ALTHOUGH no official definition exists, terrorism can loosely be defined as the use of violence for achieving an ideological or political aim. The term ‘terrorism’ is said to have emerged during the ‘reign of terror’ as part of the French Revolution in the 18th century. The term terror, however, gained notoriety after the Northern Ireland, the Basque and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

Pakistan has experienced widespread terrorism since the 9/11 episode. According to independent estimates, thousands of Pakistani civilians and security personnel have so far succumbed to terrorist attacks during the so-called ‘war on terror’.

Its impact was seen across several sectors. The economy, for example, according to some figures, incurred losses of up to $6 billion a year due to the loss of exports. Agriculture in areas hard hit by terrorism was destroyed. Vast fields of peach, plum, apples, maize and tomatoes were destroyed in areas that stood ravaged in northern parts of the country, incurring losses worth up to scores of billions. Another sector badly affected by terrorism was tourism and related transport services. These losses were in addition to the ones caused by loss of life, increased poverty, unemployment and massive internal displacement.

Recently, the country has again witnessed a sharp surge in terrorist attacks across the country. All sections of society, including government, public and state institutions, must unite to fight the scourge of terrorism.

However, any step taken in this regard would be incomplete without first reforming the criminal justice system and breaking the nexus of extremism and politics to ensure that the law applies equally to all. Besides, education reforms are needed rather urgently.

An informed, productive and curious citizenry will be better equipped to find solutions for steering the country away from repetitive encounters with terrorism. Moreover, the law-enforcement agencies would also have to be empowered and made independent to be able to defeat this menace.

Saad Khosa
Sohbatpur

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2022