ACADEMIA RESEARCH PAPER Terrorism in Pak

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Pol 491
Terrorism in Pakistan: Myths and Facts
Supervisor
Dr. Taimur Rahman
Group Members
Amna Memon
Duaa Amina Noor
Samey Noor
Wasma Imran
Lahore University of Management Sciences

April, 2016
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Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review ........................................................................................................................................7
1.Myths about Terrorism: The Perspective of the International Community........................................12
1.1 Terrorism is Islam’s war on the West...........................................................................................12
1.2 Pakistani Citizens Support Terrorists ...........................................................................................14
2. Perspectives from Pakistan................................................................................................................16
2.1 Terrorist organizations recruit only from the remote tribal areas of FATA..................................16
2.2 Most terrorists are not Pakistani nationals, but foreigners:........................................................18
2.3 India/West sponsor terrorism in Pakistan: Blind eye towards Saudi Arabia’s involvement.........20
3.Common myths about the causes of t errorism.................................................................................25
3.1 Madrassas are breeding grounds for terrorists............................................................................25
3.2 Illiteracy Causes Terrorism .........................................................................................................28
3.3 Poverty Causes Terrorism............................................................................................................29
3.4 Acts of terrorism are undertaken only by non-state actors.........................................................30
4.Myths regarding solutions to the problem of terrorism.....................................................................34
4.1 Only Military Action Can Eliminate Terrorism in Pakistan ...........................................................34
4.2 The National Action Plan (NAP) – successful in cracking down on terrorism?.............................36
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................40
Annotated Bibliography.........................................................................................................................42
..........................................................................................................................................................68
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Abstract
Both in Pakistan and abroad, numerous presuppositions regarding terrorism and its
perpetrators abound. This paper draws on around seventy academic papers, journals, reports,
articles, and research findings, and extracts the ideas regarding terrorism that they address. The
aim of this activity is to use this research to prove false the many misconceptions regarding
terrorism. Thirteen commonly accepted myths will be laid out and then systematically debunked,
with sound facts, reasoning and logical conclusions. The ultimate goal is to repair, reconstruct
and replace the inaccurate perceptions with a realistic, pragmatic, and rational understanding of
the worsening problem of terrorism in today’s world. Pakistan will be the main focus which, as
of 2014, was ranked third on the Global Terrorism Index, according to the Institute of Economics
and Peace, London.
Introduction
1.6 million people took to the streets in the capital city of France after 17 citizens were
killed in the Paris Attack. Over 3 million participated in unity marches across the country, as
more than 40 world leaders flew to Paris to stand in solidarity with the Parisians (Paris attacks:
Millions rally for unity in France). In contrast, between 2007- 2014, 1757 lives were lost at the
hands of terrorists in Pakistan with 1821 terrorist attacks in these 8 years (U.S Department of
State). The troubling question is, why are there no unified efforts to take action against terrorism
in Pakistan?
The paper argues that the Pakistani population is either divided or undecided in their
views on terrorism; hence they do not act in unity with each other. The lack of initiative and
ability to take a stance against the issue is attributed to false or no knowledge, and belief in
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several common myths. The paper aims to clarify these misconceptions and reveal facts that
allow a common citizen to take a stance on terrorism in Pakistan.
Only by gaining clarity as to what terrorism actually is will we be able to take sufficient
steps to combat it. If we continue to live by the misconceptions and myths that are prevalent, we
will not fully understand the problem and fish for probable solutions. Apart from raising policy
solutions, simply raising awareness is an important measure. While security forces worldwide
engage in armed combat against terrorists, raising awareness has the potential to create empathy
and affinity with the victims of terrorism, so that society as a whole can combat terrorism on a
psychological and moral level.
Our overall goal is to discuss terrorism is a way that is all-encompassing: to scrutinize its
causes, consequences, and implications, with the aim to fill in common gaps in knowledge by
reevaluating prevalent fallacies. Implicit in this paper is the notion that terrorism is a rationally
constructed, deliberately planned tactic, carried out by state or non-state actors, making use of
violence to achieve a particular goal that may be religious, political or ideological in nature. Our
research will largely make use this definition of terrorism; regardless, there are some aspects that
are worth exploring separately.
This paper will be organized as follows: firstly, internationally prevalent myths about
terrorism and how it supposedly links to the Muslim community, Islam and Pakistan will be
addressed. Next, in the same manner, myths prevalent in Pakistan about the allegedly ‘foreign’
agenda of terrorism will be debunked. After this, the underlying causes of terrorism will be
looked at, followed by potential solutions to the issue, within which the role of military action
and negotiations with terrorist groups will be discussed.

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We need to understand that terrorism is not violence for the sake of violence. On the
contrary, it is the use of deliberate, strategic, planned violence to further particular goals and
objectives. For example the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) employs terrorism to institute
Sharia, perform defensive Jihad against the Pakistan army, and move towards destruction of
military checkpoints in FATA. However, this does not mean that all violence that has an aim is
terrorism. For example, an individual who resorts to the use of violence in seeking revenge from
an adversary is not a terrorist.
There exists a complex relationship between terrorism and rationality. In defining
‘rational’, we will employ Weber’s definition of ‘instrumental rationality’, according to which,
there is a link between the ‘means and ends of action’ (Max Weber 150). This is to say that
terrorists use personal reason, judgment and logically constructed beliefs to perform actions
which help them achieve particular, pre-defined motives. A paradox comes into play. On the
surface, terrorism seems irrational and totally unreasonable, however, upon deeper analysis, we
discover that in the minds of the perpetrators, there is always some rationalization and
justification behind it.
For example, it is hard to grasp how the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, can explain the
killing of 134 innocent school children (SATP), in their attack on the Army Public School in
Peshawar in 2014. However, upon deeper analysis we discover the other side of the story.
Taliban agent, Muhammad Umar Khorasani, in claiming responsibility for the attack said, ‘We
selected the army’s school for the attack because the government is targeting our families and
females’ (McGrath Global Post). He was referring to ‘Operation Zarb-e-Azab’, the Pakistani
army’s military campaign against the Taliban in North Waziristan. Thus, the move was made
with the motive for seeking revenge. Additionally, the organization has a history of targeting
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schools. A study conducted by the University of Maryland shows that up till 2014, educational
related attacks in Pakistan have increased by 88% as compared to other countries at 69%. Out of
this 88%, three quarters of the attacks are attributed to the TTP (Javed The Educationist). Hence,
the attack on the Army Public School can be seen as part of the broader vision of the
organization to target those educational institutions which, promote female education, Western
ideals and are affiliated with the state.
In short, we must disregard the view that terrorism is completely irrational and random,
and perceive it from the perspective of terrorists, as planned and although radical, still having an
internal logic, construct and narrative of its own.
Literature Review
What are the causes and effects of terrorism? Who are terrorists and who is most affected
by it? Thousands of books and articles on the matter seek to answer these questions. Has
extremism risen out of a misunderstanding of the meaning of Jihad? Does a deprivation of basic
needs and opportunities lead people to engage in terrorism? Should we blame the state, the
military, or both? Are terrorist attacks today the remnants of the wars of yesteryear? Are
terrorists targeting moderate Muslims or the West? Or are these questions too complicated, with
many answers, none of which are wrong?
The existing body of literature on terrorism has increased significantly in volume after
September 11, 2001, as scholars around the world grappled with a menace that now seemed
more real than ever before. Different approaches to the matter have been taken. The stances
taken by literature can be broadly demarcated into a few different perspectives, with inevitable
overlaps. Some works take a broad-based approach, taking a look at multiple contributing
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factors. Several works critique the administrative apparatus of Pakistan, with some criticizing the
weakness of the state and others critiquing the unusually intrusive role of the military in state
matters. Other works can be divided into categories that investigate various causes and
consequences of terrorism, with emphases on the fragile Pakistani economy, its precarious
foreign policy, the ambiguous role of intelligence agencies, extremist ideologies of terrorist
groups, and the effects of terrorism on the general public. Each of these categories of literature is
briefly described below.
A number of works take a broad approach, citing multiple contributing factors to the
menace of terrorism. These authors explain the causes of terrorism as a confluence of several
negative contributors, such as social, economic, religious, political, and geographical factors.
Daraz et al point to socioeconomic, religious and psychological causes, while Owen Bennet
Jones takes a closer look at the political, geographical and nuclear factors into account as well.
Anjali Nirmal, however, discounts religion as the reason for terrorism. Instead, political reasons
and the strategies of the West are attributed to growing terrorism in Pakistan.
The Pakistani state’s institutional weakness and incapacity is usually seen as underlying
the prevalence of terrorism in the area. Numerous reasons, such as corruption, military
interference, economic instability, and covert support for terrorist groups are cited. The prevalent
theme is to call for governmental reform in political, economic and social arenas, versus solely
combating terrorism via the military. The state’s incapacity and support for terrorists is
highlighted by authors such as Muhammad Irshad, Afsir Karim, Eamon Murphy, Ayesha Jalal,
Daniel Byman and Stephen Tankel.

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A great deal of literature tends to particularly focus on the contentious role of the military
in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The project of the military involves the use of blunt force
and violence to counter violence. In one way or the other, academics adopting this view opine
that the military has either directly or indirectly aided terrorist organizations in their operations
or opened up opportunities to create an environment in which they can function with greater
ease. The Crisis Group, a non-profit that works to counter deadly conflict, delineates how a
weakened democracy in a pro-military environment fosters terrorism. Authors such as Jeremie
Lanche, Wilson John, Syed Jamaluddin, and Ayesha Siddiqa take an anti-military stance, from
arguing for lowered military intervention in civilian life, to blaming the military for the creation
of the Taliban. Works that praise the military exist, but are rare and often appear to be backed by
little or unsound research, such as an article by Umbreen Javaid. However, even these authors
do realize that the victory in military operations in Pakistan hangs by a thin thread as some
militants have fled to Afghanistan and their return is possible, if not imminent.
Several works reviewed also highlight the relationship between the dismal state of the
Pakistani economy and the rise in terrorism. This is a two way relationship: A bad economy
means greater chances of terrorism and greater terrorism increases the risk of having a worse
economy. Authors such as Sultan Mahmood, Aisha Ismail, Shehla Amjad, Robert Looney, and
Baqir Sajjad discuss the economic consequences of terrorism in Pakistan. Authors such as Blair
et al, however, debunk the argument that terrorism has most of its origins in the poorer segments
of society, showing that poorer citizens are more strongly opposed to terrorist activities as
opposed to middle class citizens.
Many authors draw attention to the inadequacy of Pakistan’s internal security policy,
particularly the government’s most recent response, the National Action Plan, implemented after
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the December 2014 attack on Army Public school in Peshawar. The adoption of each plan brings
about a change in power structure and the government’s stance on terrorism. In most literature,
the NAP has been applauded only to a limited extent, and seen more as a policy for public
appeasement than actual implementation, such as by The Crisis Group, Raza Rumi, and
Shaharyar Khan. In an interview with the Head of the Research Wing of the ISI, we found that
he is of the opinion that the NAP is largely being acted upon by the army and that the
government is treating it more leniently. In his opinion the army has done its part and it is civil
reform needs to be strengthened now. Authors Moeed Yusuf, Asfir Karim, and Samir Puri
support this idea of civil reform which tailors counterterrorism policy according to how different
populations have been affected by terrorism.
A number of works also find Pakistan to be in a precarious position with respect to its
foreign policy. News reports reveal that foreign players such as Afghanistan and the US blame
Pakistan for its inadequate counterterrorism policy and for financing terrorists. Authors such as
Natasha Underhill, Ayesha Jalal, Muhammad Irshad, Ahmed Rashid, Tariq Ali and Stephen
Cohen point at Pakistan’s tricky position with respect to Afghanistan and the US, stressing that
all three countries must play their cards right by each other. On the whole, writers are skeptical
about Pakistan’s relationship with the United States and what this means for the future of the
nation.
Literature is also seen pointing towards intelligence agencies such as the CIA and ISI
giving rise to terrorism in the region. Of particular interest is the training of the Mujahideen to
counter the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan. This group later gave birth to the Taliban. Steve Coll
and Iqbal Ahmed take a detailed look into the role of agencies. According to the head of the ISI
Research Wing, even today the main problem of dealing with terrorism stems from the lack of
coordination between intelligence agencies at the provincial level and district level.
As far as the ideologies of terrorist groups are concerned, a number or works claim that
Jihad is the philosophy of many terrorist organizations in one way or the other. Most of them
focus on how terrorist groups have distorted the scriptural meaning of the term, and how it has
come to stand for a war between Islam and the West. Kaltenthaler et al, Ayesha Jalal, Wilson
John and Eamon Murphy have discussed Jihad and its many distortions. They deconstruct the
meaning of Jihad, explaining how terrorists have come to misuse the term to justify their acts of
violence.
Many authors we reviewed also look into the inner workings of terrorist groups to
understand rise of terrorism. Ahmed Rashid looks at the Taliban, Lawrence Wright investigates
the lives of leaders such as Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, Bruce Hoffman takes a
look at Al-Qaeda post 9/11, while Saleem Shahzad examines how the organization functions in
tandem with state sponsorship. Gunaratna and Iqbal also provide information into the terrorist
organizations currently in operation in Pakistan. These works are revealing with respect to
managing terrorism, as terrorist groups, though negative, are highly organized players on the
international stage.
The discussion also extends to the general public of Pakistan and their role and stake in
the current situation of the country. Kaltenthaler et al and Akbar Ahmed investigate this, finding
that terrorism against India is more highly tolerated, people tend to condemn the activities of
terrorist groups rather than the groups themselves, and peripheral Muslim tribes are threatened
because of the perception that terrorism originates from tribal areas.

