What is Terrorism?
“How can you have a war on terrorism when war itself is terrorism?”“With guns you can kill terrorists, with education you can kill terrorism.”
― Howard Zinn
― Malala Yousafzai
Definition Of Terrorism
"The unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims"- Geo-strategic perspective and Strategic Assets
"the fight against terrorism"
Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being represented. Terrorism has often been an effective tactic for the weaker side in a conflict. As an asymmetric form of conflict, it confers coercive power with many of the advantages of military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to the secretive nature and small size of terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear organization to defend against or to deter.
The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as�the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.� Within this definition, there are three key elements�violence, fear, and intimidation�and each element produces terror in its victims.The FBI uses this definition: "Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."Why Terrorism Increase day by day in Pakistan?
Root Causes of terrorism In Pakistan : Not only Pakistan but the whole world is facing the problems of prevailing terrorist activities in one or some other form. These activities and attacks are prevailing like the cancer in the whole world that may be the most developed nations or the third world countries. In Pakistan Some attribute the terrorism and these terrorist activities to the political instability, economic conditions, standard of lives of the masses. yet others attribute it to the religious extremism of portion of the masses of Pakistan. There is another school of thought that say that the injustices done by World super powers towards the third world countries and Muslim countries have led the world to this situation and yet there is one another school of thought that attribute the current terrorism activities and the blast and suicide attacks everywhere in the world as the game of political gains among the super powers of the world. and some others termed this chaos as clash of civilization between west and Islam. What may be the reason We have to unite to eliminate this cancer from our Beloved country Pakistan and to make it a model of Peace and prosperity for the nations of the World.
Another important and unique factor in the counterinsurgency in the
tribal areas is the Geo-strategic perspective of Pakistan and neighboring
states. Before 9/11, Pakistani policy-makers considered the Taliban a
strategic asset and even after 9/11 they were reluctant to dispose of these
assets. There were many arguments and perceptions to sustain this
option:
(i) The US engagement in Afghanistan is temporary and Pakistan
needs a friendly power group in Afghanistan that can fill the
vacuum once US leaves the country. - (ii) The Geo-strategic importance of Pakistan can be enhanced by
maintaining strong ties with powerful Afghan militant groups
like Taliban.
(iii) The US, India, Afghanistan and other countries are selectively
supporting some Afghan militant groups to destabilize
Pakistan. The Taliban can act as counter weight to such
militant groups. - Islam and Terrorism
In the West, there is a strong perception regarding Islam as a religion
which advocates militancy. They believe, though wrongly, that Islam
does not believe in peaceful co-existence. Whereas it is fact that Islam
does not permit terrorism, Islam is a religion of mercy, kindness and
compassion. - Nationalist Threat
The nationalist are the sub nationals within the organizations that fight
for recognition and a proper identification within the federation, and their
struggle is motivated by the fears and apprehensions of per-dominant
role of other ethnic groups or nationalities within the federation. In
Pakistan, Punjab is the most populated province and as such Punjabi
form a large part in military and civil bureaucracy. - The smaller provinces are frustrated by the prospects of facing permanently the majority of one
province. They always feel threatened that their economic, social and
cultural interests will not be protected in the wake of control of one
majority province. They also feel that their local resources are being used
by other regions and they are not paid the right price. The lack of
development and poverty frustrates the population and external hands
exploit the situation to inculcate a sense of deprivation and fuel violent
insurgency. The ruling elite consider these nationalist movements as a terrorism in
kind of revolt against the center and the rejection of federation. - The sub-nationalist’s terrorism has been emerging intermittently in smaller
provinces of Pakistan since 1960s and often has external backing. So far,
the state has withstood the ethnic and sub nationalist terrorism
reasonably. However, it is extremely important that legitimate fears of
smaller sub nationalities are seriously addressed so that the very reasons
of such feeling of marginalization are eliminated for good. - Pakistani Taliban
Pakistani Taliban emerged and came to lime light in the aftermath of US
invasion in Afghanistan. They joined hands with the fleeing Al-Qaeda
and Afghan Taliban and made an alliance with them. The tribal agencies
(FATA) between Afghanistan and Pakistan are considered to be the hub
of Pakistani Taliban. They want, in conjunction with Afghan Taliban and Terrorism in
Al-Qaeda, to use this tribal belt as their base of operations against US
interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere. So far, they have proved hard nut
to crack. They have survived numerous military operations. They are
hardcore militants and are ready to kill and be killed any time. They have
dozens of suicide bombers at their service to wreck havoc any time. They
have paralyzed the writ of the state of Pakistan and run parallel
administration. - The direct operation of US
against Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin laden in Abbottabad, without taking
prior permission from Pakistan highly damaged the reputation of
Pakistan in international level as well as domestic level.
