CSS 2018 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Terrorism in Pakistan and its Ways Forward
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner asked what appropriate response would be given the reasons for terrorism in Pakistan. However, in order to flourish in Islamic studies, you will need to provide a comprehensive analysis of the causes of terrorism in Pakistan as well as the ways in which society may eradicate terrorism. Furthermore, if its modern significance was emphasized in light of the circumstances facing contemporary society, individuals would have higher expectations for their responses.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- A historical glance at terrorism in Pakistan
3- What is the cycle of motives of terrorism in Pakistan, and how are they contradictory to Islamic teachings?
3.1. Political motives
- ✓ Political polarization
- ✓ Political grievances
3.2. Religious motives
- ✓ Extremist narratives contradicting to the notion of moderation in Islam
- ✓ Sectarianism and ethnic divisions against the Islamic concept of Muslim Ummah
3.3. Economic motives
- ✓ Poor socio-economic conditions
- ✓ Lack of opportunities and economic volatility
4- How can society get rid of terrorism?
- ✓ By unfolding the notion of moderation in Islam
- ✓ By addressing the curse of sectarianism and ethnicity through the true teachings of Islam
- ✓ By ensuring political stability and equality of resources as per Islamic economic system
- ✓ By fostering social integration as an Islamic Ummah
- ✓ By spreading the true teachings of Islam against the killing of innocents
- ✓ By Implementing Effective Economic Policies
5- Critical analysis
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Islamic teachings, which uphold the sanctity of life and forbid the killing of non-combatants, make them essentially opposed to terrorism. The great majority of Muslims around the world oppose violent extremism, and terrorism is always condemned by Islamic law. Unfortunately, Pakistan became embroiled in the “War on Terror” after 2001, which contributed significantly to the rise of terrorism in the country. Pakistan experienced its most severe wave of terrorism from 2008 onward, primarily in reaction to how state authorities handled it poorly. Terrorism has increased since then and has grown to be a serious threat to the political and socioeconomic system of Pakistan. Remarkably, Pakistan is falsely accused of being a supporter of international terrorism while simultaneously being presented as a leader in the global fight against terrorism.
A Historical Glance at Terrorism in Pakistan
In Pakistan, terrorism first emerged during the Soviet Union’s occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Pakistan’s assistance for the Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War and the civil war that broke out in Afghanistan is credited with sparking terrorism in Pakistan. Extremist organizations connected to the conflict in Kashmir and sectarian violence rose to prominence in the 1990s. Terrorism increased in the wake of 9/11, with high-profile assaults carried out by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other organizations. Terrorism persists in Pakistan despite significant counterterrorism efforts in the 2010s, including as military offensives and strategic interventions, and is fueled by internal instability, ideological extremism, and regional crises.
What is the Cycle of Motives for Terrorism in Pakistan?
A. Political motives
- ✓ Political polarization
The growing distance between various political groups or individuals who hold divergent opinions and ideologies is referred to as political polarization. Political polarization in Pakistan has long been a problem, made worse by a number of variables such as regional conflicts, economic inequality, and the emergence of extremism. According to recent studies, “Substantial political polarization has been a problem in most nations; grimly, Pakistan is one of them. Both internal and external political forces are among the primary causes of terrorism in Pakistan.” However, The Quran stresses the value of peaceful conflict resolution, justice, and community, even though it does not specifically address the modern notions of political polarization leading to terrorism. Extremist acts can result from reading and misinterpreting religious texts; these acts are frequently motivated more by political grievances than by religious doctrine. There is a complicated relationship between religion and terrorism that involves a variety of elements, including personal beliefs, social and political contexts, and outside influences.
- ✓ Political grievances
In Pakistan, political unrest and grievances are frequently the root cause of terrorism, as some individuals or groups see violence as the only way to vent their resentment or advance their political agendas. Particularly in areas like Balochistan and Sindh, where separatist militant groups have carried out multiple attacks, many terrorist organizations take advantage of these weaknesses. A return to violence has also been brought to light by recent events, especially following the breakdown of interim ceasefires with extremist organizations. National security worries have gotten worse as a result of this circumstance. The Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), located in Islamabad, compiles an annual security report each year. In 2023, the report details at least 1,524 violence-related deaths and 1,463 injuries resulting from 789 terror attacks and counterterrorism operations in Pakistan. Political grievances have resulted from the tendency to activism, which has exposed people’s fundamental radicalism and fury.
B. Religious motives
- ✓ Extremist narratives
Terrorism is increasing as a result of polarization and extremism in Pakistani society. Salman Taseer, the Punjabi governor, was slain by his security guard, which is indicative of his intolerance for the statute of blasphemy being changed. “Polarization has already made Pakistan all but ungovernable,” said General Pervez Musharraf. Just as shocking as the rise in violent religious fanaticism in the nation is the feeling of polarization. Few political scientists contest that polarization is being pushed in society by disastrous government policies and deviations on a wide range of problems.
