ountering violent extremism (CVE) is a global issue that affects states both internally and externally. Such issues affect state relations and make societies more vulnerable.

The term “counter-violence” was first used by a former American president to eliminate hate speech and acts from societies, but it lacks a proper standardised definition. Researchers believe that every hateful word used to attack someone’s character can be considered a form of violence. Eventually, such forms of violence contribute to extremism and violence in society.

Violent extremism has greater intensity in developing countries across the world. Various factors contribute to this, but one crucial aspect missing from mainstream policy-making is the Global South perspective. The policies surrounding counter violent extremism are constructed based on a Eurocentric model, completely disregarding the perspectives of those in the Global South who have been victims of violent extremism.

Even the United Nations has failed so far to include the Global South’s perspective. No wonder most think tanks fail to consider these viewpoints when making international policies. The Western vision alone is insufficient in addressing the root causes. Common solutions for countering violent extremism cannot be established without acknowledging the ground realities. Scholars must incorporate the visions of all victims and take necessary measures to create effective grassroots level policies.

Following 9/11, the issue of violent extremism become important in South Asia due to US involvement which also exacerbated it further. The region is affected by the issue of extremism. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and India are among the countries that have been most adversely impacted by violent extremism. In India, the Hindu majority as well as minority groups have faced issues related to extremism.

In Afghanistan, too, the majority sect has been accused of systematic violence against other sects. Bangladesh is also facing such problems as militant groups have killed foreigners and non-Muslims from time to time. Pakistan has faced violence from ethnic as well sectarian extremists.

Investing in quality education and youth engagement programmes can provide alternatives to violence and empower young people. Promoting critical thinking, tolerance, and skills development can shape a generation committed to peace and non-violence.

The issue of violent extremism is closely related to poverty resulting from neo-colonialism. Many states in the Global South have suffered from dependency following formal decolonisation. Non-governmental organisations like the WTO and the IMF are also seen sometimes as tools to promote neocolonialism. After the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the region has been plagued by several militant groups engaged in extremism. The neighbouring states, including Pakistan, have become the primary victims of violence caused by these groups.

Investing in quality education and youth engagement programmes can provide alternatives to violence and empower young people. Promoting critical thinking, tolerance and skills development can shape a generation committed to peace and non-violence. Recognising that countering violence in Pakistan is a complex and challenging task, sustained efforts, collaboration among stakeholders, and a comprehensive approach addressing underlying causes are necessary.

Violence is on the rise in areas where poverty levels are high. Pakistan is currently facing issues with inflation, which expands the space available to extremist groups to exploit and lure young people towards violent extremism. Additionally, political instability is a fundamental issue that contributes to extremism; it weakens the rule of law and leads to chaos. Political instability and inflation are interconnected. To counter violent extremism, focus needs to be on these core issues.

The country also needs dedicated efforts to promote democracy and tolerance through thoughtful curriculum development, seminars, media and social media. Freedom of speech must also be promoted, and individuals should respect opposing views. State institutions must act accordingly and respect the rule of law. Importantly, they should recognise their limits and not seek to encroach on one another’s domain. Leaders of every institution should remain within its constitutional limits and support decentralisation of power.

The writer is an associate professor of international relations at Government College University, Faisalabad. He can be reached at ghulammustafa@gcuf.edu.pk