Extremism & Terrorism: A Political Issue or An Economic One?

Abstract

Extremism and terrorism have become a serious threat to Pakistan’s security and well-being. Pakistan is situated in an uncomfortable and unfriendly neighborhood and faces an existential challenge from domestic forces of sectional and ethnic militancy and terrorism. These problems started after the 9/11 attacks. The extremists have not only affected the life in tribal areas but have also invaded the well-developed urban cities of Pakistan as well. The lusts for power, religious differences, regional disparities, political instability, illiteracy, foreign involvements, Afghan Jihad of 1975, low socioeconomic indicators, and non-democratic values are a few of the many reasons that have added fuel to the fire of militancy, terrorism, and extremism. More than 75 thousand people in Pakistan have either been killed by terrorist groups or have become a victim of religious militants and extremists. To address these problems Pakistan took a few measures such as the launching of Zarb-e-Azab, amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the establishment of NATGRID, creating awareness about religion, revising Madrassa reforms, etc. All these efforts have solved the problem but only to some extent. There is a dire need for more strict measures not only by the Government but also by the civilians. Together, they need to keep working against these evils because they have eaten up the credibility, economic stability, reputation, well-being and peace of the country.