Existential threat: Tiptoeing around terror

Most mainstream political parties in their manifestos have not highlighted the issue of terrorism enough.

LAHORE:

Although terrorism is arguably the biggest threat that Pakistan is faced with, most mainstream political parties in their manifestos have not highlighted the issue enough, and seem to lack a definitive game plan on how to tackle this scourge.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q), for example, even has not mentioned the subject of counter terrorism in its manifesto. Political analyst Imtiaz Gul is of the opinion that most political parties have clearly failed in analysing the genesis of radicalisation, which is apparent by seeing their manifestos. “The parties do not seem to have enough understanding of the socio-political problems related to terrorism. Their diagnosis is deficient. PML-N has just a single page on the subject in their manifesto!” says Gul, adding that a lot of problems related to abuse of religion and radicalisation have to do with lack of a proper legal framework that addresses these issues.

PML-N



Some of the steps envisaged by the PML-N include the integration of Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) into the country‘s political mainstream. This is linked to poverty alleviation in these areas and providing employment to the youth, making them stake-holders in peace and security.

PML-N wants educational reforms so that madrassahs follow the same syllabus as the government schools. The party’s manifesto points out that it is important to amend anti-terrorism laws and related legislation. The PML-N’s manifesto emphasises the need to overhaul and modernise the security sector, including enhancing the capacity for counter insurgency forces at different levels.

MQM



The MQM’s manifesto calls for the immediate development of a National Counter Terrorism Policy in consultation with elected representatives, police, bureaucracy and the armed forces.

Their manifesto includes suggestions of incorporating meaningful changes in the judicial process.

Ensuring the independence of law enforcement authorities by freeing them from the clutches of political control is an important part of their manifesto.

The MQM plans to address the root causes of terrorism, which they identify as poverty, religious extremism, unjust policies and illiteracy.

They also call for the launching of a rigorous public awareness campaign in collaboration with citizens and religious scholars to curb religious extremism, hatred, fanaticism and terrorism.

JI 



The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)’s manifesto says the party is against both private and state terrorism. Therefore, the JI government would immediately attempt to stop drone attacks, terrorist attacks and military operations alike. It says that the visas of all foreigners issued without security clearance would be cancelled. The people involved in terrorism, target killings, extortion would be exposed and brought to justice.

PPP-P



The PPP, keeping in view its five years’ experience of facing terrorism, promises to enhance research and intelligence work which it says is the key to unearthing extremist outfits. It also has a plan to regulate all Madrassas through a Federal Madrassa Board to ensure that the curriculum adheres to the national education policy. The PPP hopes to initiate a process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration for any militant group or individual willing to renounce violence.

PTI



PTI identifies three types of terrorism that are afflicting Pakistan: sub-nationalist (insurgent), religious extremists (Sectarian and War on Terror related militancy) and mafia terrorism (particularly in Karachi). PTI recognises the need to fight this scourge on multiple fronts simultaneously: To provide security for ordinary citizens so that terrorists are unable to melt into the population; and also to convince the militants to lay down their arms and come to the dialogue table. The PTI is clear that militants will have to lay down their arms during peace talks. The manifesto also says that the PTI will make an earnest attempt at reaching out to the people of Balochistan and FATA, in an attempt to resolve their genuine political grievances. PTI is very clear about a “no to drones” policy. It also says it will go for de-weaponisation along with the dissolution of militant wings of political parties.  PTI will also extricate Pakistan from the US-led War on Terror policy. Their manifesto includes plans to introduce the “Insaf Economic Package” for addressing the devastation caused by a decade of war. The financial channels funding militants and extremists will also be immediately closed.

ANP



The Awami National Party (ANP)’s manifesto reiterates its commitment to peace in the country and says it will not let the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan, especially ANP members, go in vain.

ANP says it will ensure that the state implements its writ in FATA and purges the country of all terror networks.

Its manifesto also calls for evolving a consensus on the integration of FATA and PATA into the mainstream and says it will seek negotiations with all those who renounce violence.

The ANP also says it will work on a mechanism based on professional and well-coordinated intelligence and the reform of security policies. ANP will evolve a standard policy for compensation, including a comprehensive public insurance policy, for victims of sectarian violence and terrorism.  The policy will be extended to FATA where the people have been hardest hit by terrorism and extremism.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2013.