Terrorism in Pakistan

Abstract

As is known, for centuries, various acts of terrorism have been carried out in different parts of the world by different groups for a variety of purposes. Sometimes a communist organization, sometimes a fascist group, and sometimes radical and separatist factions assume responsibility for these acts. The nature of terrorism changes with changing world conditions and increases its impact and power with the new means made possible by developing technology. Terrorism is the cruelest of crimes. The universal revulsion at the events of September 2001, the "War on Terror" has magnified many folds the global threat of terrorism.

What is terrorism?

The word terrorism is derived from a Latin word “terror” which means ‘great fear, dread or to frighten’.

TERRORISM has no global definition yet it can be termed as:“Unlawful act of violence in such a way as to achieve a certain goal.”

What is terrorism?Terrorism is not new and even though it has been used since the early times of recorded history, it can be relatively hard to define terrorism. The United Nations produced the following definition of terrorism in 1992; "An anxiety-inspiring method of repeated violent action, employed by (semi-) clandestine individual, group or state actors, for idiosyncratic, criminal or political reasons, whereby - in contrast to assassination - the direct targets of violence are not the main targets." 

The terrorists plan their attack to obtain the greatest publicity, choosing targets that symbolize what they oppose. The effectiveness of the terrorist act lies not in the act itself, but in the public’s or government’s reaction to the act. For example, in 1972 at the Munich Olympics, the Black September Organization killed 11 Israelis. The Israelis were the immediate victims. But the true target was the estimated 1 billion people watching the televised event. Those billion people watching were to be introduced to fear - which is terrorism's ultimate goal. 

INTRODUCTION

Islam and TerrorismIn 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.Appraisal of Challenges and ImplicationsPakistan is confronted with two broad categories of terrorism namely internal and external which can be further classified. It is facing the twin menaces of religious extremism and ethnic strife. In this part, we identify critical challenges of militancy and extremism faced by Pakistan and their implications.

Domestic TerrorismThe real threat to our security primarily comes from “within.” The banned organizations like Tahreek-e-Taliban and Lashker-e-Jhangvi, Mehdi Militia etc., have the means to create instability in Pakistan. The communal/regional cards like Sindhi, Balochi, Pathan, Saraike and Mohajir etc. seem to be dominating over the concept of nationalism which could be the essence of our strength. Sectarian violence is also one aspect of domestic terrorism. Areas like, Kuram, Para chinar, D.I. Khan, tribal belt and Southern Punjab are affected by this kind of terrorism. Suicide attacks and attacks on infrastructure, schools, banks, railway tracks and gas pipelines etc. are some other examples of home-grown terrorism. Many of these terrorist acts have external sponsorship either by states or non-state actors.

International or State Sponsored TerrorismThese acts have strategic significance. Attacks on such high value targets in Pakistan as President, Prime Minister, Marriot Hotel, Sri Lankan Cricket Team, Army GHQ, PNS Mehran Base, Police Stations, drone attacks and FC training centers etc. come in this category. These acts are sponsored by state agents as a tool of state policy. These activities are part of a bigger game involving other regional/extra regional actors. The prime objective of such acts is to project the victim state as a failed state and on the verge of collapse.

Separatist TerrorismPakistan has experienced separatist terrorism in the past in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and the same is still going on in Balochistan currently. The province of Balochistan has experienced intermittent gorilla war since last many decades. The terrorist threat posed by these armed insurgents is of separatist nature. It is the unsolved ethno-nationalist conflict between the separatists and the government thatis fueling the militancy. The insurgents comprising of tribal militants have carried out acts of terrorism against state infrastructure and resorted to target killing to advance their agenda. The militants have activesupport from foreign elements. The Indian involvement in fueling separatist movement in Balochistan through its consulates in Afghanistanhas been an open secret.

In GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX 2014 Pakistan is on 3rd number with 9.37 score backing afghanistan and iraq

Peshawar Attack Black day in the History of Pakistan On 16 December 8 terrorists attack on Army Public School-

APS They killed 140+ students and many injured.

