Take note: Social injustice blamed for terrorism

LAHORE: Economic disparity, social injustice, lack of coordination among security agencies, population explosion, dependence on foreign aid, low standard of education particularly in madrassahs and inability to punish terrorists due to insufficient evidence are hurdles to fighting terrorism in Pakistan. These views were expressed by former Intelligence Bureau director general Maj (r) Shabbir Ahmed following a briefing, titled Measures to fight Terrorism in Pakistan. The Pakistan Visionary Forum had organised the briefing. Members of Pakistan Visionary Forum appreciated Pakistan Army for achieving the targets of Operation Zarb-i-Azb. The former IB chief said the Pak-Afghan border was insecure from where infiltration was occurring. He said foreign elements were carrying out terrorist activities to destabilise Pakistan.“Economic instability is another factor contributing to the weak governance… the government is taking heavy foreign loans and financial aid that sometimes compel it to compromise on security matters.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2014.