This is very unfortunate that, terrorists’ organizations are hunting the youth of Pakistan for their nefarious and inhuman terrorist activities. The main reason for this youth recruitment is the rampant unemployment in the country. Indeed, owing to economic crises in Pakistan, there are no worthwhile jobs for the youth which constitute over 65% of Pakistani population. Indeed, poverty and socio-economic vulnerabilities of the deprived communities compel their youth for exploitation at the hands of terrorist organizations. Nevertheless, a large number of the youth are being indoctrinated on the basis of their religious belief system to become part of terrorism. Indeed, terrorist organizations mislead the youth, especially the youth of Madaris and illiterate youth who have nothing to do. In return of their services this youth lot is paid monthly stipends. In some of the cases, poor parents are given money to spare their young children for the militancy and terrorism. Still there is a class of the youth which are being recruited on the basis of ethnicity. This rising trend is very dangerous for the state and society of Pakistan.
Indeed, terrorist organizations are being funded by anti-Pakistan forces, mainly the spying networks of some major powers alongside the Indian RAW on Afghan soil. These terrorists’ organizations very cunningly entice youth for their sinister designs; violating the Islamic injunctions, social values and cultural norms. Indeed, they betray the youth under the religious motivation, psychologically brainwash them and then train them to undertake various terrorists activities including suicide bombing. In the process, terrorist organizations effectively target young, educated and passionate youth who like internet, social media platforms and online games. This youth is at times mistreated at training camps including their sexual abuse by these terrorists.
In last two years, there has been resurgence of terrorism and terrorists in Pakistan; mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan provinces. This terrorism has its breeding sites in neighboring Afghanistan. Terrorism increased in Pakistan ever since August 2021, since the establishment of Interim Government of Taliban in Afghanistan. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), separatist’sinsurgents from Balochistanand elements from Islamic State of Khorasan (Daesh) are involved in these deadly attacks. Indeed, terrorism and militancy are anti-thesis of Islam and Interim Afghan Government under Taliban considered itself as the follower of Islam. This Holy religion is all about peace, respect and love for the human beings. In Pakistan, the main terrorist outfit is TTP which claims to be the Muslim organization having linkages with Afghan Taliban.
This terrorist outfit has damaged the image of Pakistan, Islam and Muslims ever since it formally started its terrorism in various parts of Pakistan in 2007. It was banned and declared outlawed terrorist organization by the Government of Pakistan. There are four prominent features of this terrorist organization: a) it uses Islam as its philosophy and ideology to attract and conceal its evil designs and the hidden motives, b) it is brutal and inhuman in its actions and behaviour which goes against the ideology of Islam, c) it is heavily funded from across the frontiers with strong control of regional and international spying networks and d) it is totally against the state, society and constitution of Pakistan. The terrorists of this banned organization undertake their terrorist acts while using highly sophisticated weaponry and war munitions which include modern surveillance system and night vision goggles. This means that they are being used against Islam, Muslims and Pakistan by the forces which are against all three in essence and strategy.
TTP and other militant organizations are operating from Afghan soil. As reported, after Taliban took over Afghan Government, TTP, Daesh and Baloch separatists gained control over the huge weapon and ammunition left by NATO and U.S forces. These militant organizations are using this modern weaponry against Pakistan in their acts of terrorism along Pak-Afghan border, in former FATA areas and in the province of Balochistan. Pakistan has repeatedly asked Interim Afghan Government (IAG) for stoppage of militant attacks using Afghan soil. In fact, Pakistan firmly believes that, if IAG take decisive steps to control TTP and other anti-Pakistan militant organizations, there will be no terrorism in Pakistan.
Terrorism against Pakistan is a well-conceived international conspiracy to declare it as a failed state. The international forces and power centers are eying at the pivotal geopolitical location of Pakistan besides its nuclearprogramme and the strong and professional Military. Through political destabilization and economic crises, these forces tend to undermine the state’s sovereignty and independence. The people of Pakistan must be aware about the hidden designs of the rival forces of Pakistan. The armed forces are being defamed for creating a clash between masses and men in uniform.
Since the youth of Pakistan is the major target of these terrorists’ organizations, therefore, State and society has an intimate responsibility to save them from getting into the terrorist’s trap. There is a need of initiating a national social campaign to save our children (the future of Pakistan) from getting into the hands of terrorist’s organizations. These organizations use the youth as explosive and weapon for the nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan. At the level of Government, there is a need to create job opportunities for the unemployed youth by creating and increasing the job markets and various entrepreneurs. By creating job opportunities, youth will not be attracted and lured-in by terrorist’s organizations. Let’s defeat the militancy and terrorism from Pakistan by positively guiding our youth towards constructive activities. In this we can defeat terrorism, save our youth and restore peace in Pakistan.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
