so ineffective that while providing basic necessities to the public is neglected, understanding their fundamental needs is not even considered. This leads to discouragement, hatred, extremism, and terrorism among the people. Despite having a significant asset of young individuals, our system is not engaging them constructively. The youth, which makes up 65% of our population, could be turned into a constructive or destructive force, depending on the long-term plan we adopt.

Tackling terrorism is not an immediate solution; it requires urgent, short-term, and long-term planning. In the short term, reforms must be carried out in the administration, police, intelligence agencies, and the judicial system to make them modern and effective. Unfortunately, our government system has become so ineffective that while providing basic necessities to the public is neglected, understanding their fundamental needs is not even considered. This leads to discouragement, hatred, extremism, and terrorism among the people. Despite having a significant asset of young individuals, our system is not engaging them constructively. The youth, which makes up 65% of our population, could be turned into a constructive or destructive force, depending on the long-term plan we adopt.

In the long term, education, economic development, and a fair and efficient justice system are essential. The role of the military is crucial in countering terrorism, but it cannot act alone. The responsibility of addressing this issue is shared between the military and civil administration. Until an effective government system is established, in which each sector plays its active role, terrorism cannot be eliminated.