Path to stability

The true measure of a thriving or broken society lies in how it tackles its extremist elements. When these elements thrive, they often give rise to terrorism.

Pakistan is currently striving to counter both extremism and terrorism -- a measure crucial for its stability. The nation’s future hinges on defeating these forces to secure a peaceful and prosperous society. Pakistan is fighting on two fronts: extremism and terrorism.

In response to the surge in violence, Pakistan has launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (resolve for stability), displaying its ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and extremism. However, to achieve lasting peace, Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of these issues. This strategy should include socio-economic reforms to alleviate poverty, education initiatives to promote critical thinking and tolerance, and community engagement programmes to build resilience against radicalization at its source.

Only through such holistic measures can lasting stability be achieved. Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, like its predecessors, will only yield lasting peace if Pakistan shifts to a more integrated and holistic strategy. The military alone cannot win this war; true victory requires the backing of comprehensive socioeconomic development, strong legal frameworks, political unity, and unwavering public support.

Addressing extremist elements is crucial for progress. Recently, a mob brutally lynched a man detained for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran inside the Madyan police station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. What’s more shocking is that the mob set the police station on fire. This incident highlights a disturbing trend of increasing mob violence in the country. The National Assembly of Pakistan passed a resolution strongly condemning these horrific and tragic incidents of mob lynching. However, much more needs to be done to effectively combat this growing issue.

Pakistan must urgently address the issue of mob justice to advance as a society. Recent trends reflect the deep-seated issues of lawlessness and intolerance that undermine rule of law and social cohesion. Comprehensive strategies, including legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and stronger law enforcement, are essential to curbing this issue. Only by eradicating mob justice and reinforcing the principles of justice and human rights can Pakistan hope to progress and build a more peaceful, equitable society.

To achieve lasting peace and security, Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of terrorism and extremist insurgency. The resurgence of terrorism in the region underscores the failure of short-term military tactics and the need for a long-term, proactive approach. A militarized response alone, which proved ineffective in Afghanistan, will not suffice in Pakistan either.

While the military is crucial for neutralizing immediate threats, enduring solutions require a multifaceted approach. This involves addressing the underlying causes of terrorism through socioeconomic development, the establishment of robust legal frameworks, ensuring political stability, and fostering effective community engagement.

A holistic strategy should integrate military efforts with initiatives aimed at reducing structural inequalities and promoting socioeconomic development. Education reforms at the grassroots level are essential to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, and local communities must be actively involved in counterterrorism efforts.

By leveraging their knowledge and support, these communities can play a pivotal role in preventing the proliferation of extremist views. Transparent communication and keeping the public informed about the progress and challenges in counterterrorism efforts are also crucial. This transparency helps build trust and garner public support for government initiatives. Moreover, effective legislation and judicial processes are needed to prosecute terrorists and dismantle their networks, ensuring that justice is served and future threats are mitigated.

To ensure the effectiveness of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, it is crucial for all main stakeholders, including political parties and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs), to transcend partisan interests and institutional egos. They must collaborate to develop a mutually acceptable counter-terrorism framework. The urgency of the current situation calls for a military operation that stands apart from previous efforts.

This new approach should integrate comprehensive strategies, combining military action with socio-political measures to address the underlying causes of extremism. Enhanced coordination among political entities, security forces, and civil society will be essential to create a unified front against terrorism.

A grand alliance of all political parties, despite their differences, is essential to defeating extremist and terrorist threats. This unity reflects the essence of democracy and serves the greater good of Pakistan. A collective effort is required to safeguard the nation’s future, emphasizing that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility.

Pakistan needs a nationwide consensus on ensuring a stable and predictable direction for its politics, economy, and security. Key issues must be discussed in parliamentary committees, benefiting from public debate. Transparent, consensus-based decisions, though challenging, are the most effective way to address critical issues affecting the long-term interests of the Pakistani people.

Pakistan’s path to stability lies in a comprehensive approach to defeating extremism and terrorism. This includes socio-economic reforms, political unity, strengthened institutions, and a robust national narrative. Only through sustained and collective efforts can Pakistan secure a peaceful and prosperous future.

The people of Pakistan are determined to eradicate terrorism and extremism from their society. By collaborating with relevant stakeholders and taking the right steps in the right direction at the right time, Pakistan can achieve this goal. However, any misstep or reliance on short-term solutions will render these efforts futile. A steadfast commitment to a comprehensive, integrated strategy is the key to securing a peaceful and stable future for Pakistan.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and has a PhD in Law.