Through the use of these sources and more, we aim to supplement the
aforementioned debate – the causes and effects of terrorism. This paper seeks to supplement the
understanding of the contributing factors and consequences of terrorism by researching and
debunking common myths and perceptions regarding terrorism. As displayed by current
literature, terrorism has become a highly complicated phenomenon in today’s world. However,
most literature tends to focus on one dimension of the issue, presenting facts but neglecting to
address many misconceptions regarding the issue. This paper intends to introduce a balance by
taking most aspects addressed by prevalent literature into account, and using them to present a
multidimensional understanding of the issue of terrorism.
1. Myths about Terrorism: The Perspective of the International Community
Pakistan’s image in the international community is deeply affected by several common
misconceptions regarding terrorism. These myths maybe attributed, but not restricted, tothe
negative portrayal of Pakistan through the media, particularly television and print media.
Naturally, biases and incomplete or no knowledge of certain aspects clouds theperception of
viewers and strengthens their misinformed beliefs about Pakistan. Two of the most common
myths are discussed below.
1.1 Terrorism is Islam’s war on the West

To view international relations in “us against them” terms is nothing new. Samuel
Huntington famously proposed the “clash of civilizations” thesis in 1993, proposing that as Islam
increases in influence and demographics, the West will have to work harder to reassert its
identity (Kaplan). The 9/11 attacks seem to have only strengthened this rhetoric, with the
Western far right viewing the tragedy as confirmation of the “clash of civilizations” hypothesis.
The high incidence of Islamophobia following the attacks has also convinced several Muslims
that Islam and the West are irreconcilable. Right-wingers from both ends, such as Donald Trump
and leaders of conservative Islamic parties, further stoke the fire of intolerance. Islamophobia
leads to a vicious cycle – feelings of insecurity and psychological disturbance among some
Muslim communities may cause them to engage in anti-social behavior, which Islamophobes see
as a justification of their prejudices. Such rhetoric, casting terrorism as Islam’s war on the West,
is not only harmful but also unfounded, statistics display.
Research shows that terrorism does not always manifest itself in the form of Islam versus
the West. In fact, it has been reported that in 2013, the casualties from terrorism numbered 12 in
the West, and 22,000 in non-Western countries. The vast majority of these casualties were in fact
Muslim (Doherty). In late 2014, it was reported that Pakistan ranked third on the Global
Terrorism Index. This index ranks countries in terms of impact of terrorism. The top three
countries – Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are all Muslim. In the fifteen years up to and
including 2014, it is quoted that “78% of all deaths and 57% of all attacks occurred in just five
countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria” (2015 Global Terrorism Index). The
fact that terrorism affects Muslim majority countries much more adversely than it affects
Western, non-Muslim countries is the biggest testament to the fact that the “Islam against the
West” debate has limited application in reality. Terrorism is a menace that affects people
worldwide, regardless of religion. To typecast the issue as an anti-West one would be to neglect
the adverse impact terrorism has on so many Muslims.
Many authors have similarly come to the conclusion that terrorism has a multitude of
diverse causes, ranging from socioeconomic to political to geographic, and is not primarily an
issue of religion. Nirmal and Asthana in their book attribute terrorism in Pakistan, a Muslim
country considered the locus of terrorist activity, to political rather than religious factors.
Western foreign policy and strategies gone awry have also given rise to terrorism in groups left
disenchanted by the West.
An argument often brought up is that Jihad, the rhetoric adopted by several terrorist
groups, is an Islamic ideology. A wealth of literature has indeed shown that many terrorist
organizations adopt and impart Jihadist ideologies. But while Jihad does have its roots in
scripture, these groups have distorted its meaning, bringing Jihad today to stand for the conflict
between Islam and the West, as Ayesha Jalal discusses. The literal meaning of Jihad is “striving
for a worthy and ennobling cause”, but its distortion today has led many people to believe that it
stands for a “holy war” against all those who are not Muslim (Jalal 3).
Framing terrorism in “Islam versus the West” terms is therefore problematic, as it ignores
two key facts: That Muslims themselves are the worst affected by terrorism, and that Jihad taken
to mean “holy war” is a distortion of the real meaning of the term. Realizing that terrorism is a
menace that affects people the world over is the first step to taking decisive action to eliminate it.
1.2 Pakistani Citizens Support Terrorists
Many tend to confuse the Pakistani government’s support of certain terrorist groups with
Pakistani citizens’ and Muslims’ support of the same. In a survey conducted in four Western
European countries as well as US and Russia, it was found that 50% called Muslims “violent”
and 58% termed them “fanatical” (Lipka). It is common for Pakistanis to undertake ventures to
display the “positive side” of Pakistan, as many conflate the entire nation with backward
extremism.
However statistics from the research show that citizens do not in fact support terrorists on
a massive scale. A Gallup poll also shows that 92% of Pakistanis support the hanging of
terrorists (Gallup Pakistan). Regardless of the legal and moral connotations of capital
punishment, the fact that Pakistanis believe in consequences for terrorists is evidence that the
majority stands against terrorism, not for it. Another survey conducted in 2014 reveals that there
is scarce support for the Taliban in Pakistan, with only 8% viewing the Taliban and 12% viewing
Al-Qaeda as favorable. 62% view the Taliban as a threat to Pakistan (Lipka). Furthermore,
citizens in other Muslim countries stand against terrorism. According to the Pew Research
Center, almost all the respondents in Lebanon and 94% of those in Jordan view ISIS as
unfavorable.
It is, however, true that the Pakistani government has a somewhat contentious position
with respect to terrorist groups. Different authors, such as Daniel Byman and Stephen Tankel,
have investigated Pakistan’s connections to terrorist groups such as the Taliban and Lashkar-e-
Taiba. However, the situation cannot be cast in black and white terms. As Eqbal Ahmed would
put it, the Taliban were once considered “freedom fighters”, and in fact emerged from the
“mujahideen” trained by the CIA in order to fight the Soviets in the 1980s.
That Pakistan Army used the Taliban as a strategic ally is true to a certain extent. As Munir
Akram points out, the Pakistani government did attempt to negotiate terms with the much more
radicalized Taliban following 9/11, such as the surrender of Osama bin Laden. That it was
unsuccessful to a great extent is visible from the manner in which the country is repeatedly
struck by acts of terror.

Thus Pakistan’s alliance with the Taliban is one turned dangerous and difficult to escape.
It was a strategic decision, however ill-informed, made on the part of the government rather than
the people of Pakistan. The research above shows that Pakistani citizens, and those in other
Muslim countries, stand against terrorist groups, and should thus not be viewed as supporters of
the very same groups that threaten their lives.
2. Perspectives from Pakistan
2.1 Terrorist organizations recruit only from the remote tribal areas of FATA
There are many valid reasons to believe that most of the terrorist activity is centered in
the tribal FATA region of Pakistan, which has remained a safe haven and a breeding ground for
terrorism for a number of reasons. But to say that such activity is only limited to this region
would definitely be a misconception. What adds substance to this myth is the fact that Taliban
have emerged in the FATA region of Pakistan. Authors like Christine Fair describe how a
cluster of militant groups organized themselves under the banner of Pakistani Taliban; have
successfully established an archipelago of Shahriah law within the large swathes of Pashtun belt.
The FATA region includes the seven tribal agencies of South and North Waziristan, Orakzai,
Kurram, Khyber, Mohmand , and Bajaur. (Fair,122) The media however describes TTP as an
umbrella organization for nearly all anti-Pakistan Islamist militants, thus building on the myth
that it is only in the Taliban controlled FATA region, that terrorist recruitment and activity takes
place. Once people start believing that terrorist recruitment is localized just in the FATA, region,
there’s a general branding of all the native Pashtuns as terrorists.
To say that the recruitment is limited to the tribal areas, one undermines the importance
of technology and social media in today’s world. One cannot deny the fact the terrorists
organizations make use of social media to proliferate their ideology and recruit potential
supporters for their organizations. A similar situation exists in Pakistan as well where terrorist
organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan make use of social media to attract the
susceptible youth to their ideas. Very recently, an Institute of Business Administration’s (IBA)
graduate, Saad Aziz, was arrested in Karachi by Pakistan Army Rangers on charges of financing
a banned terrorist organization “Hizb-ul-Tahrir” and masterminding the murder of social activist
“Sabeen Mahmud”. ("From IBA Graduate to 'terror Suspect'”, 2015) Thus suggesting that even
the highly educated people in urban centers are vulnerable to recruitment and radicalization.
Terrorists have good reasons to use social media. First, these channels are by far the most
popular with their intended audience, which allows terrorist organizations to be part of the
mainstream. Second, social media channels are user-friendly, reliable, and free. Finally, social
networking allows terrorists to reach out to their target audiences and virtually “knock on their
doors”. (Weimman,3) Gabriel Weimman makes the point that, the pace with which social media
users are increasing has significantly increased the potential recruits that these terrorist
organizations are eyeing for. Social media has made time and distance completely insignificant
for many of these extremist groups, who can now reach their potential targets within seconds of
their mouse click.
Madrassas and University based student unions have also been instrumental in breeding
terrorism in the urban cities of the country such Lahore and Karachi. Maarti Ahtisaari in
“."Pakistan: Madrasas, Extremism and the Military." talks about Jamaat e Islami (JI), and its
student wing Jamiat Talba in their role in spreading their militant literature and politics to the
urban centers of the country such as Lahore and Karachi. With a limited but almost exclusively
urban constituency, especially among the intelligentsia and through its student wings, the JI
appears to have more modernists than other religious parties. It became the military's main ally
during the Afghan jihad as well as domestically. As a result, money and arms poured in.
(Ahtisaari, 12) Ahtisaari goes on to explain that the student wing of JI , Jamiat dominated the
politics at colleges and universities in the urban areas. It was largely because of the younger JI
cadre's involvement with the Afghan groups that weapons and violence were introduced at
Pakistani colleges and higher educational institutions during the 1980s, especially Punjab
University and the University of Karachi. On campuses throughout Pakistan, the student wings
of rival parties continue to settle scores through coercion and violence. (Ahtisaari,12) With these
kind of student bodies exercising a firm control over the politics of schools and universities,
there is no doubt in believing that the literature and ideology that is required for radicalization is
readily available within the university campuses located in the center of cities like Lahore and
Karachi. Therefore it is not at all surprising to see many mainstream Al Qaeda terrorists being
caught from the student hostels of such universities.
In light of the above mentioned arguments, it is plausible to accept that recruitment
by terrorist organizations is no longer limited to a particular geographical location or a certain
methodology; instead, it is much more dynamic now.
2.2 Most terrorists are not Pakistani nationals, but foreigners:
Pakistan has been engulfed in the menace of religious terrorism for more than a decade
with a number of religious militant groups operating inside the country. Since most of these
terrorist organizations exploit religion, they carry global agendas, such as global Jihad. In light of
these global agendas, there have been instances where foreign nationals or foreign extremist
groups, such as The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Tajiks, have been involved in acts of
terrorism within the geographical boundaries of Pakistan. (Stenersen, The Islamic Movement of
Uzbekistan's Role in Attacks in Pakistan) People tend to believe this myth because, sometimes
the acts of terrorism are so heinous such as the APS one, that they cannot even think of their
fellow countrymen to be involved in such acts of extremism. Hence, there is a general perception
amongst the Pakistani population that most of the terrorists cannot be Pakistanis.. And the
moment they find out that a certain Uzbek or Tajik national was involved in a particular attack,
they easily form the opinion that most of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involve foreign
nationals, the evidence however seems to suggest otherwise.
According to the South Asian Terrorism Portal, run by the Institute for Conflict
Management Delhi, there are around 12 domestic terrorist organizations that are operating in
Pakistan which, account for most of the terrorist attacks being taking place in Pakistan. These
include the likes of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Lashkar-
e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan; none of these outfits are foreign in any sense.
(Terrorist and Extremist groups of Pakistan)
Over the last decade, these domestic terrorist organizations have not only effectively
expanded and established their presence is Pakistan but have also been involved in
numerous/dozens of terrorists attacks which range from suicide attacks, bomb blasts, IED
explosions and sectarian violence/killings such as the APS Peshawar Attack, PNS Mehran Base
Attack, GHQ Attack, Quetta Bombings, Hazara killings and many other incidents. Moreover,
digging deep into the hierarchical structure of these organizations, one finds that the leadership
of these organizations is predominantly of Pakistani origin, for instance Muhammad Ajmal alias
Akram Lahori (head of LeJ), Maulana Fazlullah (head of TTP) and Ghulam Raza Naqv (SMP)
all of them are Pakistani born and bred. (Terrorist and extremist groups of Pakistan)
In addition to that, a report compiled by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of
Pakistan and the Counter Terrorism Departments of Police in each of the four provinces in 2014,
shows that almost all the top 10 most wanted terrorists in each of the province are not only
Pakistani nationals but are also associated with the domestic terrorist organizations. (FIA, “Most
Wanted Terrorists”) These include terrorists who are allegedly involved with suicide attempts on
high-profile personalities and sectarian violence such as Matiur Rehman and Ibrahim Hasan,
who were involved in attacks on Former President Pervez Musharraf and attack on Sheraton
Hotel Karachi, and Ikramullah who was involved in suicide attack that lead to the death of
Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi. (List of 110 most wanted terrorists, DAWN)
An editorial in the express tribune further seems to offer a rather good
analysis of the people who were suspected of terrorism, using the Evidence based policing. A
total of 480 men arrested in K-P in 2014-15, were analyzed. Of those 280 were suspected of
terrorism — 60 per cent — and of those only 35 received any sort of formal ‘jihadi training’ and
of that number, 34 Out of a sample of 480, 430 (around 90 percent) were Pakistan-born and
bred, with only 23 of them being Afghan refugees. (Deconstructing-Criminlity). These
statistics seem to suggest that majority of the people suspected of terrorism were of Pakistani
origins, with only a few Afghan refugees, and the percentages of Uzbek and Tajik nationals were
even lesser, thus clearly destroying the myth that most of the terrorists are foreigners.
2.3 India/West sponsor terrorism in Pakistan: Blind eye towards Saudi Arabia’s
involvement
A common notion often floated in discussions in Pakistan is that India, Israel, and the
West sponsor terrorist organizations in Pakistan. There is a general prejudice amongst the public
against these countries, thus it becomes even easier to blame and link India/Israel/the West to
any terrorist activity happening in the country. Furthermore, Pakistanis tend to turn a blind eye
towards states like the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which actually sponsors and funds madrasas
that promote intolerance and sectarian violence. Daniel Byman in “Changing Nature of state
sponsorship of terrorism” discusses how these madrasas encourage recruits to join jihadi
organizations, and breed sectarian violence at the same time. According to Byman, “Many
[madrasas] have curricula that harshly criticize Shi’i, Sufi, and other, more moderate Sunni
(including non-violent salafi) interpretations of Islam. In addition to teaching their students
messages of hate, they also have newspapers, websites, and other forms of dissemination that
seek to indoctrinate a broader audience”.
This in turn makes Saudi Arabia the most significant source of funding for salafi terrorist
groups worldwide. Byman quotes that the Saudi religious establishment regularly churns out
anti-west and anti-Shia propaganda, This propaganda denigrates Shi’ism and indirectly
encourages violent groups attacking Shi’a in Iraq, Pakistan, and elsewhere, as well as providing
justification for anti-Western violence. The propaganda glorifies jihadist violence and raises the
esteem in which the fighters are held. This anti-west and anti-Shia propaganda has become
widespread in Pakistan, as a result of which people find it easy and convenient to blame India or
West for all the terrorist activities in Pakistan, instead of investigating where acts of terrorism
originate.
According to a Wikileaks, funds amounting up to 100 million USD make their way from
Saudi Arabia to Salafi and Deobandi clerics in southern Punjab annually. There is no doubt that
the funding of madrasas and schools which breed terrorism is a potential long term concern for
the Pakistani government. If terrorism has to be curbed, the government must consider a way to
stem this funding of madrasas, and introduce madrasa reforms that call for reorganization and
restructuring of these schools, as Marti Ahtisaari puts in his book "Pakistan: Madrasas,
Extremism and the Military".
2.3 Terrorism in Pakistan is arose after the September 9/11 attacks
Attributing terrorism in Pakistan to the September 11, 2001, attacks is carelessly
simplistic. It can truly be understood in terms of the events that led to its formation and hence a
contextual understanding as opposed to isolating it to a particular event in history is appropriate
(Abbas 2005; Murphy 2013; Jalal 2014). There are numerous factors that have contributed to the
‘evolution of terrorism’ (Hussein 10) in the country.
Firstly, the Soviet-Afghan War of 1978 led to the emergence of the Mujahideen, Taliban,
and more recently, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The victory attained by the Mujahideen
forces in the war, and the political vacuum in the country, led the extremist Taliban to come to
power in Afghanistan. Hassan Abbas says this war was the “most fateful dagger driven into the
heart of Pakistan” (Abbas 11). Although their regime collapsed after the American invasion of
Afghanistan in 2001, they continued to operate in secrecy, becoming ever more violent and
prone to extremism. From 2001 to 2014 there was a steep globa l increase in attacks by the
group, going from less than 100 to over 1000 attacks per year (GTD 1970-2014 Taliban
incidents). Additionally, General Zia’s plan to use Afghanistan as a strategic tool in Pakistan’s
power struggle with India created contempt amongst the Afghani Mujahedeen against Pakistan,
which exists to this day. Also, the war led to the establishment of countless Madrassas, funded
by Saudi money, which were to go on and become breeding grounds for terrorism. For e.g. in
2015, the Sindh government pinpointed 49 madrassas for having links with terrorist
organizations (Spencer Jihad Watch).
The rise of sectarian violence and extremism can be linked to the Iranian revolution of
1979, which saw violence between the secular left and religious right. As Syed Ejaz Hussain
notes, ‘the Iranian Revolution (1979) established its influence in the Shia community of
Pakistan’ (Hussein 11). To add fuel to the fire, General Zia-ul-Haq helped the Sipah-e-Sahaba
Pakistan, an anti- Shia religious organization, later to be decreed as a terrorist organization,
further their aims of Sunni dominance. Sectarian violence was further aggravated when Iraq,
with its Sunni majority, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United States, waged war on the Shia
dominated Iran in the 1980’s. Perhaps taking heed from countries in close geographical
proximity with it, we see sectarian violence in Pakistan become a major problem from the late
1980’s, as can be seen in figure 1(GTD 1970-2014 Incidents in Pakistan).
Additionally, well before 9/11, we can see traces of terrorism as a result of internal
political developments. When the 9th prime minister of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged
in 1979, on the orders of General Zia-ul-Haq, there was immediate backlash in terms of the
formation of the terrorist group ‘Al Zulfiqar’. The group undertook an airline high jacking in
1981in protest of the execution. Apart from this, General Zia, to ensure that he did not lose
power in Sindh against Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples’ Party, allied himself with the Muhajir Qaumi
Movement. As Hussein notes, ‘Violence by and against the MQM, which passed through certain
evolutionary stages became responsible for almost 90% of terrorism in the cities of Karachi and
Hyderabad and 40% in the country’ (Hussein 11).