Year -No. of Drone Strikes------Taliban Killed -------Civilians Killed
2004 1 --------------------------- 3---------------------- 5
2005 2 --------------------------- 3 ---------------------- 7
2006 2 --------------------------- 9 --------------------- 23
2007 4 --------------------------12--------------------- 77
2008 33 ------------------------- 48 --------------------313
2009 53 ------------------------- 61 -------------------- 724
2010 118 -----------------------78 --------------------- 993
2011 21 -------------------------- 8 ---------------------141
Total 234 -----------------------222 -----------------2, 283
Worst effect of this war is a clear division of Pakistani society into two
extremes. On the one hand we have people who think that religious
parties and institutes are just producing extremists and militants who are
a direct threat to the existence of Pakistan. The other faction of masses
believes that USA is waging a war against Islam. This division is
breaking social fabric of Pakistani society once made up of traits like
tolerance, hospitality and fair treatment.
According to the Pak-US Business Council Report (2009), our
economy has so far suffered directly or indirectly a huge loss of $35
billion (official figure is just the double of it. i.e. $70 billion).
Due to
widespread unrest and political uncertainty in Afghanistan, large
quantities of our food items/commodities are smuggled to Afghanistan,
which ultimately leads to acute food grain scarcity within our country.
According to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, Pakistan suffered directly or
indirectly loss of Rs 2080 billion in the war against terror from 2004-05
to 2008-09 which badly affected the country’s socioeconomic
development.
According to the Finance Ministry, Pakistan’s participation in
the anti-terrorism campaign has led to massive unemployment in the
affected regions which has ultimately increased rural poverty. It has
reached 37.5 percent from 23.9 percent in 2007-08.
Frequent bombings,
deteriorating law and order situation and displacement of the local
population, have taken a huge toll on the socioeconomic fabric of the
country.
Pakistan is also paying a heavy political price in the shape of
weakened federation as a result of prolonged militancy. Our decision to
join US War on Terror has created a gap between Military and People
which is also dangerous for the overall morale of the nation. Pakistan
Army traditionally enjoyed good relations and a high image with
Pakistani masses but War on Terror has shaken faith of Pakistani masses
in their Armed Forces. Our Armed forces are caught in a dilemma.
According to pro-Taliban section of people, Pakistan Army is fighting a
war of US and according to pro-US section, Pakistan Army is the biggest
hurdle in the way of eliminating terrorism and supporting militants in
Afghanistan. Rise in militancy as a result of War on Terror has provided
an opportunity to the US, India and west to declare Pakistan a militant
and a failed state.
Effective use of Media
An essential element of developing public opinion is use of the media.
Media can be used to educate and bring people on board about
challenges facing the country and the plan to counter them.
Unfortunately, our present media coverage is geared towards being the
first to bring out any new story without due regard to its authenticity or
impact on general public. Media must resort to responsible coverage in Terrorism in
line with national interests rather than serving their immediate business
interests. The soft corner for militancy amongst general public can only
be eliminated by a well-organized media effort that brings out the
atrocities committed by the militants.
Economic Recovery and Poverty Alleviation
Economic and social inequality is one of the key factors influencing
recruitment into militant organizations. Economic disparity is the main
reason for discontentment among people and an opportunity to the
terrorists to enlist unemployed through lavish funding. Many studies
suggest strong correlation between militancy and inequality.
The only
way to alleviate poverty is through economic recovery. Economic
recovery plan be given top priority, especially in the underdeveloped
regions of the country. Any such plan has to focus on revival of industry
to generate economic activity and jobs. The foreign donors may be
approached for funding of grass root level and pragmatic economic
development programs. FATA is amongst the poorest and neglected
areas of Pakistan with per capita income half of the national average.
More than 60 percent of its inhabitants live below national poverty line.
Education is uncommon with only 17% male and 3 percent female
literacy rate.
Revamping Education System
Education plays a key role in developing responsible and tolerant
citizens. Starting from elementary to graduate education, emphasis must
be laid on imparting civic sense. The syllabi must be revised to increase
emphasis on subjects like social studies, arts, sports, athletics etc, that
teach courteousness, teamwork and tolerance. Disparities in the
education system need be addressed. Pakistan has a large chunk of
population that needs to be transformed into an educated group of
citizens with wide variety of vocational skills. This can be done by
pumping more money into education sector for greater number of quality
schools within the easy reach of population. The greater number of
affordable and quality public schools will reduce the input to dubious
institutes where extremists can teach them their obscurantist ideologies.
