Pakistan still struggles with 16/12 incident

Tolerance for extremism destroyed the nation

Pakistan witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks on December 16, 2014, when Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan gunmen stormed Army Public School Peshawar and massacred 150 people, mostly school children, in a revenge attack for ongoing military operation in North Waziristan. Violent extremism continues to plague Pakistan, as the government struggles to combat militant groups that contribute to political, economic, and social instability. The civil-military leadership, in shock after the massacre, vowed to take strict action against the militants. Leaders met on Dec 24, 2014 in Islamabad to discuss the progress made so far in chalking out the national action plan against terrorism. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar outlined some of the key points that would form the action plan against terrorism. The All Parties Conference unanimously accepted the implementation of special trial courts. Quid pro quo response to militants has become unavoidable now. When the court awards punishment, quick action should be taken according to the trial.

Violence has more space when there is poverty, unemployment, under-development and backwardness

Countering terrorism requires not just to a forceful response to acts of terror but also a comprehensive combination of hard and soft power. Social, psychological, economic and political means, all are essential. Military forces have conducted large-scale operations against militant groups. To what extent can the military deal with these elements? Military measures include targeting militant and terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries, and cutting off their command and control set-ups. The defence forces need to work together in order to counter this threat against humanity. A strong police force, under the control of judiciary, should be ensured. The police as a department does not require to be trained in handling the problem. It should be its job to secure the scene of crime. Sufficient requisite staff must be on permanent duty in every police station, monitoring the movements of strangers. Training and filling vacancies in the department must be done on a war footing and the latest equipment must be provided to them. Moreover, retired armed forces personnel should be inducted.

Intelligence measures can help in countering the planning and operations of terrorist groups while judicial measures can ensure prompt hearings and punishment to those found guilty of acts of terror. There is an urgent need for information sharing amongst various intelligence agencies and to procure new technologies for forensic testing and other capabilities. All of this will require resource commitment. Technological advancement has given an edge to western nations, which have achieved great success in controlling terrorism after 9/11.

The proper protection of borders including communication jammers is extremely necessary now. The passports and immigration system needs to be strengthened and the validity and authenticity of passports issued to various individuals in Pakistan should be checked.

Technological advancement has given an edge to western nations, which have achieved great success in controlling terrorism after 9/11

Violence has more space when there is poverty, unemployment, under-development and backwardness. Poverty, lack of education, unemployment, corruption and mainly injustice are major causes of terrorism. One way to deal with extremism and radicalisation in society is to promote social harmony, mobility and interaction among different social groups. By promoting literacy and better education, one can defeat the elements that take advantage of ignorance and illiteracy and promote extremism, militancy and terrorism. Educational Institutions should become free of all kind of politics, especially in Fata. Disillusioned youth get attracted to the evil path when nothing is left and fall prey to evil people. Money has to be spent on education and jobs have to be generated. There is a need to reduce the unemployment rate, and injustice and manage proper system of education. Industries should set up in remote and backward areas to make them developed and prosperous.

Tolerance for religious extremists has not just destroyed lives and alienated entire communities; it is destroying Pakistani society and the nation. Illegal mosques with their funding should be checked. Moreover, implication of Shari’a is the foremost need of Pakistan. True implication of Islamic laws can solve many problems, internal and external.