Furthermore, problems of the post partition era, culminated into violence extremism, and
consequently terrorism. Muslims lagged far behind Hindus in terms of education, and a political
vacuum was prevalent a decade into the formation of the new state. Within this vacuum, the
army under began to thrive. Perhaps this extensive role of the military can be seen as culminating
from the dynamics created after the Cold War, due to which non-elected rather than elected
institutions came at the forefront (Jalal 3). With the imposition of martial law, ‘Islamization’, and
imposition of the Sunni Hanafi legal tradition, things changed. ‘Pakistani society became more
intolerant and sectarian, with a growing emphasis upon ritual, the letter of the law and acts of
punishment, rather than the humanistic aspects of Islam which emphasized social justice and
human uplift’(Murphy 88). Ayesha Jalal makes a case for how in the time of Jinnah and Liaqat
Ali Khan, there was considerable stability, due to the balance between Islam and the State. After
them, the first hints of extremism started as groups such as the Jamaat-e-Islami began to play on
religious sentiments to popularize themselves in society (Jalal 46).
Another important consideration is that an explosion of terrorist activity in the country,
post 9/11, is attributed to the 2007 ‘Laal Masjid’ attack. The operation was launched under the
regime of General Pervaiz Musharraf, on extremist Islamic militants of the Red Mosque who had
been advocating imposition of Shariah and overthrow of the state. ‘The state’s attack on the Lal
Masjid complex outraged militant groups throughout Pakistan who viewed the attack as a
declaration of war on Islam by the state’ (Murphy 148). A particularly strong reaction was seen
in the tribal areas, the home of the majority of the Masjid’s students. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al
Zawahiri vowed to take revenge for the Lal Masjid encounter. Consequently, in 2008, there were
88 suicide bombings in the country which killed over a 1000 people and wounded around 3000
(Murphy 148). As figure 1 shows, from 2001 to 2006, i.e. the years after 9/11, terrorist attacks
numbered to 200 per year at the maximum. In comparison from 2007 to 2013, the intensity of the
attacks increased from 300 to 2300 annually (GTD 1970-2014 Incidents in Pakistan).
Hence, the notion that terrorism in Pakistan is best understood via 9/11 can be debunked
with the arguments presented above. This is not to say that the September 2001 attacks are
irrelevant, but that developments both pre and post 9/11 should not be disregarded.
3. Common myths about the causes of t errorism
3.1 Madrassas are breeding grounds for terrorists

Madrassa education is often identified as a leading cause of terrorism. Even before the
creation of Pakistan, from as early as 1880’s, several educational reformers including Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan spoke against the nature of education imparted at Madrasas for they believed it was
archaic, and promoted intolerance and extremism among religious sects (Ahmad). In addition to
the role of curriculum in promoting extremist values, another common understanding is that
madrassas have links with terrorist organizations. Both issues are addressed in this section.
Before 9/11, issues of pedagogy, lack of socio-political concerns in the curriculum, and a
lack of religio-intellectual content for revival of Islam were identified as problems with
Madrassa education (Ahmad). As mentioned above, these were attributed to spreading
intolerance and hatred. Owing to such dangers associated with madrassa education, the National
Action Plan also dedicated one point to reforming the madrassa system by registering
unregistered madrassas and regulating curriculum. Post 9/11, the role of madrasas in providing
recruits for terrorist organizations, and madrassas having secret links with terrorist groups has
been in greater focus (Ahmad). Both these claims directly support the notion that Madrassas are
responsible for breeding terrorists in Pakistan.
Delving into the kind of education imparted at madrassas, it is important to note that five
kinds of madrassas exist in Pakistan. Deobandi and Barelvi are the most commonly known ones
and these are associated with sunni Islam. “Ahle Hadith/Salafi Muslims have their own schools,
as do the Shias, while the predominantly Sunni Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) shuns sectarian tags and
maintain madrasas distinct from the sectarian ones” (International Crisis Group). Before it is
understood what courses are taught in these madrassas, it is important to notice that all these
different kinds of madrassas promote views that are not inconsolable. Education in these
madrassas to a large extent focuses on wronging the other school, and this promotes extremist
mindsets (Winthrop). “Radd’ literature – the ‘logical’ refutation of the belief system of other
sects, aimed at proving them infidels or apostates – is a main feature of the literature produced by
madrasa” (International Crisis Group).
According to a report by International Crisis Group” Pakistan: Madrasas, Extremism And
The Military”, 1.7 million attend madrassas (figures from 2002), while Pakistan’s minister for
religious affairs Mahmood Ahmed Ghazi put the figure at 10,000. The latter is far from reality
because a recent report in 2015 declared enrollment of over 500,000 children in Madrassas only
in Sindh (Mansoor). The number of madrassas grew exponentially during Zia ul Haq’s regime. It
is believed that when Zia came to power only 151 madrassas existed, however by the end of his
regime the number grew to over 3000. The number mainly swelled during Afghan Jihad War
(International Crisis Group). This proves a causation between militancy and madrassas as
militants were trained in these madrassas to fight this war.
Taking a closer look at evidence for connections between madrassas and terrorist
organizations, the International Crisis Group’s report quoted above claims that 10% to 15%
masrassas do have such a link. In 2015 in Sindh, the government also allegedly exposed
connections of 49 madrassas with terrorist groups and ordered scrutiny. It was also found that
over 3000 madrassas were unregistered in Sindh (Mansoor). However according to Peter Bergen
Swati Pandey in The Madrassa Scapegoat “a careful examination of the 79 terrorists responsible
for five of the worst anti-Western terrorist attacks in recent memory reveals that only in rare
cases were madrassa graduates involved” (1).
In conclusion, literature does suggest that madrassas breed terrorists in Pakistan however
a generalization must not be made since all madrassas have not succeeded in proving this. On the
issue of exposing links with terrorist organizations, there is limited evidence but generally the
pedagogy and curriculum at madrassas does suggest that extremist values are being inculcated in
young minds.
3.2 Illiteracy Causes Terrorism
Possibly the most common solution suggested by people at large to end terrorism is
“improving literacy rate” of a country. Consequently, after 9/11 leading political figures in the
US such as Vice President Al Gore, and President Bush called for an increase in aid on education
in developing countries (Krueger and Maleckova). With 58% literacy rate (Economic Survey of
Pakistan 2014-2015), it seems Pakistan is inherently at risk of being run over by terrorists. To
establish a causal link or at least a correlation between low education levels and terrorism, it is
crucial to identify instances where terrorists are found to be uneducated.
According to Alan B. Krueger and Jitka Malecˇkova, a causal relation between education
and terrorism does not exist. Rather, it is a combination of political factors, and frustration owing
to lack of opportunities that give rise to terrorism. This is also true for our local context, as the
Punjab Youth Policy especially highlights the need for vocational training centers, open spaces
for youth including playgrounds, sports opportunities and access to job opportunities to counter
terrorism among youth.
Narrating a study conducted by Christine Fair of Georgetown University, Sultan
Mehmood writes “by utilizing data on 141 killed militants, she finds that militants in Pakistan are
recruited from middle-class and well-educated families”. This fact lends support to the fact that
lack of education is not directly responsible for causing terrorism. On top of this data, it must
also be noted that the recent murder of Sabeen Mehmud was plotted and executed by an under-
graduate student from one of the most prestigious business schools in Pakistan; Institute of
Business Administration (IBA).
Some researchers suggest that education actually contributes to terrorism as it “increases
productivity” of terrorists through use of high-capacity operations (Brockhoff, Kreiger, and
Meirrieks). These researchers gathered data from 133 countries to prove a positive correlation
between education and terrorism. Similar to this, another research claims that terrorism is
perpetrated by individuals who take it upon themselves to “save the majority” from being run by
unjust/immoral government. These individuals are leaders in their right, and enlightened enough
to identify political loopholes and take a strong stance against policies (Crenshaw 379). This
debunks the notion that lack of education causes terrorism. It might be true that extremist
mindsets are encouraged by issues in pedagogy and content offered, but a correlation is not
found between the former.
3.3 Poverty Causes Terrorism
It is commonly understood that lack of economic resources cause a rise in crimes in a
society. While this correlation is found to be true in various instances, it is not sufficient to say
‘terrorism’ is also caused by poverty, even when terrorism is a crime. Nature of crimes cannot be
generalized with lack of economic resources. The belief that poverty causes terrorism has been
shared by various heads of nations and politicians including George W. Bush who said “We fight
against poverty because hope is an answer to terror”. Bill Clinton and several other politicians
also believed this relationship was infact true. According to Mehmood, “Jessica Stern of Harvard
University’s Kennedy School of Government notes: “(The United States) can no longer afford to
allow states to fail … new Osamas will continue to rise”.
Sultan Mehmood in his article “The roots of Terrorism” notes that “the authors estimated
13.4 million different equations, drew on 43 different studies and 65 correlates of terrorism to
conclude that higher levels of poverty and illiteracy are not associated with greater terrorism”.
This out-rightly debunks the myth that an improvement in economic conditions of a country are
likely to end terrorism. According to Sultan Mehmood, a survey of over 6000 individuals in
Pakistan proves that the middle-class is actually 23 times more likely to commit terrorist
activities. Krueger and Maleckova further suggest in their article “Does Poverty Cause
Terrorism” that the nature of crime related to poverty is “property crime” rather than “ political
crime”, and terrorism is a form of political crime not property crime.
Instead of poverty and education, researchers such as Mehmood have identified a
different cause for terrorism: political liberties. While a contagion is possible between different
factors associated with terrorism, many authors have claimed that when political and social
liberties are not granted in a society, it leads to a sense of frustration among especially the young
population.
As youth are understood to be the most vulnerable section of the society it is believed that
this will and does lead to violent and extremist actions. “Terrorism is not just job-seeking by
another name. It’s driven by deep-seated problems and personal frustrations in that society,”
Keith Proctor, the Mercy Corps” (Ahmed).
3.4 Acts of terrorism are undertaken only by non-state actors.