Streamlining Madrassa Culture
Madrassa forms an important part of our social set up. Initially,
Madrassas were established to provide free religious education to under
privileged. While nothing is wrong with the traditional objective of
imparting religious education, the use of this system by extremists to
advance their obscurantist agenda has muddied the water.
It is essential Terrorism in
that government thoroughly scrutinizes the set up of these Madrassas and
brings them under the supervisory control of the Religious Scholars
Council. The syllabi of Madrassas also need comprehensive revision so
that students are not only taught correct religious concepts but also get
modern scientific and vocational knowledge that offers their graduates a
chance to be absorbed into the society.
Conflict Management System Revival
On the grass root level, the petty issues and disputes of the people must
be solved quickly and amicably. Traditionally, such disputes had been
solved through gathering of elders. Breakdown of such local forums has
increased intolerance and violence in society. Government may
therefore, revisit the revival of Punchayat, Jirgas and local councils so
that minor disputes may be settled locally and cordially.
Administration of Speedy and Affordable Justice
Justice delayed is justice denied. The necessity of speedy and affordable
justice in any society is beyond any doubt. According to a news report,
as many as 14,607 under trial prisoner were sent back to prison, without
being produced in front of a judge, in the city of Karachi in July 2009.
Only 5223 cases were heard by 132 trial courts of the 5 districts of
Karachi.
This type of judicial performance has resulted in complete loss
of faith of general public in courts. As a result, the Taliban like speedy
justice system attracts public support and erodes writ of the state.
Therefore, whole judicial system needs to be reviewed to ensure that
people have access to judicial institutions that dispense speedy justice.
Revival of Civic Facilities
Civic facilities like clean drinking water, sewerage, gas, electricity,
education, health, roads, etc are the responsibilities of the state and
reflect the health of a society. However, presently most of these are
either nonexistent or severely limited in quality and availability. The
electric power crisis has adversely affected every aspect of individual
and national life. Similarly, the recent sugar crisis just before the start of
holy month of Ramazan speaks of poor governance and indifferent
attitude of rulers towards masses. The cumulative impact of the lack of
basic civic facility is a discontented and irritated society that is quickly
losing faith in government institutions. In order to reverse this trend,
immediate and visible efforts are required on the part of government to
provide housing, water, sewerage, and most importantly livelihood to the
citizens.
Improving Law and Order
Government has the fundamental responsibility to protect the life and
property of its citizens. However, the prevailing law and order situation
is far from desired with rampant crimes. People do not trust police and
have to hire private guards. Those who cannot afford are left at the mercy
of criminals. Kidnapping for ransom, robbery, burglary are common.
Added to this are the suicidal and bombing attacks by terrorists. The
main reason behind flight of capital and lack of foreign investment in the
country is the poor law and order situation. To exterminate the threat
from militancy, it is imperative to make political stability and law and
order a top priority.
Abrogation of VIP Culture
Although Islam teaches equality, since independence the class and feudal system has actually strengthened in Pakistan over the years. The rural and under developed areas are more susceptible to the establishment of local fiefdoms and khanates where few influential hold total control over the populace. For example, 95 percent of Baluchistan is “B area” where
the local tribal sardar or chief exercises control and central government do not have total authority.These local landlords, politicians or tribal chiefs have kept their own people oppressed through the use of mercenaries and private militias. In order to break the influence of these individuals, bold reforms are needed that ensure the people at grass root level become master of their own destiny and enjoy the fruits of development.
Eradicating Corruption and Nepotism
Unfortunately, the corrupt have controlled most of the business of the
state. Despite having numerous anti-corruption establishments, it is
rampant in every field of our society. The corruption and nepotism can
only be eradicated through merit based appointments and placements.
However, the situation on the ground is contrary as most of the
appointments are filled on the basis of bribe, nepotism or political
conveniences. In a symposium organized by the Federal Ombudsman
and UNDP, it was reported that police was the most corrupt organization
but its Highway Wing was least corrupt.
The reason being the highway
police was appointed on merit with proper wages.
Strengthening the Federation
The genuine grievances of provinces need to be settled immediately. An
expeditious effort must be made by government to resolve issues faced
by provinces. The unrest in Baluchistan needs immediate attention and Terrorism in
The Dialogue
constitutional amendments may be considered to grant greater autonomy
to the provinces. Actions like judicious distribution of resources through
National Finance Commission (NFC) award, higher royalty and
increased development fund are likely to reduce the sense of economic
deprivation among smaller units of federation.
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