BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

THE CHALLENGES OF COUNTER-TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN

Author: Moonis Ahmer

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2011v32n1a5

ABSTRACT

Counter terrorism is not only a forceful response to the acts of terror, but also means a comprehensive combination of hard and soft power. The use of military or semi-military means to counter terrorism is one way to prevent the further loss of innocent lives but in order to effectively deal with the threat of terror, the application of social, psychological, economic and political means are also essential. This paper will take into account six important factors which cause the outbreak of violence and terrorism in Pakistan and the question of successes and failures of counter terrorism strategy. First, inter and intra-sectarian conflict; second, growing militancy in younger generation; third, the role of autonomous and secessionist groups particularly in Balochis an; fourth, army’s bewildered approach on dealing with the threat of terror; fifth, media’s role in curbing the incidents of terrorism and finally, the level of awareness or the lack of awareness which exists in Pakistan on the growing power of non-state actors who are in present circumstances responsible for the bulk of violent and terrorist acts in the country.