The general perception is that terrorism is undertaken by actors outside of the
government. However, the state itself can also advocate terrorism (Puri 2001; Richardson 2005;
Byman 2008; Shahzad 2011). A worldwide comparison of state and non state terrorism between
the years 1968-1978 reveals the intensity of state involvement. It shows the mean number of
people killed by the former to be 497 and 63.3 for the latter (Holyk 23). As seen in the figure
below, state terrorism has been globally prevalent since the 1900’s but has shown a steep incline
as of 2010 (GTD 1970-2014 State Terrorism). Terrorists supported by the state would be “more
able and more willing to kill in large numbers” (Byman I), as opposed to those terrorist
organizations that do not have the backing of the state. The state provides them with a safety net
from within which they can operate.

The term used to describe this phenomenon is ‘state sponsored terrorism’ Ishtiaq Ahmad
defines it as, “a state’s use or support of terrorism against another state or against its own people”
(1). The state can manifest this sponsorship in different ways. It can either directly engage in
terrorist activity, or create proxy forces that in turn do the work for them. The former is known as
‘active’ and the latter as ‘passive’ sponsorship (Byman 3). Total control of terrorist organizations
by the state is rare, and the norm is to for the state to coordinate with groups for its self-interest.
Pakistan ‘has backed a range of groups fighting against India in Kashmir, using money,
weapons, and training to influence their ideological agendas and targeting’(Ahmad 7). The state
sponsored terrorist activity in Kashmir by mobilizing the 14 member ‘United Jihad Council’ in
1994, which consisted of extremist groups such as Lashkar-eTayyaba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and
Harakat-ul-Mujahedin. General Pervaiz Musharraf admitted the army’s involvement in the
matter saying, ‘in 1990s the freedom struggle began in Kashmir. At that time Lashkar-e-Taiba
and 11 or 12 other organizations were formed. We supported them and trained them as they were
fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives’ (The Indian Express). The strategic motive behind
this sponsorship was to gain territory that had long been the subject of conflict between India and
Pakistan. Pakistan’s involvement is further proved as we see that between 1998 and 2000, 72
Pakistani terrorists were killed by security forces in Kashmir (SATP Data sheet). A future
manifestation of this state sponsorship of terrorism is seen in the 2008 Mumbai Attacks
undertaken by Laskar-e-Tayabba, initially mobilized by the Pakistani state for the purpose of
Kashmir. ‘LeT sees the fight against Indian control over Jammu and Kashmir as part of a global
struggle against the oppression of Muslims, and ultimately seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate
in the Indian subcontinent’(Stanford University Mapping Militant Organizations).

Also, the state and Inter Services Intelligence in alliance with the United States is
credited with the creation of the Taliban during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Afghan
Mujahideen were armed and mobilized until they eventually gained power out of which the
Taliban regime was born. Consequently, since 1998 the Taliban has been steadily increasing its
terrorist attacks. From 2000-2013, the Afghani and Pakistani Taliban caused more than 12000
deaths, topping all other terrorist organizations for these years 9 (Global Terrorism Index Report
2014 49).
The army’s role in encouraging terrorism is most prevalent in the Federally Administered
Tribal Areas. After 2001, the Taliban saw FATA as a safe haven from which to operate. Groups
like the Hizb-e-Islami were also gaining power. In the absence of adequate protection by the
state and army, the Tribes of FATA saw the solution in forming civil militias or Lashkar’s.
Effectively, this was civilian involvement in waging war against terrorists. The Pakistani military
openly backed the militias to fight against the Taliban and this confrontation has resulted in
numerous deaths at the hands of the terrorists over the years (Wazir Fata Research Centre) .E.g.
between the years 2006 to 2012, there were 3862 civilian casualties in FATA alone (SATP
FATA Assessment).
The examples above show us that proxies, formed by the state, ultimately went out of its
control to become non-state actors. As Ishtiaq Ahmad reiterates, ‘The growing terrorism ridden
security quagmire that the country experienced in recent years is a practical manifestation of a
natural process, where militant groups hitherto sponsored by a state eventually come back to
haunt the sponsoring state itself’(18). Thus, terrorism cannot be isolated to the realm of non-
state actors only as the state can consciously promote terrorism, and in doing so, work against the
interests of society at large.

4. Myths regarding solutions to the problem of terrorism
There are several conflicting views over what is the right way to tackle extremism. Whereas
some people believe that the solution is political, and that negotiations might succeed in
pacifying the terrorists, the popular opinion however remains that it is the military operations
that can eliminate terrorism from the country.
4.1 Only Military Action Can Eliminate Terrorism in Pakistan
A popular opinion held by a lot of Pakistanis is that only military intervention can
eliminate terrorism in Pakistan. This is unsurprising given the country’s legacy of military rule.
Furthermore, the military is often called forth in times of precarious security situations.
Operation Zarb-e-Azb is the latest example, launched by the Pakistan Army in June 2014 in
North Waziristan following the failure of peace negotiations between the government and
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It is often hailed as a resounding success by military reports.
A year after the launch of the offensive, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations
(ISPR) Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa reported that the operation had resulted in terrorists’
“backbone broken”, claiming that “3,400 terrorists have been killed, 837 hideouts from where
they operated from have been destroyed” (Dawn.com). Military reports claim that the improved
law and order situation can be attributed to the operation. This has led to the strengthening of the
belief that military action was the only way that terrorism could be fought.
However, this is a rather simplistic view of the matter, as the military is a blunt, violent
tool, bearing imprecise weapons with the power to wipe out entire villages. Tribesmen living in
the area targeted by Zarb-e-Azb claim to have lost innocent family members in airstrikes. “A
single bomb dropped from the plane blew up two mud houses and the explosions could be heard
30 kilometres away,” says a village elder who says his daughter and brother were lost (The
Express Tribune). The military either refuses to comment, or cites civilian deaths as inevitable
“collateral damage”. Furthermore, Pakistan has endured a legacy of civilian rule being
undermined by military regimes, and involving the military to a great extent in counterterrorism
strategies is another path to the weakening of democratic government.
The Pakistani government and army’s tendency to favor certain terrorist groups also
prevents military operations from being successful. Following the December 2014 attack in
Peshawar, the government became even more reliant on the military to establish public order.
According to a report by the Crisis Group, the army in fact differentiated between terrorists, and
continued to negotiate with the Pakistani Taliban. This differential treatment only opens up the
possibility of the resurgence of those terrorists who escape military operations or incarceration.
Military operations also come with the possibility of the resurgence of terrorism in the
form of a backlash from targeted terrorist outfits. Terrorists have been reported to have escaped
as far as Afghanistan (The Crisis Group). Fueled by indignation at the armed operation, escaped
terrorists may emerge as even bigger threats. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, 172
civilians and 54 terrorists were killed in major terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan. The most
recent incident at present was on March 27, in which 74 were killed while celebrating Easter in
Lahore. Military operations in tribal areas may lead to a backlash in urban areas, as this and
several other incidents show.
There is a need for reforming the civilian sector and devising law and order methods in
order to bring terrorism under control without widespread military intervention. While it may do
well to employ the military for strategic and planning purposes, to give a country’s entire
security policy in its hands may be seen as a misstep. Even those who support Zarb-e-Azb do
concede that military attacks in tribal areas can lead to a backlash in urban areas, as illustrated
above. As Farhan Zahid points out, it is in fact not that simple to gauge the success of the
military in combatting terrorism, as most figures emerge from military sources themselves. A
more holistic approach, with the military as a smaller component, needs to be adopted. As we
have shown, military operations are not completely successful in eliminating terrorism, and come
with their own repercussions.
4.2 The National Action Plan (NAP) – successful in cracking down on terrorism?
In response to the deadly Peshawar Attack, the Government of Pakistan drafted a 20
point action plan in January 2015, to counter terrorism in Pakistan. The success of the NAP truly
depends on how well it is implemented across sectors, and if after the implementation a decline
in terrorist activities is observed. To decipher these very questions, this section is dedicated to
measuring progress of the NAP and hence deciding if the plan is an effective way to uproot
terrorism.
The 20 points included in this agenda are as follows:
1.Implementation of death sentence of those convicted in cases of terrorism.
2. Special trial courts under the supervision of Army. The duration of these courts would
be two years.
3. Militant outfits and armed gangs will not be allowed to operate in the country.
4. NACTA, the anti-terrorism institution will be strengthened.

5. Strict action against the literature, newspapers and magazines promoting hatred,
decapitation, extremism, sectarianism and intolerance.
6. All funding sources of terrorists and terrorist outfits will be frozen.
7. The defunct outfits will not be allowed to operate under any other name.
8. Establishing and deploying a dedicated counter-terrorism force.
9. End to religious extremism and protection of minorities will be ensured.
10. Registration and regulation of religious seminaries.
11. Ban on glorification of terrorists and terrorist organisations through print and
electronic media.
12. Administrative and development reforms in FATA with immediate focus on
repatriation of IDPs.
13. Communication network of terrorists will be dismantled completely.
14. Concrete measures against promotion of terrorism through internet and
social media.
15. No room will be left for the extremism in any part of the country.
16. Ongoing operation in Karachi will be taken to its logical end.
17. Balochistan government to be fully empowered for political reconciliation with
complete ownership by all stakeholders.

18. Action against elements spreading sectarianism.
19. Formulation of a comprehensive policy to deal with the issue of Afghan refugees,
beginning with registration of all refugees.
20. Reforms in criminal courts system to strengthen the anti-terrorism institutions
including provincial CIDs.
After the implementation of the NAP, a 47% decrease in number of terrorist attacks has
been observed (PILDAT). The number of attacks between January to August stands at 471-
which seems to be a huge number- but it is still a decrease in absolute terms. Another source
indicates that the government claims terrorist attack have gone down by 70% (APP). It would
have been useful to have data on implementation of which points in particular brought this result,
but that remains absent.
Sources also say that security agencies conducted 9,413 operations in Punjab, 1,577 in
Sindh, 2,724 in KPK, 39 in Balochistan, 336 in Islamabad, 720 in AJK, 21 GB and 56 in FATA
by February 2015 after implementation of the NAP (Haider). In addition to this,
Provincial Apex Committees have been formed in all provinces to coordinate the security
matters and to implement the recently approved National Action Plan which include both
military and political leadership (Fani 6).
About the number of arrests that have been carried out relating suspected terrorists,
“1,934 suspects have been arrested from Punjab, 1,533 from Sindh, 6,038 from KP, 460 from
Balochistan, 505 from Islamabad , seven from AJK, 10 from GB and 129 from FATA” (Over
10,500 arrests made).

Owing to the clause on misuse of speakers, reports suggest that“2,035 people were
arrested including 1,806 in Punjab, 169 in K-P, one in Balochistan and 59 in the ICT. Around
1,256 pieces of equipment were seized for misuse”(Over 10,500 arrests made).
By September 2015, over 25.5 million sims had been verified as a step to bring the NAP
into action (Haider). In December 2015, police in Lahore removed anti-Ahmadi posters from the
largest IT market in Lahore- Hafeez Center (Gabol). Two people were also arrested under the
charge for pasting hateful posters against Ahmadis in the market. This was in compliance with
point number 5 of the National Action Plan which calls for an end to intolerance and
sectarianism.
By October 2015, under NAP over a million suspects had been interrogated for terrorist
activities. From among these, 1,652 were arrested as terrorists and 740 people as ‘hard-core
activists’. For this particular action, however, Rustam Shah Muhammad (member of committee
which drafted the 20 points) raised an objection. He said questioning a million people is not an
achievement, and what was the need for such an action? “Where are the necessary institutional
reforms under the NAP?” (Gishkori).
Over 9,000 ‘hate-preachers’ who were clerics have been arrested on charges of
sectarianism. The Punjab government is vocal about no discrimination in these laws, regardless
of the fact if a person is a religious leader or a common man- a positive step indeed (Gishkori).
From the evidence presented, it appears that work to implement the NAP has been done.
However, claims to have reduced terrorism largely come from the government itself, while non-
government bodies heavily criticize it including the Supreme Court. It should also be noticed that
reports on work largely came right after the Peshawar attack and lasted till October 2015 after
which the government slowed down work, or the work was sporadic in nature. The Supreme
Court in July 2015 rendered the NAP as ineffective as terrorist attacks continued. After the
Bacha Khan attack in January 2016, the hashtag “PakFailsToImplementNAP” trended for over
six hours (National Action Plan fails).
“It is undoubtedly true that the law and order situation in Karachi has improved, that
targeted killings have dropped and murders overall decreased by 37 per cent. We applaud this,
but wonder at the same time just where the 55,962 criminals and 688 terrorists who have been
“rounded up” are currently warehoused as the prison system was over-capacity long before the
current operations got under way” (Implementing the NAP).
Such questions on the credibility of authorities implementing the NAP, and a failure to
seize terrorist attacks, especially after the recent Gulshan Iqbal Park attack, it seems that the
NAP was a sham to appease masses, and as soon as some time passed the government
conveniently forgot about it. It is safe to say thus the NAP has failed to bring about an end to
terrorism in Pakistan with approximately 1.5 years of its implementation.
Conclusion
Developing an informed opinion about the causes and consequences of terrorism is the
first step in taking action against it. Misconceptions such as those discussed emerge because of
the large amount of information about terrorism that assaults our senses every day, not all of
which is correct or well-researched. Many people in terrorism struck countries such as Pakistan
remain silent more out of confusion than apathy, because they do not know which piece of
information to act upon.

