The Main Causes Of Terrorism In Pakistan

This Article is for the students of MSc Mass Communication AIOU

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary describes extremism as “political, religious etc. ideas or actions that are extreme and not normal, reasonable or acceptable to most people. In other words, extremism is a term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or groups outside the perceived political center of a society; or otherwise claimed to violate common standards of ethics and reciprocity. It is typically used in reference to political and social ideologies seen as irrational, counterproductive, unjustifiable, or otherwise unacceptable to a civil society. The term indicates the illegitimacy of certain ideas or methods. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Extremism is a quality or state of being extreme, especially advocacy of extreme political measures .It can also be described as a, “political theory favoring immoderate, uncompromising policies.
Extremism is closely associated with terrorism, as the rise of extremism can also lead to increase in terrorist agendas. It is not a religion. It is not Islam. . It may be better defined as a “political agenda seeking justification in religion”. Normally extremism and terrorism are considered exchangeable words. In reality they are not. Terrorism is a physical act, whereas extremism is a state of mind. Terrorists resort to violence in order to achieve their objectives. Extremist preach and convince others to follow their thoughts.
There exists a clear linkage between the lack of human security and the phenomenon of extremism. Rise in extremism can lead to human insecurity and vice versa. The governments of South Asian states have not been able to provide their people with the basic, minimum human security since these states became independent. Governments and ruling classes, instead of focusing on dealing with the issues of human survival and development, embarked upon perpetuating their power and influence. Subsequently, no South Asian country has been able to free itself from discriminatory and exploitative policies, which increased insecurity and led to the rising number of communal and terrorist outfits. Despite the problems these outfits have created, no serious efforts were made by the governments or the civil society to curtail the rise in extremist trends at the initial stages. All of the regional states are facing the menace of extremism and terrorism in one or other form.

The South Asian region currently faces grave security threats due to the increasing extremism and terrorism. There are various factors that have led towards this situation.
The politics of violence and extremism in South Asia is mainly the result of faulty national policies and interference of external powers. The region’s vast potential is hostage to unresolved inter-state and intra-state conflicts. In most of the states, the governments (either democratic or military) have failed in providing good governance and solving social problems such as unemployment, social injustice, and poverty. The political culture in these states was unable to meet the imperatives of globalization. In addition, instead of promoting unity and integration (both at national and regional levels) it led to ethnic solidarities and identification with religion and culture. The main causes of Extremism are appended below: Extra-regional actors are primarily responsible for the ongoing wave of terrorism and rising extremism. To counter Soviet intervention in Afghanistan in 1979, the United States supported and sponsored the Pakistani government and also the Jihadi groups during the period 1979-1989, which in post-1990 period became a threat for the security and stability of Pakistan. After Soviet withdrawal and diminishing of US interests in the region, Pakistan was left in a complete lurch for dealing with the menace of terrorism and extremism spread over the decade of its war against Soviets. With the 9/11 incident, Pakistan once again became a frontline state in the war against terrorism. The renewed interference by US in Pakistan, and Pakistan’s support against Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan once again aggravated the extremist and anti-US elements, having extensive implications on internal security situation. The extremist trends have been boosted in the South Asian countries due to the interference by the by neighboring and extra-regional countries in the internal affairs of the states. The separatist and ethnic movements have also been supported from across the border, by the governments or any particular group, for its interests. Like the Tamil rebels group in Sri Lanka, is known to have links and has received support and been sponsored by the Indian government and the ethnic Tamil population in India. Similarly the Maoist in Nepal is known to have collaboration and sponsorship from India. The Kashmiri separatist movement in India has received support from the Pakistan. And the Bangla national movement, which, resulted in partition of Pakistan and formation of Bangladesh, was also strongly aided by Indian government.

Poor economic growth along with high population growth has led to the problems of mass unemployment, hunger and income inequality. The economic inequalities and deprivation has created frustration and insecurity among the masses, leading to an increasing criminalization of society in which there are available targets for exploitation by the extremist elements in and outside the governments. Along with the deteriorating economies of South Asia, governmental policies have accentuated the extremist trend in all these states. Governments, in these countries, whether civil or military, have used the religion and ethnic card, in order to prolong and strengthen their rule, further strengthening the fundamentalists and extremists in the society.

There were several factors and events that have led to extremism, sectarianism and terrorism in Pakistan. These factors include : First the impact of regional events like Iranian revolution, Afghan Jihad and emergence of Taliban; second Islamisation process by general Zia-ul-Haq in the late 70s and 80s; third impact of Freedom Struggle in Kashmir and Palestine issue; fourth 9/11 and events thereafter like US war on terror including Pakistan’s u-turn on its policy towards Taliban and joining Coalition/US forces as a Frontline state in war on terrorism; fifth Pakistan’s Arms Forces operations in FATA and US strikes in these areas including Lal Masid Operation and backlash in terms of increased number of suicide attacks on Armed Forces, Police and VIPs, extensions of Taliban infiltration and influence in settled areas-Swat in NWFP and sectarian crisis in Parachinar.
Short term and long term strategies have been put in place to control extremism. The short term measures include: first, eviction of foreign elements brought by USA and other countries to fight USSR and pacification of local supporters, of then the mujahiddin , and now referred to as militants; second ban on militant organizations, third, ban on hate material and check on misuse of mosque and loudspeaker. The long term strategy focuses on Madrassah reforms, revision of curriculum to bring it in line with the values of Islam and national discourse on real essence of Islam. Pakistan needs to adjust her policies regarding extremism and terrorism keeping in view current realities. Perhaps minimum use of force with more focus on political and economic components would be an appropriate strategy. The action –reaction and reaction-action kind of activities will never end until the strategy of fighting terror does not change. Closing down madrassas will not prevent extremism. It would only trigger more hatred and furious reaction. The best solution would be to bring madrassas back into the mainstream, where students are allowed to get both religious education as well as a modern education.

The way out of the current impasse as suggested by President Musharraf is “Enlightened Moderation” which is essentially a strategy of social reforms. On the one hand, Muslim countries should assume the responsibility for internal reforms, avoid extremism and confrontation and ensure economic and social development, through ensuring respect for human right and paying special attention to human resource development programmes. The West particularly the United States on the other hand should seek to resolve all political disputes that become breeding grounds of terrorism, reject equating Islam with terrorism and assist the Muslim world in poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.