Political violence and terrorism

San Bernardino shootout: Backgrounders

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The December 2 deadly shootout at San Bernardino, United States, by an American couple of Pakistani descents, is raising new questions about their path towards radicalization. Of special curiosity is the embrace of radical ideas by women or the educated youth, especially among the diaspora. Here are two relevant studies PIPS undertook, that may help … Read more

Dead wrong

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Immediately after the December 16 Taliban attack on Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar last year, Pakistan scrapped a six-year informal moratorium on executions, and approved “execution of death penalty in terrorism-related cases”.[1] The executions had been suspended in December 2008. Within a week, by December 24, the federal government facilitated a ‘national consensus’ on a … Read more

Hate speech and restricted speech: striking a balance

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The twenty-point National Action Plan, announced in the wake of Peshawar school attack, carries almost all aspects of countering terrorism, ranging from the all-out violence to extremism/radicalisation. Much of the news about NAP these days revolves around the issues having short-term significance like special courts and military operation. The issues having impact beyond today are … Read more

Stopping the banned groups

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While the NAP lays down a comprehensive framework for combating the entire spectrum of the terrorist threat in Pakistan, its seventh point calls for taking steps against “re-emergence of banned militant organizations.” Clampdown Almost immediately after NAP was released in January, a spurt of activity followed. Sub committees headed by federal ministers to monitor each … Read more

Dialogue can reduce ideological polarization among students of madrassas and universities

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Conflicting notions of Pakistan’s ideology, extremist interpretations of religion and lack of tolerance among most of Pakistanis are at the heart of critical challenges facing Pakistan. Economic decay and dearth of opportunities for Pakistani youth further compound the problem. Students of madrassas and universities expressed these thoughts in a dialogue organized by Pak Institute for … Read more