With the evolution of broadcast and social media as sources of news and knowledge, it
has become even more important to address the authenticity of the wealth of information we are
exposed to. The burden of being informed of the facts falls both upon the informers and the
informed.
Through this project, we thus aim to take a step towards some clarity of thought
regarding terrorism. We have researched books, papers, and articles with diverse perspectives on
this pressing issue, and have carefully gathered evidence to counter common misconceptions.
In the first quarter of 2016 alone, terrorist violence has affected people not only in
Pakistan, but in other countries from Nigeria to Belgium. As countries worldwide fall victim to
this menace, it becomes all the more important to temper emotions and biases with facts, lest we
fall victim to prejudice and extremism ourselves. Our project, however small, aims to show that
we are all affected by terrorism and must keep ourselves abreast with reality. By understanding
empirical facts behind terrorism, we become better equipped to empathize with its victims, take a
moral stand against it, and prevent it from defeating the spirit of humanity.
Annotated Bibliography
Abbas, Hassan. "Pakistan's Drift Into Extremism: Allah, the Army, and America's War on Terror." M.E.
Sharpe, 2005. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The author, a prominent academic, sets out to discuss the road to terrorism in Pakistan in a
chronological manner, starting off pre partition and eventually ending with the Musharraf
regime. Because he was an officer, in Musharraf’s term, this enables him to give the reader a
better and first hand understanding of the political dynamics of that era. The author attributes
Pakistan’s troubles to extremism and corruption. He further discusses the United States
relationship with Pakistan after it declared its ‘war on terror’, post 9/11.
Ahmed, Akbar S. The Thistle And The Drone:How America's War on Terror Became a Global War
on Tribal Islam. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2013. Print.
In this book, Ahmed explores how the War on Terror has resulted in an increasingly hostile
relationship between governments and peripheral Muslim tribes in both Muslim and non-Muslim
societies. This already contentious relationship has become even more so after US involvement
post-9/11, with operations such as drone deployment threatening the existence of many of these
Muslim tribal societies. This enlightening account demonstrates how the War on Terror has
become a war on Muslim tribes, endangering even innocent lives, and forces us to think of
alternate ways to win this war
Ahmed, Beenish. "What’s The Real Root Cause Of Terrorism: Poverty Or Anger?" Think Progress.
N.p., 19 Feb. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The author argues that poverty does not result in terrorism, in fact there are other more deep-
seated reasons for people to turn into terrorists. She says commitment to this cause is not a mere
employment solution, rather people feel they have a duty to do this.
Ahmed, Ishtiaq. "State-Sponsored Terrorism." State-Sponsored Terrorism. N.p., n.d. Web. Mar. 2016.
This informative and well rounded piece by Ishtiaq Ahmad explores the concept of state-
sponsored terrorism and in doing so also considers the factors which motivate states to engage in
this practice. He discusses the different ways in which states can further terrorism, either
directly or indirectly. In addition to giving a historical account of its formation, he also quotes
examples from Pakistan i.e. relating to the Kashmir issue. Hence we gain a global as well as
country specific understanding of the issue.
Ahtisaari, Martti. "Pakistan: Madrasas, Extremism and the Military." Google Books. Diane Publishing
Company, 01 Nov. 2002. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Winner of the nobel peace prize, Marti Ahtisaari in this book argues for the need to downplay
madrasas that promote religious extremism and intolerance, and hence by doing so advocate for
terrorism. He calls for reorganisation and restoration of these schools and provides valuable
insight for doing so.
Ali, Tariq. The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power. New York: Scribner, 2008. Print.
A celebrated commentator on Pakistan’s political issues, Tariq Ali explores the causes and
possible consequences of the country’s political turmoil. He addresses controversial questions,
such as the involvement of the US and NATO in the region, and what this means for the War on
Terror. The author effectively makes use of his personal knowledge and primary research to
investigate these pressing questions, the answers of which spell out the future of Pakistan and
terrorism.
Ali, Imtiaz. "From IBA Graduate to 'terror Suspect'?" DAWN. 2015. Web. 03 Apr. 2016
This DAWN news blog talks about an IBA graduate who was radicalized by these terrorist
organizations, and hence was caught involved in the target killing of Sabeen Mehmood.
Allen. Authority and Rationality—Max Weber (German, 1864–1920)(12/23/2004): n. pag. Web.

The author is discussing Weber’s conceptions of authority and rationality. We will employ his
notion of ‘instrumental rationality’ in exploring the relationship between terrorism and
rationality.
Anwar, Muhammad, and Ebad Baig. "Pakistan: Time for Change." Google Books. AuthorHouse, 21
Dec. 2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The author argues that battling terrorism and extremism in Pakistan can only be successful if the
vision of Jinnah is implemented, i.e. he advocates making the country a ‘Modern Democratic
Islamic State’. He argues for addressing the dismal law and order situation in order to achieve
the desired objective of peace and prosperity.
Asthana, N. C., and Anjali Nirmal. "Urban Terrorism." Google Books. Pointer Publishers, 1 Jan. 2009.
Web. 25 Jan. 2016.
In chapter 12 of their book, Urban Terrorism, the authors study the case of Pakistan. Their theory
is that here, terrorism is a problem of political, not religious nature. Hence, they argue against the
over simplified view that radicalizing Islam links with terrorism. They then discuss provincial
terrorism and major terrorist attacks in recent times. They are of the view that partly, the West
and their strategy and responses are to blame for terrorist action in the region. The chapter adds
to the reader's understanding as it deconstructs the widespread myth that terrorism stems from
religion, particularly Islam.
Barsamian, David, and Eqbal Ahmad. Terrorism: Theirs and Ours. New York: Seven Stories Press,
2014. Print.
In the form of interviews of Eqbal Ahmed, conducted by journalist David Barsamian, this book
takes a critical look at US foreign and military policy, and the manner in which some groups and
acts are selectively labeled as terrorist, while others are ignored or even sanctioned. Eqbal
explores the concepts of “terrorist” and “freedom fighter” and how they have been applied
differently to the same groups over time. The text serves as an important starting point for
understanding the political origins of terrorism as we see it today.
Bennett Jones, Owen. Pakistan: Eye of the Storm. New Haven [Conn.]: Yale University Press, 2002.
Print.
Pakistan has long been cited as the country of the highest strategic importance in today’s world,
especially in the context of the War on Terror. The country attracts even more attention with its
near-constant political instability, socioeconomic issues, nuclear weapons, and neighbouring
country Afghanistan. This text, which traces the history of Pakistan’s instability and analyses its
future prospects, is essential to understanding Pakistan’s significant role in the rise of and fight
against terrorism.
Bjørgo, Tore. Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Reality, and Ways Forward. London: Routledge, 2005.
Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2005. Web. Mar. 2016.
This informative book explores the causes of terrorism, by relating it to specific case studies for
different regions. We will particularly focus on chapter 15 in informing our discussion about the
state sponsorship of terrorism and views it as an instrument of foreign policy.
Bergen, Peter, and Swati Pandey. "The Madrassa Scapegoat." The Washington Quarterly 29.2 (2006):
117-25. The Web Environment at U-M. 2006. Print. Feb. 2016.
This article allows us to analyze profiles of terrorists during some famous attacks globally, and
reveals whether those terrorists had received madrassa education. His conclusions are imperative
for the research because they fail to establish causation between madrassa education and
terrorists.
Blair, Graeme, Christine Fair, Neil Malhotra, and Jacob N. Shapiro. "Poverty and Support for Militant
Politics: Evidence from Pakistan." American Journal of Political Science 57.1 (2013): n. pag.
Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The authors deconstruct the argument that Terrorism mostly attracts the poorer section of
society. Their claim is based on a representative sample survey, the results of which show that
the poorer citizens are more strongly opposed to terrorist activities as opposed to middle class
citizens. They uncover additional information about individual and societal level responses to
such violence, which can be effective in understanding the public's perception of terrorism.
Brockhoff, Sarah, Tim Krieger, and Daniel Meierrieks. "More Education = Less Terrorism? Studying
the Complex Relationship Between Terrorism and Education." Political Violence at a Glance.
N.p., 4 Dec. 2015. Web. Feb. 2016.
The authors' research is imperative in studying relationships between education and terrorism.
The results are unusual and alarming, but they prove that commonly held notions about such a
causation are not correct.
Bukhari, Ali Jafar. "Terrorism in Pakistan." Pakitan Police. Pakistan Police Magazine, 30 Mar. 2012.
Web. 20 Jan. 2016.
The article defines terrorism, points out some causes of terrorism and effects of terrorism on
Pakistan and its people. The article gives a new perspective to terrorist activities as it shows how
law enforcing agencies think of it and how they react to it.
Byman, Daniel. Deadly Connections. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005. Print.
Byman’s book is among the first to examine the actions of countries which lend support to
terrorist or pro-terrorist groups. He delves into both active sponsors of terrorism as well as those
states that enable terrorist activities by looking the other way. He focuses mainly on the Middle
East and South Asia, including countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Saudi
Arabia. Byman also traces the histories of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and al Qaeda. This
text is a good primer for understanding the often oversimplified relationship between such states
and the terrorist groups they support.
Byman, Daniel L. "The Changing Nature of State Sponsorship of Terrorism." (2008): n. pag. The Saban
Centre for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, 16 May 2008. Web. Mar. 2016.
In this analysis paper, Byman discusses how state sponsored terrorism is manifesting itself in the
contemporary world such as Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan etc. He explains that state sponsored
terrorism can be ‘active’ and ‘passive’ and further explains the subcategories within each group
with relevant examples. The paper will guide our theoretical understanding of the concept as
well as present remedies for countering state sponsorship, which can prove essential in policy
decisions.
Cohen, Stephen P. "The Future of Pakistan." Google Books. Brookings Institution Press, 2011. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
This book aims at discussing the future of Pakistan, as it being a country in its own right, as well
as the implications it has for other countries which have a stake in it. It comprises of a series of
essays by various scholars and hence academic diversity is present. Naturally, when the future is
considered, so is the security threat that terrorist organizations and Jihadist groups pose. This rich
assortment of contributions can be studied, and the most likely future predictions can be studied
for policy analysis and implementation.
Cohen, Stephen Philip. "With Allies Like This: Pakistan And The War On Terrorism". A Practical
Guide To Winning The War On Terrorism. Adam Garfinkle. 1st ed. Hoover Institution Press,
2004. 103-116. Print.
In this chapter, Cohen analyses the nature of the relationship between Pakistan and the US, and
its meaning in the context of the War on Terror. Previously, Pakistan has remained both an ally
and an instrument of US foreign policy, but post 9/11 it has also emerged as a source of terrorism
itself. Pakistan finds itself at a contentious position, as it is a breeding ground for terrorist groups
as well as a frontline ally in the War on Terror. This is an interesting look at the policy measures
that should be taken by the US in relation to Pakistan and terrorism.
Coll, Steve. Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet
Invasion to September 10, 2001. New York: Penguin Press, 2004. Print.
Steve Coll, managing editor of the Washington Post, sheds light on the activities of several
intelligence organizations in Afghanistan. He traces the manner in which the covert operations of
intelligence agencies such as the CIA, ISI and KGB gave rise to militant Islamism in the region
and the birth of al Qaeda, eventually leading to the events of September 11, 2001. He focuses in
particular on the secret history of the involvement of CIA in Afghanistan, from 1979 to the
attempts to capture bin Laden post-1998. In this illuminating report, consisting of firsthand
accounts, Coll addresses the compelling question of whether the threat of militant Islamism was
foreseen, and why agencies failed to contain it.
Daraz, Umar, Arab Naz, Waseem Khan, Qaiser Khan, and Tariq Khan. "SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
OF TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN." Academic Research International ISSN: 2223-9944 Vol.
3.No. 1 (2012): 203-12. SAVAP. July 2012. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
Authors have analyzed how people are coerced or attracted to terrorism, mainly in the KPK
region of Pakistan. Sociological and psychological reasons for buying this ideology can prove to
be useful for understanding the phenomenon of terrorism as a whole better.
"De-constructing Criminality - The Express Tribune." The Express Tribune. N.p., 03 Apr. 2016. Web.
04 Apr. 2016.
This news article analyzes the police records based on the Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) in
KPK in 2014-2015. Of the total arrests, it analyzes how many of these were terrorists suspects
and facilitators.
Doherty, Ben. "Pakistan Attack Reveals the Truth About Terrorism: It Kills More Poor Muslims Than
Rich Westerners | Ben Doherty". The Guardian. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 Apr. 2016.
Following the December 2014 attack on school children in Pakistan, this article examines how
terrorism affects Muslims in developing countries more than it affects Western citizens.
According to the author, this fact contradicts the self-righteous “Jihad” narrative of many
terrorist groups, as well as the headlines of Western newspapers, which tend to gloss over the
worst affected victims of terrorism, Muslims themselves.
"FATE OF CIVIL MILITIA IN FATA." Fata Research Centre, 19 Nov. 2012. Web. Mar. 2016.
The report published by the Fata Research Centre presents us with a detailed description and
analysis of the situation of civil militias or Lashkars in the Tribal area. The relationship between
the militia, militants and the army is laid down. The information will inform our understanding
of how terrorism engages groups throughout society and causes them to take action either for or
against it.
Fair, C. Chirstine. "Militant Recruitment in Pakistan: Implications for Al Qaeda and Other
Organizations." Http://www.tandfonline.com/. Routledge, 30 Nov. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The article discusses the implications for recruitment and enrollment into terrorist organizations
for Al-Qaeda and other organizations in Pakistan. The argument is that instead of a formal and
open networks, an informal network of communication and relations allows this to occur. It is
supported through detailed literature review, data analysis and expert consultation. The findings
can be vital in understanding and implementing efforts to puncture the fluidity with which
terrorist organizations currently operate in the country.
Fani, Muhammad Ishaque. "Pakistan's Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities after 9/11."
Pakistan Horizon 58.4 (2005): 53-64. Crisis Group. 22 July 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The report has a section dedicated to NAP, to its implementation mechanism and the success it
has achieved thus far.
Farwell, James P. "The Pakistan Cauldron: Conspiracy, Assassination & Instability." Potomac Books,
Inc, 2011. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Former Advisor to the United State Department of Defence, Farwell uses his capacity to trace the
roots of political unease and terrorism with respect to focusing on three particular individuals,
i.e; Benazir Bhutto, A.Q Khan and General Pervez Musharraf. He also delves into US Pakistan
relations and how they have played out, given the recent unfolding of events. This book is
insightful to gain understanding of how American strategists and government officials view the
position of Pakistan.
"'Facilitators' behind BKU Attack Revealed after DG ISPR's Press Conference." - Pakistan. N.p.,
This news articles talks about the arrest of the four facilitators who were involved in the attack
on Bacha Khan University in Charsada.
Filkins, Dexter. "The Pakistani Dystopia - The New Yorker." The New Yorker. 2016. Web. 06 Apr.
2016.
This article delves in to the role of military and intelligence agencies in backing anti Indian
militant groups.
FIA. "Most Wanted Terrorists." (n.d.): n. pag. Http://www.fia.gov.pk/en/terrorist.pdf.
This is a publication which has been compiled by FIA along with help of Counter Terrorism
Department of Police in each of the provinces. It contains the bio data of the top most wanted
terrorists and their association with terrorist organizations within Pakistan.
Gabol, Imran. "Police Take down Offensive Anti-minority Poster in Lahore after Outrage." Dawn. N.p.,
11 Dec. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The article describes an incident that took place in Lahore against minority interests in Pakistan.
The author narrates the facts and how people responded to the attack made on minorities.
Galasz Nielsen, Thomas, Mahroona Hussain Syed, and David Vestenskov. Counterinsurgency And
Counterterrorism:Sharing Experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Copenhagen: Royal Danish
Defence College, 2015. Print.
The first of its kind, this is a collaboration between defense institutions in Denmark and Pakistan.
This book collects lessons garnered from Pakistan and Afghanistan on promoting sustainable
peace measures, and how to develop civilian-military cooperation to combat terrorism.
Gishkori, Zahid. "102 Madrassas Sealed for Stoking Sectarianism - The Express Tribune." The Express
Tribune. 12 Nov. 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
The article provides evidence for the fact that madrasas preach extremism, and gives an insight
over what the government is doing to curb their impact such as geotagging and sealing
madrassas.
Gishkori, Zahid. "Anti-terror Crackdown: Under NAP, a Million People Quizzed." Express Tribune.
N.p., 26 Oct. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The author brings a new perspective to the success related to NAP, and says even though the
numbers seem impressive no systems are in place to deal with issues and no transparency exists.
He also says the Supreme Court rendered the NAP ineffective.
Global Terrorism Index 2014. Measuring and Understanding the Impact of Terrorism. Rep. N.p.:
Institute For Economics and Peace, 2014. Print.
This detailed annual report offers us insight into a wide range of topics e.g. the trends, risks,
correlates, as well as case studies of specific terrorist organizations such as the Taliban, ISIS and
Boko Haram. Our paper will be better informed by making use of the numerous facts, figures
and data present in the report.
Gul, Imtiaz. "Pakistan: Before and After Osama." Google Books. Roli Books Private Limited, 8 Nov.
2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
A prominent journalist and analyst, Imtiaz Gul centres his book around an individual who was
the most sought after terrorist in the world; Osama Bin Laden. He discusses the situation of
Pakistan before and after the terrorist was caught, and in doing so, discusses the troubled
relationship Pakistan has with USA, India and Afghanistan. It allows the reader helpful
understanding in terms of Pakistan’s foreign policy and relations with regard to terrorism.
Gunaratna, Rohan, and Khuram Iqbal. "Pakistan: Terrorism Ground Zero." Reaktion Books, 01 Jan.
2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The authors provide enlightening and in depth information into the terrorist organizations
currently in operation in Pakistan. In addition to this, rare and comprehensive information into
the finance, internal workings and cooperation and communication between terrorist groups is
highlighted, which could prove vital for counter terrorism efforts. More generally, the perils that
terrorism could bring to the country are discussed.
Group, International Crisis. Revisiting Counter-terrorism Strategies in Pakistan: Opportunities and

