December 16, 2014, a few gunmen associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan penetrated Army Public School Peshawar and brutally killed 149 young children and their teachers. Although it was not the first terrorist activity which took place in Pakistan, but it was one of the most brutal activities of its kind which exposed the internal security situation of the country. There have been many factors both foreign and domestic, which have led the country to such security situation. Some of which are discussed in the following paragraphs along with their solutions.
To begin with, external factors like afghan war, war on terror and hostile neighbors have been the keen reasons in deteriorating the law and order situation of the country. Afghan war not only brought Maddrasah system where extremist syllabus was taught and jihad was promoted but it also brought Kalashan-Kov culture which ultimately led to the militarization of the country. Likewise, global war on terror has severely affected the country.
Figures show, that from 2001 to 2018 around 65000 people, most of whom were civilians, were killed in terrorism related incidents. Furthermore, hostile neighbor, India, has constantly been sponsoring and promoting the extremist and separatist elements in Balochistan, which has further aggravated the already tensed security situation of the country.
Moving forward, domestic factors have also played a significant role in deteriorating the security situation of the country. Internal factors like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, weak governance, poor economic management have all channelled the country towards an insecure state. Although APS attack was an eye opener for the stakeholders of the country and policies like national action plan (NAP) were developed through concerted national efforts. And operations like Zarb-e-Azab and Radul Fasad were conducted in areas where strong networks of the terrorist organisations like TTP were working.
But that was not proved to be enough; the government must also use its soft power in tackling extremism and terrorism in the country. Separatist elements like that in Balochistan must be taken on-board and their grievances must be addressed.
Similarly, Jobs must be provided to the unemployed youth so they do not get exploited or brain washed by the terrorist organisations. Moreover, madrasah curriculum and must be reformed with tolerant syllabus. These are some of the initiatives that must be taken by Pakistan in order to improve its security situation.
Written by Rahmeen Jumma Student of SZABIST, Email; jkhanrahmeen@gmail.com.
