Besides dialogue, a more extensive counterterrorism mechanism is required today more than ever before.
ISLAMABAD: So much for the peace talks! While most of us believed negotiation to be the only way to rid ourselves of the quagmire we are trapped in, things haven’t really turned out that way. The latest reports suggest that September 2013 was the deadliest month of the year, with nearly 1,048 lives lost as a result of violence-related incidents.
What now?
Perhaps, one of the very few options we are left with now is to empower local actors in order to counter these violent trends. Mass awareness on radicalisation and associated ills, is by all means, the only way forward. That is, a coordinated response involving relevant national actors will deliver the desired results.
Firstly, we need to stand up and do all we can under the rule of law to put an end to, or at least minimise, sectarianism and hate speech. After all, hatred starts from words. Discrimination, in every form, towards any social, cultural or religious group has to be eliminated. It’s time we broadened our views and embraced diversity.
Secondly, social and economic marginalisation has to be defeated. The ongoing economic crisis has weakened our social fabric, while a substantial population is compelled to survive below the poverty line. Unemployment is rampant and some of these unemployed people are easy targets for recruitment by extremist groups. Part of the solution lies in creating or moulding communities where everyone has a stake in society, wherein opportunities are equal for all and the justice system is fair and efficient.
Lastly, there is an immense need to rebuild the public’s trust in political institutions. Undoubtedly, the frustration and disappointment, amongst the masses, towards state institutions and those at the helm of affairs is also a significant factor responsible for the present situation.
Although these measures seem difficult to take, it’s never too late to take the first step towards betterment. Besides dialogue, a more extensive counterterrorism mechanism is required today more than ever before.
Raweeha Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.
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