Pitfalls. Rep. N.p.: n.p., 2015. Print.
This article aims to assess the performance of the Counterterrorism measures applied in Pakistan.
The author recognizes that just the militarization of policy is not enough to stabilize the situation
and threat that the country faces. It offers clear cut recommendations to different levels of the
government to assist them in their efforts, e.g. it discusses the implementation of the National
Action Plan, and offers advice for its improvement.
Haider, Mateen. "Over 10,000 Arrested as National Action Plan against Terror Continues." Dawn News.
N.p., 06 Feb. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
Facts and figures on implementation of the NAP are provided in the article which prove to be
useful for the overall research
Haqqani, Husain. "Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military." Google Books. Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace, 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Having held important roles in the country’s government in recent times, the author’s opinion is
well articulated and essential. He traces the post-partition relationship between militant groups
and the military. In doing so, he delves into the security threat that the country has faced and
continues to face, and provides interesting material that relate to Pakistan's journey to find
stability.
Hasnat, Syed Farooq. "Pakistan." ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The book envisions the effect of the delicate security situation in Pakistan and looks at the
spillover effects it could have on the international community. Action by the Pakistani
government as well as the United States uptil now is analyzed. The author advocates favorable
policy design to help curb the effects of extremism and terrorism. It provides a well rounded
investigation of the security position of the past and its forward looking approach allows for
practical policy action in the future.
Hoffman, Bruce. Inside Terrorism. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. Print.
This book is significant in understanding the evolution of terrorism as we understand it today.

Hoffman examines the motivations, tactics and players in international terrorism, focusing in
particular on the development of al-Qaeda post 9/11. He analyses the possible impact of the
insurgency in Iraq, suicide bombings, and the use of new technology by terrorist groups. Not
only does Hoffman delve into this region, but he also takes a look at how groups such as white
supremacists and abortion opponents in America are a threat in themselves. This is a definitive
and holistic work on global terrorism.
Holyk, Gregory G. "A Comparison of the Lethality of State and Non-state Terrorism." State-sponsored
Terrorism A Comparison of the Lethality of State and Non-state Terrorism Gregory G. Holyk
University of Illinois at Chicago E-mail: Gholyk2@uic.edu (n.d.): n. pag. University of Illinois
at Chicago, 2005. Web. Mar. 2016.
This article shows that state-sponsored terrorism as opposed to non-state terrorism is the driving
force behind the majority of the terrorist activities. It questions the authority of the United States
to declare the War on Terror when the country itself has engaged in state led terrorist activities.
The author shows the intensity of state sponsored terrorism through various studies and
concludes that to solve the crisis of global terrorism we should begin with eradicating its state
sponsored manifestation.
Husain, Irfan, and Stephen P. Cohen. "Fatal Faultlines: Pakistan, Islam and the West." Google Books.
Arc Manor, 2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
This Book advocates for Pro US instead of Anti US relations. This argument of the author has
earnt him much opposition, however, in his opinion, will allow for greater stability and improved
security situation in Pakistan. He discusses the troublesome recruitment of younger individuals
in extremist groups and suggests building a well designed educational system in order to counter
this. Foreign policy implications of this work can be far reaching and important.
Hussein, Syed Ejaz. "TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN: CHANGING INCIDENT PATTERNS." (n.d.): n.

pag. Web. Mar. 2016.
The paper looks at the ‘evolution of terrorism’ (10). It examines the changing trends from the
years 1974-2004. It uses data from the Global Terrorism Database to compare and contrast
spatial and temporal patterns, types of victims, weapons and terrorist groups over time. In doing
so it aims to increase knowledge regarding facts which can help to develop successful counter
terrorism policy.
Imran, Zafar. "Al-Qaeda’s Ambitions in Pakistan: Changing Goals, Changing Strategies."

Http://www.jamestown.org/. Terrorism Monitor Volume:8 Issue:31, 5th Aug. 2010. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
In this intelligent article, Zafar Imran presents a well-rounded picture of how the Al-Qaeda aims
to exploit the weaknesses of the Pakistani society. He argues that the terrorist organization has
expanded, shifting their operations to rural as well as urban areas. He explores the government's
inability to address this issue. By studying the motivations and workings of this terrorist
organization via this article, we can hope to better understand others like it, that are threatening
the future of Pakistan.
"Implementing the NAP." Express Tribune. N.p., 06 July 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The source comments on ineffectiveness of the NAP as Supreme Court renders it weak.
Information on More than 140,000 Terrorist Attacks." Global Terrorism Database. N.p., n.d. Web. Apr.
2016.
"FATA Assessment 2015." Global Terrorism Database. N.p., n.d. Web. Mar. 2016.
"Pakistani Terrorists Killed by Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir." Global Terrorism Database.
N.p., n.d. Web. Mar. 2016.
"State Terrorism Incidents 1970-2014." Global Terrorism Database. N.p., n.d. Web. Mar. 2016.
The Global Terrorism Database is an online resource which allows us to access the records of
terrorist activities from the years 1970-2014. We can specify our search according to terrorist
group, weapons used, target of terrorist activity, country, casualties etc. For the purpose of
obtaining both global data and data specific to Pakistan, this database will cater to our needs.
International Crisis Group,. Revisiting Counter-Terrorism Strategies In Pakistan: Opportunities And