IMPACT OF TERRORISM

Peshawar Attack

Attack on Bacha Khan University A group of militants has stormed a university in north-west Pakistan, killing at least 30 people and leaving dozens injured in 20th jan 2016.

Pakistan Cricket Board

PCB suffered a loss of 51.22 million $ after Attack on Sri lankan team in Lahore in 2009.

Fatalities in Terrorist Violence in Pakistan 2003-2014

Year Civilians Security Force Personnel Terrorists/Insurgents Total

2003 140 24 25 189

2004 435 184 244 863

2005 430 81 137 648

2006 608 325 538 1471

2007 1522 597 1479 3598

2008 2155 654 3906 6715

2009 2324 991 8389 11704

2010 1796 469 5170 7435

2011 2738 765 2800 6303

2012 3007 732 2472 6211

2013 3001 676 1702 5379

2014 688 205 497 1390

Total* 18844 5703 27359 51906

PAKISTAN TOURISMPakistan tourism industry suffered a loss of 54 million dollars from 2001-1010.

Major problems of terrorismPolitical Instability:Lack of law and orderBad governanceCorruptionUnequal distribution of wealthEconomic conditions:Low purchasing powerSocial Injustice: Due to suppression by Zamindars and Jagirdars, a suppressed community often rises violently against the injustice leading to extremism in the societyClass Differences:Huge gap between rich and poorReligious extremism:Suicide bombings and terrorists activities are carried out by the people who claimed to be MuslimsThe so called scholars of Islam are responsible for these actsWho are gravely mistaken in their understanding of the issue of jihad

Conti...

Madressas centers of hate-preaching to young minds is the critical part of the problem.

Sectarian conflict:The sectarian anti-Shiite militant groups like the Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan were preaching hatred against the Shiite Muslims and employing some terrorist activities.Two types of terrorists groups in pakistan: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan target civilians and military personnel Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is a anti-Shia sectarian organisation

STEPS taken by PAKISTAN

Ban on Terrorism organizationOperation Rah-e-Raast (May 2009)Operation Rah-e-Nijat (June 2009)Government also take step for reforming of Madrassas. Operation Zarb-e-Azb(June 2014)

Once again Pakistan is at a crossroads. Militant and extremists threaten the territorial integrity of the State. The asymmetric guerilla warfare introduced by Afghan Jihad continues to haunt us. The government of the day is sandwiched between conflicting pressure from the United States and the militant extremists. The economy is in shambles and over inflation coupled with lack of investment and the flight of capital is destroying the fabric of our society. Rampant corruption, nepotism and breakdown of civic facilities have held the nation hostage. Poor law and order caused by mercenaries, criminals and extremists have taken a heavy toll on the everyday life of innocent people. Doubts are being raised about the capability of the security forces to meet these challenges and even the viability of the state. Away forward has to be found despite the enormity and complexity of the national scene. Pakistani people have the capability to brave all odds given right and sincere guidance. The future course has to be chartered carefully with national consensus.

Conclusion

Time has come to involve the people of Pakistan into the decision making that affect their very life. The people must reject extremisms in all its forms and work towards establishing a peaceful, tolerant, pluralistic, law abiding, modern, progressive and corruption free society. Terrorism is a great hurdle in our socio-economic prosperity, political stability and geostrategic sustainability. Development activities are on halt in these areas. The rule of ignorance, stagnation, fanaticism, and destruction is spreading like a wild fire especially in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. The militancy is caused by numerous factors; hence no single solution exists for our problems. Multiple simultaneous courses need to be adopted and global picture must to be taken into account while considering way forward. The local as well as external factors need be taken care of to isolate and eliminate terrorism. On international level, we have to engage US and our neighbors to eliminate support for militancy in Pakistan. On national level, we have to sort out economy, education, and civic infrastructure to facilitate a progressive and prosperous society

The improvement of law and order and elimination of corruption and nepotism must remain high on our priority list. At the same time, a strict check has to be maintained on the use of religious seminaries to breed and spread sectarianism and extremism. The relative Terrorism in expediency and weight of any particular approach has to be decidedbased on ground situation and impact based on accurate feedback.