Outline:
- Definition
- Causes of terrorism in Pakistan
- Loss of lives
- Victims of terrorism
- Soviet-Afghan war
- The sectarian violence
- Conclusion
Terrorism is the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear.
Terrorism in Pakistan has become a big and highly destructive problem during the last some decades. One of the main causes of terrorism in Pakistan is sectarian or religious violence. Other causes, such as political rivalry and business disputes, also took their toll.
Terrorist attacks staged in Pakistan have killed over 3500+ people, 5,000 of which are law enforcement personal, causing material damage of $67 billion to the economy.
The victims include worshipers, journalist, religious scholars, foreigners, policemen, Chinese engineers, and workers, students, diplomats, female teacher, army soldiers, ministers, political workers, tribal chiefs, paramilitary troops, security forces, army convoys, security personal, foreign cricketers, aid workers and civilians.
Terrorism in Pakistan began primarily with the soviet-afghan war that continued for a decade. The conflict brought numerous fighter from all over the world to south Asia in the name of jihad.
The sectarian violence presently plaguing the country is also said to originate in the controversial Islamist policies of General Muhammad Zia-ul-haq initiated during his tenure as president from 1977 to 1988. These gave immense power to religious figures that in turn spread intolerant religious dogma among the masses, against non-Muslim countries in general and non-Muslims in particular.
In 2004, the Pakistan army launched a pursuit of Al-Qaeda members in the mountainous area of Waziristan on the Afghan border.
These circumstances led to a state of complete anarchy and insecurity. During the last months of 2011, the situation improved when Pakistan got the strained relations with America and preferred its own interests. Anyhow, the government first time realized what is beneficial for it and chose the right path.
The government, with the help of experts, should devise effective policies to curb terrorism. It should start talks with annoyed groups and try to understand their point of view. It should also encourage a peaceful co-existence between different sects of society. All the countrymen should support the natural law of live end let live. Everyone should regard the views of others and avoid discomfort due to differences in outlook.