Pitfalls. Brussels: N.p., 2016. Web.
This report takes a look at Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy following the December 16
(2015) attacks on an army-run school in Peshawar. The National Action Plan (NAP) adopted
following this incident is criticized as a hastily conceived list made more for public consumption
than anything else, and is seen as something that is more likely to empower the military and
endanger civilian rule in the already politically unstable country. This report is an in depth
analysis of the efficacy of the NAP, particularly in light of the government’s wavering stance on
many issues such as fundamental human rights and “good” terrorist groups.
Irshad, Muhammad. Terrorism in Pakistan: Causes & Remedies. Rep. Vol. VI. N.p.: n.p., 2011. Print.
Ser. 3.
This in depth analysis of the case of terrorism in Pakistan delves into several matters such as the
link between terrorism and extremism and the role of the military. The causes for terrorism are
explained as well as policies for curbing this problem are presented. The argument that the main
actors that need to be dealt with, are the militants and the United States, presents the clear cut
view of the author, which allows for easy analysis and policy implementation if needed.
Ismail, Aisha, and Shehla Amjad. "Determinants of Terrorism in Pakistan: An Empirical Investigation."
EconPapers:. N.p., 5 Nov. 2013. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Another article that adds to the economic literature on terrorism is written by Aisha Ismail and
Shehla Amjad. They establish a working definition of terrorism and then analyze its impact on
the economy. Interestingly, they explore the financial costs of counterterrorism efforts to
Pakistan. They single out factors that link to terrorism in the short and long run, which can prove
fruitful for policy drafting.
Javaid, Umbreen. "Operation Zarb-e-Azb: A Successful Initiative to Curtail Terrorism." Vol. 30, No.2,
July – December 2015, Pp. 43 – 58 South Asian Studies Journals. Web. 20 Jan. 2016.
The journal explores motivations behind Zarb-e-Azab, the effects it has had including creation of
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and delays caused in the operation. This piece is significant
to understand Zarb-e-Azab as a strategy to combat terrorism in Pakistan.
Javed, Adil. "Terrorist Attacks On Education In World : Pakistan Worst Hit, Nigeria 2nd." The
Educationist, 22 Mar. 2015. Web.
This article written by Adil Javed shows us how in recent years, educational institutions are
becoming one of the prime targets of terrorists in Pakistan. He draws on data from the Global
Terrorism Database and University of Maryland to support this claim. With the recent attack on
the Army Pubic School in Peshawar, it will prove useful.
Jalal, Ayesha. "The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics." Google Books.
Harvard University Press, 16 Sept. 2014. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Prominent scholar, Ayesha Jalal traces the political history of Pakistan from partition up till the
book's publication i.e. 2014. In doing so she analyzes the role of the military, terrorism and
points to the institutional deficiencies of the state. It is interesting to note, how despite all the
turmoil the country has been through, Jalal paints a somewhat positive picture of Pakistan, by
applauding the resilience of the country and its people, thus keeping the need for hope alive.
Jalal, Ayesha. Partisans Of Allah: Jihad in South Asia. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press,
2008. Print.
The author effectively traces the history of jihad in South Asia and the Middle East over several
centuries, exploring how this concept has changed meaning over time. This concept, central to
the Islamic faith, has today come to stand for the conflict between Islam and the West. The book
is central to understanding the roots of this oft-misunderstood concept, especially in a world
increasingly defined and divided in terms of Muslim and non-Muslim.
Jamaluddin, Syed. "Divide Pakistan: To Eliminate Terrorism." IUniverse,, 2006. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Syed Jamaluddin, a prominent author, adopts an accusatory approach throughout his book. He
particularly assigns blame to the Intelligence agencies and the ‘Tablighi Jammat’ movement for
promoting the cause of terrorism in the country, which is a hindrance to local and global peace.
Additional criticism of military dictators, for promoting corruption is also a major theme. It is
interesting to view that is views are in line with his expulsion from the country after President
Musharraf’s coup of 1999. One should hence be critical of bias, however, to understand the
issue of terrorism, the book provides valuable insight and information.
John, Wilson. "Pakistan; The Struggle within." Google Books. Pearson Education India, 2009. Web. 25
Jan. 2016.
Wilson Johnson in his book argues that years of communication and involvement of the Pakistan
Army with terrorist organization, is now hindering their attempt to suddenly separate themselves.
He discusses the internal political, ethnic and civil problems prevalent in the country. Externally,
he calls for a change in US policy towards dictators in Pakistan and internally, he presses the
need for better institutions. His well-rounded argument takes into account the international
system and hence the solution calls for action by the affected country and all global actors
involved in it.
Kaltenthaler, Karl, William J. Miller, Stephen Ceccoli, and Ron Stephen. "The Sources of Pakistani
Attitudes toward Religiously Motivated Terrorism." Taylor & Francis Online. Routledge, 16
Aug. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Any effort to curb terrorism needs the involvement and understanding of public opinion towards
terrorism, and this article sets out to do exactly that. It explores the public's reaction towards
terrorist activities in addition to singling out those people who are more likely to engage in such
actions. With the help of several surveys, it outlines the individual level public reaction and
support, and by doing so ultimately points to societal level view towards the problem.
Karim, Afsir. "Counter Terrorism, the Pakistan Factor." Lancer Publishers, 1991. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
Major General Afsir Karim takes a focused approach and largely targets terrorist activities in
Kashmir and Punjab. By doing so, he intends to pinpoint the causes and consequently, fish for
solutions in these regions. He carries out a comparative analysis between the two regions. This
will bring forth provincial differences, if any, and reiterate the fact that the same counter
terrorism strategy can not always be used and that local differences should be accounted for.
Kaplan, Robert. "Looking The World In The Eye". The Atlantic. N.p., 2001. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
Robert Kaplan takes a look at the controversial legacy of Samuel P. Huntington. His claims
included the famous “clash of civilizations” theory and opinions about the role of the military.
The author examines the manner in which Huntington’s claims have manifested themselves,
particularly in the post-9/11 world.
Khan, Tahir. "Pakistan Does Not ‘cooperate in Anti-terrorism Activities’, ClaimsAbdullah Abdullah."
The Express Tribune. The Express Tribune Pakistan, 11 Aug. 2015. Web. Jan.-Feb. 2016. Web.
President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah
claim Pakistan arms and trains terrorists on their soil who later on attack Afghanistan. They also
claim that Pakistan is not joining alliance with Afghanistan to destroy terrorist centers in
Pakistan. Qazi Khalilullah of Pakistan however rejects this claim. The article is useful in
exploring accusations leveraged against Pakistani Government of breeding and exporting
terrorists.
Khan, Sheharyar M. "Review Of National Action Plan: Challenges And Opportunities". Pakistan
Institute for Parliamentary Services Research Digest 2.4 (2015): 1-6. Web.
This gives an overview of the points of the National Action Plan, and analyses whether or not it
is effective in countering terrorism in the country. Policy issues are pointed out, and policy
recommendations are given.
Krueger, Alan, and Jitka Maleckova. "Education, Poverty and Terrorism: Is There a Causal
Connection?" Journal of Economic Perspectives—Volume 17, Number 4 —Fall 2003—Pages
119 –144 Education, Poverty and Terrorism: Is There a Causal Connection? (n.d.): 119-
44.Journal of Economic Perspectives. JStor, 2003. Web. Mar. 2016.
For two of the myths in the research (education and poverty), this journal is helpful in the sense
that it argues both positions and gives its stance on them, supported by facts and figures. The
context is also relevant because Pakistani examples are discussed in the paper.
Lanche, Jermie. Suicide Terrorism in Pakistan. Rep. no. 84. N.p.: Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies,
2009. Print.
Jeremie Lanche, in his report of 2009, published under the Institute for Peace and Conflict
Studies traces the history of suicide terrorism in Pakistan. He argues that an increase in their
number is a move towards turmoil and efforts by the state and civil society are needed to curb
these attacks. Rather than passive observance, he calls for active action on these fronts. This
literature can contribute to policy implications that curb this disastrous practice.
Laub, Zachary. "Pakistan's New Generation of Terrorists." CFR Backgrounders. Web.
This article gives an overview of various terrorists groups and new emerging extremist networks
operating in Pakistan, while talking about Pakistan’s counter terrorism challenges.
Lipka, Michael. "Muslims and Islam: Key Findings In The U.S. And Around The World". Pew Research
Center. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 Apr. 2016.
This research, conducted by the Pew Research Center, compiles answers to some key questions
about Muslims. The purpose is to inform many of those in the West who know little to nothing
about Muslims and Islam. Questions include those about demographics, beliefs, and attitudes
towards terrorist groups in Muslim countries.
"List of 110 Most Wanted Terrorists." DAWN. N.p., 12 Mar. 2015. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.
This Dawn News article gives a general list of the most wanted terrorists in Pakistan/
"Major Incidents Of Terrorist Violence In Pakistan,2016". Satp.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
The South Asia Terrorism Portal, in this particular database, highlights major incidents of
terrorism in Pakistan in 2016, along with dates, and numbers of civilian, security and terrorist
casualties. This is a valuable database to supplement research on terrorism.
Manan, Abdul. "Fight against Terrorism: Defining Moment." The Express Tribune. N.p., 25 Dec. 2015.
Web. 21 Jan. 2016.
The article was written right after the NAP was launched, and is described as a landmark in
countering terrorism. It lists down the 20 points under the NAP, and gives responses by several
political parties and military regarding the plan. As analysis of the National Action Plan is
crucial to the research, this provides a good insight.
Mansoor, Hasan. "Action Ordered against 49 Madressahs with ‘terrorist Links’ in Sindh." Dawn News.
N.p., 26 Aug. 2015. Web. Feb. 2016.
The article gives information on proof found in Sindh for madrassa links with terrorist
organizations. The statistics are helpful in building a strong case for our context.
Crenshaw, Martha. "The Causes of Terrorism." Comparative Politics 13.4 (1981): 379-99. City
University of New York, July 1981. Web. Jan. 2016.
The article tries to identify causes of terrorism, and disproves a correlation with education.
Instead, the author claims terrorism is perpetrated by individuals who take it on themselves to
"save the majority", and thus act rather selflessly for the greater good (in their own right).
McGrath, Timothy. "3 Reasons Why the Pakistani Taliban Attacked the School in Peshawar." Global
Post, 16 Dec. 2014. Web. Mar. 2016.
This article picks out a particular terrorist attack, i.e. the 2014 attack on the Army Public School
and delves into the possible reasons and justifications that terrorists may give for its execution. It
is important as through it we can understand how terrorists think and what they aim to achieve
through their agenda’s.
Mehmood, Sultan. "Terrorism and the Macroeconomy: Evidence from Pakistan." Defence and Peace
Economics 25.5 (2013): n. pag. Web. 23 Jan. 2015.
Sultan Mahmood is another author who establishes the link between the economy and terrorism.
He says the problem is a two way one, i.e. a bad economy increases risk for terrorism and vice
versa. He provides interesting facts, figures and diagrams to support his claim. He indulges in
econometric analysis to establish this link. Plausible solutions to the problem are discussed in
light with his findings.
Murphy, Eamon. "The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan." Google Books. Routledge, 2013. Web. 24 Jan.
2016.
Professor Eamon Murphy’s book seeks to find the causes of Terrorism in Pakistan. He delves
into all possible explanations including political and economic factors. For him, analyzing
historical factors is also important as terrorism is the product of a series of events. He takes a
multidimensional approach, which allowing for greater insight, claims that religion is not the
only branch that the problem stems from, and that attention to internal political problem must
also be paid.
"National Action Plan Fails as Terrorists Hit Bacha Khan University."PotDrum. N.p., 20 Jan. 2016.
Web. Mar. 2016.
The author argues Pakistan government’s National Action Plan (NAP) has reaped no real results,
with the intelligence agency in dismay after every deadly terrorist attack in the country. The
death toll can be over 300 if independently verified for Bacha Khan attack.
"Nearly 350 Military Men Killed in Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR." Dawn. Dawn News, 13 June 2016. Web. 24
Jan. 2016.
This article allows to explore Zarb-e-Azb's success to counter terrorism in Pakistan by presenting
some statistics on militant deaths and displaying Asim Bajwa's tweets on the mission.
"Obama Says Pakistan ‘can and Must’ Do More against Terrorism." Dawn. Dawn News, 24 Jan. 2016.
Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
The article is rather factual but it shows US President's response to growing terrorism in
Pakistan, which helps us explore international reaction to this phenomenon. To an extent
influence on foreign policy can also be determined through the article.
"Overwhelming Majority (92%) Pakistanis Support The Rule Of Hanging Terrorists.". Gallup Pakistan.
N.p., 2016. Web. 2 Apr. 2016.
This report summarizes the findings of a research poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan. It reveals
the response of Pakistanis to the decision to hang convicted terrorists.
"Over 10,500 Arrests Made in Countrywide Operations."Http://tribune.com.pk/. Express Tribine, 7 Feb.

