How Civil Society is Countering Terrorism in Pakistan
Fakhar-e-Alam
Islamabad: In an age where modern warfare is no longer confined to battlefields and borders, terrorism has become a pervasive and lethal threat to national integrity, social harmony, and global peace. While governments and security agencies are on the frontline, experts and stakeholders believe that a long-lasting solution to this scourge lies in a collective response—especially the proactive engagement of civil society.
Dr Jamil Khan, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Peshawar, underscores the complexity of eliminating terrorism, calling it a “riddle” that cannot be solved by the state alone. “Terrorism is an unlawful act of using force or violence to intimidate or coerce a government or people, aiming to damage national cohesion and promote destabilization,” he said.
Dr Khan stresses the multidimensional response needed to counter terrorism effectively, highlighting the key roles that civil society, academics, religious scholars, and the media must play alongside the government. “Civil society, with its flexibility and closer access to communities, can effectively address root causes like radicalism, illiteracy, and socio-economic disparities,” he added.
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Beyond addressing symptoms, civil society also plays a preventive role. By engaging communities, shaping narratives, and fostering resilience, it helps build a generation less susceptible to extremist ideologies. “Countering radicalization is a gradual process. But through community engagement and constructive counter-narratives, civil society can turn the tide,” he said.
Bridging Gaps Between Citizens, the State
One of the challenges, Dr. Khan noted, is the erosion of traditional community spaces like the hujra culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the influence of social media. “Our youth are more influenced by online content than the wisdom of elders. Civil society can help bridge this gap by bringing together teachers, parents, ulema, and community leaders to build trust between citizens and the state,” he said.
The importance of community participation was echoed by Ashfaq Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, who shared the results of the landmark peace jirga held on January 1, 2025. “Over 979 bunkers were demolished and heavy weapons including RPG-7s, mortars, and missile launchers were voluntarily surrendered. This wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of tribal leaders, maliks, and religious scholars from all sects,” he said.
Further strengthening the peace process, youth from the area have been recruited into the Road Protection Force to ensure safety on key routes like Parachinar-Peshawar and Thall-Sadda roads.
Turning the Tide After APS
The devastating 2016 terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar marked a turning point in Pakistan’s collective fight against terrorism. “That tragedy united the nation,” recalled Ikhtair Wali, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and KP Affairs.
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“The then PML-N government, under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, formulated the National Action Plan (NAP), which laid the foundation for a coordinated response involving state and non-state actors.”
Wali highlighted several initiatives aimed at engaging youth and communities, including workshops and seminars under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, which offered free laptops, scholarships, and vocational training to steer young minds toward constructive pursuits.
“These programs are not just about development—they are about saving our future generations from being exploited by extremist elements,” he emphasized.
Local Support, National Impact
The role of local elders and tribal leaders continues to be a cornerstone in peace-building efforts. In a recent meeting with Lt Gen Umar Ahmad Bukhari, Corps Commander Peshawar, elders from Tank and Dera Ismail Khan pledged full cooperation with security forces in eradicating terrorism.
They praised the Pakistan Army’s role in maintaining peace and reiterated their commitment to stand united against Fitnatul Khawarij, a term used to describe violent extremist factions. “There is no room for such elements,” the Corps Commander stated firmly, reaffirming that intelligence-based operations would continue until complete peace was restored.
A United Front
The integration of civil society, academia, religious institutions, and local elders into national counter-terrorism strategies represents a vital shift in approach—from reactive to proactive, from isolated efforts to unified resolve.
As Pakistan continues its fight against terrorism, the voices of communities, guided by knowledge, trust, and collective responsibility, are emerging as powerful allies. Their engagement doesn’t merely complement state efforts—it completes them.
The feature report was released by APP on May 4, 2025.