2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
The article is only useful for the facts it provides on success under the NAP.
Pakistan; The Next Generation. Rep. N.p.: British Council, 2009. Print.
This report by the British Council paints a picture of what issues the next generations of
Pakistanis will face. Through interviews, data collection and polls, the findings suggest that
unemployment, inflation and terrorism will be the top three issues of the future. However, the
argument is that meeting basic needs and survival, will always take precedence over the issue of
security. The article is important in considering the future dynamics of the country with respect
to terrorism, and planning now, how to make a better future.
"Pakistan Data Sheets (Updated till Januray 17, 2016)." Pakistan Data Sheets. South Asian Terrorism
Portal, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The South Asian Terrorism Portal allows for comprehensive and thorough facts regarding
terrorist activities in Pakistan. It allows for data such as separate provincial data examination,
sectarian violence, suicide attacks, etc. All data is available from the year 2000 onwards, hence
comparisons and inferences for a considerable amount of time can be drawn.
"Pakistan Trained Terror Groups to Fight in Kashmir, Says Pervez Musharraf."The Indian Express. The
Indian Express, 28 Oct. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
This article will inform our discussion of state sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. It presents us
with a specific example of the army’s role in furthering this practice. Musharaffs statement about
the army supporting groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba will add depth to our discussion.
PILDAT. An Assessment of the Quality of Democracy in Pakistan. Rep. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
The report comments on the overall conditions in the country in relation to democracy. Level of
violence and terrorism are also commented on after the implementation of NAP.
"Poverty Breeding Extremism in Tribal Areas - The Express Tribune." The Express Tribune. 18 July
2012. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
This article tries to establish a link between increasing poverty and extremism, in light of a report
published by FATA research centre.
Puri, Samir. "Pakistan's War on Terrorism: Strategies for Combating Jihadist Armed Groups since
9/11." Google Books. Routledge, 10 Nov. 2011. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
In his book, Samir Puri traces the historical causes that have contributed to terrorism emerging in
Pakistan. He is interested in Post 9/11 Pakistan, how Islamic Jihadist groups have emerged, and
are being dealt with. He argues for understanding the connection between state and nonstate
actors, to eradicate the problem of terrorism. Apart from discussing the internal dynamics of the
country, within which extremist groups are propping up, he also brings in the United States and
reviews its role and stake in this entire matter.
Rana, Muhammad Amir. The Impact of the Islamic State on Pakistan. Rep. N.p.: NORWEGIAN
PEACE BUILDING RESOURCE CENTRE, 2015. Print.
This Report presented by the Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre views the link that ISIS,
the most active terrorist organization in today’s world, is having on Pakistan. It offers a picture
of how the country is being affected and will continue to be, unless something substantial to
address the matter is done. It opens the minds of readers to the real threat that the country faces,
which urges them to think about the dangers it will bring, and what they can do to help.
Rashid, Ahmed. "Descent into Chaos: How the War Against Islamic Extremism Is Being Lost in
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia." Google Books. Penguin Books Limited, 02 Feb. 2012.
Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The author narrows down the scope for terrorism and Islamic extremism as being the most
prevalent in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia. With respect to Pakistan, he discusses the
intricate connections that terrorist organizations have formed in the country. He critiques the US
government’s actions, particularly in the time of Bush and simultaneously is analytical of
Musharraf's rule in Pakistan. He gives administrative suggestions that are important when
considering policy drafting.
Rashid, Ahmed. Taliban:Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia. New Haven: Yale
University Press, 2000. Print.
In this text, Rashid delves into the world of the Taliban, exploring the organization’s rise to
power and inner workings. The author covered the Afghan civil war for twenty years, and his
experience makes this text an authoritative account of the Taliban, based on firsthand
information. The Taliban’s role in today’s world is explored in depth, making this an
illuminating text on an organization that often remains shrouded in mystery.
Rashid, Ahmed. Pakistan on the Brink:The Future of America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. London:
Penguin, 2013. Print.
The author addresses some crucial questions regarding terrorism and the engagement of the West
with Pakistan and Afghanistan. He analyses America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and its
long-standing relationship with Pakistan. Rashid also takes a look at the future of the Taliban in
the face of America’s withdrawl and Obama’s re-election. This book offers clarity on such
complicated matters as the engagement of the US with the unstable Pakistan and what this means
for both countries. This is crucial in order to examine the possible outcomes of the War on
Terror, as the decisions made by the West spell out the future of the entire world.
Rathore, Mujtaba, and Abdul Basit. Trends and Patterns of Radicalization in Pakistan. Rep. April 2010
ed. N.p.: Pakistan Institute For Peace Studies, 2010. Print.
The author is critical of efforts of assessing the global war on terror and the radicalization and
extremism in Pakistan in terms of Western theories. He paves the way for a more localized
analysis. The paper uses findings from a survey carried out by the ‘Pakistan Institute for Peace
Studies’ to pinpoint religious extremism as being the main reason leading to radicalization,
extremism and terrorism. This localized approach offers a detailed and relevant analysis of the
security threat that the country faces.
Riedel, Bruce. "Pakistan and Terror: The Eye of the Storm." Pakistan and Terror: The Eye of the Storm
618 (2008): n. page. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Published in the American Academy of Political and Social Science, this article by Bruce Riedel
published in 2008, brands Pakistan as the most under threat country in the world at the time. It
discusses terrorism with respect to military involvement,US response to the problem and most
importantly, relations with India. With respect to India, the author calls for resolving the
Kashmir dispute to improve relations and hence curb terrorism in this regard. He calls upon the
international community to aid the countries in this effort. The measures he suggests can prove
important for policy drafting and end this long lasting issue once and for all.
Robert Looney. "Failed Economic Take-Offs and Terrorism in Pakistan: Conceptualizing a Proper Role
for U.S. Assistanc." University of California Press 44.6 (2004): n. pag. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Robert Looney takes an interesting perspective to the problem of terrorism, by linking it to the
economic stature of the country. He argues that for curbing terrorism, establishing economic
stability is a prerequisite. An economically sound Pakistan would decrease the incentive for the
general public to be involved in terrorist activities. In line with economic progress he discusses
local and international policy implications, especially for the later in terms of aid provision. The
article is useful as it diverts from the usual political and religious sphere of linkage with
terrorism and takes a fresh and uncommon approach.
Rumi, Raza. Charting Pakistan’S Internal Security Policy. United States Institute of Peace, 2015. Web.
This report traces the progress of Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy framework up until
February 2015, bringing attention to important issues within it. The report initially focuses on
Pakistan’s National Internal Security Policy, adopted post devolution in 2010. The focus of the
report shifts post December 2014, with the adoption of the NAP. This report will be helpful in
understanding the changes in Pakistan’s national security policy over the past few years, and
how this has affected power relations and the government’s stance on terrorism.
Shahzad, Syed Saleem. Inside Al-Qaeda And The Taliban:Beyond Bin Laden and 9/11. London: Pluto
Press, 2011. Print.
A detailed work by an author acquainted with the workings of al-Qaeda, this text delves into the
intricacies of state terrorism. The author examines the manner in which the al-Qaeda functioned
in tandem with its state sponsors, and how it survived even after its encounter with the US. The
journalist who penned this was assassinated, and the unprecedented insights offered in his book
make it clear that he perhaps knew too much for his own good.
Siddiqa, Ayesha. "Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Strategy: Separating Friends from Enemies." The
Washington Quarterly Winter 2011 (2011): n. pag. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, in this analytical piece, discusses the flaws and shortcomings of the current
counter terrorism policy that Pakistan is adopting. She discusses the military, US Pakistan
relations and the internal dynamic of the Pakistani society. Published in 2011, this article can
apply to the most recent and contemporary policies that have been drafted, such as the National
Action Plan, and help improve them, in the effort towards eradicating terrorism from the country.
Siddiqui, Tabinda. "Extremism in Pakistan." Google Books. LAP Lambert Acad. Pub, 2011. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
The author focuses on a more contemporary time frame, by analyzing the environment in
Pakistan post 9/11. She links terrorism with extremism and discusses the factors that have played
into these occurring in the country. Particular attention is paid to remedial policies that the state
should adopt post 9/11. Additionally, the role of the international community is also looked at.
Siddiqa-Agha, Ayesha. Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan's Military Economy. London: Pluto Press, 2007.
Print.
Ayesha Siddiqa insightfully examines how the military has gained supremacy in Pakistan,
controlling its political, social and economic resources. The armed forces are viewed as a class of
their own in the country, controlling a large chunk of real estate and the corporate sector. This
text is useful for gaining an insider’s view into the future of democracy in Pakistan, and the
prospects of its social and economic development in the face of the ever-growing power of its
military.
Spencer, Robert. "Pakistan: 49 Madrassas Linked to Terror Orgs, Jihad Literature Seized from
Madrassa." Jihad Watch. Jihad Watch, 4 Sept. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016.
This article from Robert Spencer addresses the link between Madrassa education and terrorist
tendencies. It quotes evidence of extremist Jihad Literature being found in Madrassas in Sindh
and from real life example, we can learn about the intensity of the linkage between the two.
Stenersen, Anne. "The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan's Role in Attacks in Pakistan." Combating
Terrorism Center at West Point. N.p., 30 July 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2016.
This article is published by the Combating Terrorism Center of US Military Academy West
Point. It analyzes the involvement and influence of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan's in
Pakistan by focusing on its reliance of local terrorist groups and factions to further their Jihad in
Pakistan esp FATA.
Syed, Baqir Sajjad. "Another Rs701bn Lost Due to Terrorism." Dawn. Dawn News, 3 June 2014. Web.
15 Jan. 2016. Web.
The author emphasizes negative effects on Pakistan's economy due to a rise in terrorist activities
in Pakistan. Loss of trading and investment opportunities are especially discussed. The monetary
is quantified in numbers and compared over the years. Reason behind this growing terrorism is
also determined in the article; instability in Afghanistan. The article provides good insight into
economic impact of terrorism on the country.
Synnott, Hilary. "Transforming Pakistan: Ways out of Instablility." Google Books. Routledge, 06 Dec.
2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
With his political background, the author offers relevant insight into the problems Pakistan faces.
He begins by tracing the history of the nation, and gradually moves into the contemporary era. In
doing so, he explores the implications for security and terrorism. He argues for institutional
building on part of the government and positive policy changes on part of international actors to
help stabilize Pakistan. Crucial policy implications can be drawn from this academic piece.
Tankel, Stephen. Storming The World Stage: The Story of Lashkar-e-Taiba. New York: Columbia
University Press, 2011. Print.
In the first book on Lashkar-e-Taiba in the English language, Tankel delves into the evolution of
what is one of the most powerful militant groups in South Asia, the mastermind behind the 2008
Mumbai suicide attack. The book makes use of extensive field research, including interviews
with prominent Lashkar leaders as well as Pakistani officials who have covertly helped the group
gained prominence. This is another helpful text that takes a closer look at the convoluted nature
of the relationship of the Pakistani government with terrorist groups and how the Lashkar is a
threat to India, Pakistan, and the West.
"Terrorism | South Asia Terrorism Portal." Terrorism | South Asia Terrorism Portal. N.p., n.d. Web.
Mar. 2016.
The South Asian Terrorism Portal presents us with comprehensive data for Pakistan and other
countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan etc. It allows us to isolate data for particular
regions and time periods e.g. we will use the terrorist attacks in Peshawar for the year 2014.
“Terrorist and Extremist Groups of Pakistan." South Asian Terrorist Portal SATP, n.d. Web. 05 Apr.
2016.
This article gives a detailed profile of the each of the local and foreign terrorist organizations
operating in Pakistan,
"Two PU Faculty Members, Student Arrested for Hizbut Tahrir Links: CTD." - Pakistan. 14 Dec. 2015.
Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
This article reports two university professors, being arrested on charges of having links with
Hizbut Tahrir, thus indicating their involvement in the activities of this banned outfit.
Underhill, Natasha. "Countering Global Terrorism and Insurgency: Calculating the Risk of State Failure
in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq." Palgrave Macmillan, 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Underhill, among other countries, looks as Pakistan as a place which seems so attract terrorism
and insurgencies. She outlines the issues that have allowed for these problems to emerge within
the country. In her opinion, state failure is not the sole cause of these issues emerging and hence
solutions should not solely be focused in this regard. She constructs a detailed understanding of
state failure to help the reader deeply understand this matter.
Weimann, Gabriel. "New Terrorism and New Media." Research Series. Web.
This publication by Gabriel Weimann explains the looks in detail the ways most of the terrorist
organizations use social media, focusing on their presence on sites like facebook, twitter and
instagram.
"Wikileaks: Saudi Arabia, UAE Funded Extremist Networks in Pakistan." The Express Tribune. Web.
This blog discusses the role of Saudi Arabia in funding the extremist networks in Pakistan, in the
light of a US diplomatic cable published by the Wikileaks.
Wright, Lawrence. The Looming Tower:Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. New York: Knopf, 2006. Print.
Wright provides a detailed, insightful map of the events and circumstances leading to the
September 11 attacks, including the terrorist networks, people, and intelligence failures that
made the attack possible. The book is based on hundreds of interviews spanning several
countries, and relates events through the lives of Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, FBI
counterterrorism head John O’Neill and former head of Saudi intelligence Prince Turki al-Faisal.
In this manner, the author achieves a level of intimacy and detail that can aid us in better
understanding the intricacy of the events behind terrorist attacks, and thus better equip us to deal
with them.
Yusuf, Moeed. "Pakistan's Counterterrorism Challenge." Google Books. Georgetown University Press,
18 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
Edited by Moeed Yusuf, the Book encompasses contributions from various authors. It critiques
the current counter terrorism strategy for lacking coordination and cohesiveness. All the authors
propose a series of steps that the government could take, from law implementation, to training
police, to public support for counter terrorism. The contents hence could come in handy for
policy making decisions, in the effort to curb terrorist activities.
"Zarb-i-Azb: Phenomenal Success Achieved, Says ISPR." Dawn. Dawn News, 12 Dec. 2015. Web. 26
Jan. 2016.
The article basically gathers several tweets from Director General of the Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa on the success of Zarb-e-Azab. This article is
relevant to the research because one of the research questions addresses success of Zarb-e-Azab
as a way to counter terrorism in Pakistan.
Zahid, Farhan. "The Successes And Failures Of Pakistan’S Operation Zarb-E-Azb". The Jamestown
Foundation. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
This article by Farhan Zahid, gives a general overview of the successes and failures of operation
Zarb-e-Azb.
"Zarb-E-Azb Operation: North Waziristan Residents Allege Civilian Deaths In Offensive - The Express
Tribune". The Express Tribune. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 Apr. 2016.
This article highlights how residents of the areas of North Waziristan, under the Zarb-e-Azb
operation, are claiming civilian deaths at the hands of the military. ISPR statements tend to
highlight terrorists targeted in operations, but neglect to mention affected civilians. This raises
concerns about human rights violations, but the military chooses not to comment on the matter.
"2015 Global Terrorism Index". Visionofhumanity.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
The Global Terrorism Index examines patterns of terrorism across 162 countries in the past 15
years. According to the site, “ it investigates the patterns of terrorism by geographic activity,
methods of attack, organisations involved and the national economic and political context.” This
is an invaluable resource, as it helps debunk several myths related to the geographical patterns of
terrorism.

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Senior Project |1

Lahore University of Management Sciences

and Peace, London.

allow a common citizen to take a stance on terrorism in Pakistan.

psychological and moral level.

are worth exploring separately.

and negotiations with terrorist groups will be discussed.

an adversary is not a terrorist.

There exists a complex relationship between terrorism and rationality. In defining

‘rational’, we will employ Weber’s definition of ‘instrumental rationality’, according to which,

justification behind it.

ideals and are affiliated with the state.

internal logic, construct and narrative of its own.

many answers, none of which are wrong?

briefly described below.

Daniel Byman and Stephen Tankel.

weakened democracy in a pro-military environment fosters terrorism. Authors such as Jeremie

opposed to middle class citizens.

populations have been affected by terrorism.

because of the perception that terrorism originates from tribal areas.

understanding of the contributing factors and consequences of terrorism by researching and

debunking common myths and perceptions regarding terrorism. As displayed by current

multidimensional understanding of the issue of terrorism.

1. Myths about Terrorism: The Perspective of the International Community

Pakistan’s image in the international community is deeply affected by several common

Naturally, biases and incomplete or no knowledge of certain aspects clouds theperception of

myths are discussed below.

1.1 Terrorism is Islam’s war on the West

is not only harmful but also unfounded, statistics display.

the adverse impact terrorism has on so many Muslims.

disenchanted by the West.

1.2 Pakistani Citizens Support Terrorists

struck by acts of terror.

the very same groups that threaten their lives.

2. Perspectives from Pakistan

there’s a general branding of all the native Pashtuns as terrorists.

their mouse click.

caught from the student hostels of such universities.

In light of the above mentioned arguments, it is plausible to accept that recruitment

by terrorist organizations is no longer limited to a particular geographical location or a certain

methodology; instead, it is much more dynamic now.

2.2 Most terrorists are not Pakistani nationals, but foreigners:

nationals, the evidence however seems to suggest otherwise.

(Terrorist and Extremist groups of Pakistan)

In addition to that, a report compiled by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of

Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi. (List of 110 most wanted terrorists, DAWN)

An editorial in the express tribune further seems to offer a rather good

bred, with only 23 of them being Afghan refugees. (Deconstructing-Criminlity). These

(including non-violent salafi) interpretations of Islam. In addition to teaching their students

seek to indoctrinate a broader audience”.

Extremism and the Military".

2.3 Terrorism in Pakistan is arose after the September 9/11 attacks

Attributing terrorism in Pakistan to the September 11, 2001, attacks is carelessly

contextual understanding as opposed to isolating it to a particular event in history is appropriate

‘evolution of terrorism’ (Hussein 10) in the country.

organizations (Spencer Jihad Watch).

Pakistan, an anti- Shia religious organization, later to be decreed as a terrorist organization,

1980’s, as can be seen in figure 1(GTD 1970-2014 Incidents in Pakistan).

Hyderabad and 40% in the country’ (Hussein 11).

religious sentiments to popularize themselves in society (Jalal 46).

Another important consideration is that an explosion of terrorist activity in the country,

3. Common myths about the causes of t errorism