- ✓ Sectarianism and ethnic divisions
The main cause of mounting terrorism in Pakistan’s social, political, religious, and security orders is sectarian strife. For the past 27 years, the nation has been engaged in a struggle that has claimed thousands of lives due to bombings and other acts of terrorism. Pakistan is home to a diverse population with many different cultures. The government institutions are unstable, weak, and unpredictable, and the financial system is in disarray. There are racial, folkloric, socioeconomic, and spiritual divisions within the institutions. The division of Muslim Ummah in different sectors on the basis of diverse interpretations of Islamic beliefs and Islamic schools of thought has fueled the fire of extremism and hatred among Muslims. Moreover, The national structure fails to provide a workable political sequence in which people from all areas coexist or maintain their national identities. Nonetheless, the teachings of Islam are totally opposite to the concept of sectarianism.
C. Economic motives
- ✓ Poor socio-economic conditions
The fundamental injustices that jeopardize nation-building are socioeconomic ones. The existing state of affairs in Pakistan does not provide equitable opportunity or economic growth for everybody. Even though their socioeconomic rights are denied to the citizens, there is a divide in society between those who are affluent and those who are marginalized. People in Pakistan are being deprived of their basic rights to food, work, healthcare, education, and other necessities since these components are not being taken into consideration. According to the research of PPAF, poverty in the nation served as a catalyst for increased terrorism and bloodshed. A divide develops in society as a result of the unequal distribution of advantages and the absence of political platforms for residents to voice their complaints, which leads to violent interactions between the populace and the government.
- ✓ Lack of opportunities and economic volatility
Pakistan has long struggled with issues of economic distress, such as excessive unemployment, inflation, and poverty. Due to these difficulties, social disparity occurs, making the rich richer and the poor poorer. People have grown resentful and frustrated as a result of inequality, which has given rise to populist groups. There are clear inequalities when one looks at Pakistan’s present socioeconomic situation. Approximately 400,000 children die each year from diarrhoea; fewer than 24% of the population is enrolled in primary school; 36% of people live in poverty; and only 35% of people are employed.
How Can Society Get Rid of Terrorism?
- ✓ By unfolding the notion of moderation in Islam
The moderation aspect of Islam is a critical one that can reorder the extremist beliefs that have been attached to Islam. To legitimize their illicit activities, some of the terrorist groups interpret false evidence about jihad from the teachings of Islam. However, Islam is against the killing of innocent people. For instance, the Qur’an said,
“ Fight in the way of Allah who fights you, but does not transgress the limits, for Allah does not like transgressors”
(Qur’an 2:190)
So, the Islamic concept of moderation can be a remedy for refraining from the proliferation of terrorism in the name of Islam.
- ✓ By addressing the curse of sectarianism and ethnicity through the true teachings of Islam
Sectarianism has been an eroding issue for the country as it has a diverse culture, ethnicity, and Islamic school of thought. Therefore, the extremist behaviour of people belonging to different sectors and ethnic groups has led to the bloodshed of citizens very often. This issue can be resolved by inculcating the true teachings of Islam in the youth, that Islam stresses the unity of Muslim Ummah. The Qur’an said,
Do not exaggerate in your religion.
(Qur’an 4:171)
Exaggeration in religion is not allowed in any circumstances. Moreover, Islam gives priority to religion in the ethnic divide. For instance, the Prophet( SAW) said,
“O’ Mankind! Surely Allah has removed the pride and conceit that Existed within you during the days of Ignorance in relation to your fore-fathers. Surely all of you are from (Prophet) Adam and Adam was (created) from mud. Surely the best servant of Allah is that servant who has consciousness of Him.”
Thus, by attaching to the true spirit of Islam, one cannot advocate for his sector or ethnicity.
- ✓ By ensuring political stability and equality of resources
Perceptions of the possibility of political instability and/or politically motivated violence, including terrorism, are measured by the Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism index. The Department of State seeks to forge an international alliance to weaken and destroy these enemies as the dangers posed by these groups keep changing. The Department works with foreign government partners to develop the capacities required to prevent, degrade, identify, and respond to terrorist threats through a combination of diplomatic engagement and foreign aid. This includes initiatives to improve crisis response, fight violent extremism, increase international information sharing, boost law enforcement and judicial capacities, and extend border and aviation security. The State Department helps countries to develop counterterrorism capabilities in their respective regions and advocates for increased burden sharing to combat terrorist threats through its global involvement. Additionally, the State Department leads an integrated, whole-of-government strategy for international counterterrorism in close collaboration with the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, and the Intelligence Community.
- ✓ By fostering social integration to reduce marginalization
A nation-state is a contemporary socio-political entity made up of people and groups with a wide range of origins and experiences. National variety, unless it is incorporated into a homogenous social structure, is a liability for a state. Inclusive prosperity requires the integration of disparate groups into a consistent society shape. For example, the prophet( SAW) effectively moderated radicalism and violence while preserving the diversity of Madina’s community.Consequently, one way to combat terrorism is to promote social cohesion in order to lessen marginalization.Terrorism gradually crept into Pakistani society as a result of socioeconomic exclusion and prejudice.
- ✓ By implementing effective economic policies
There will be more prospective terrorists available during recessions and times of limited economic opportunity, giving terrorist organizations access to a bigger pool of highly qualified potential terrorists. However, the globe saw and experienced the biggest paradigm shift in international politics, with states now battling with roughly equal non-state actors rather than with one another as in the previous security environment. The total direct and indirect costs Pakistan has paid as a result of terrorist acts during the past 13 years is US$ 102.51 billion, or Rs. 8,264.40 billion. Countries with relatively strong growth rates, high per capita incomes, and low levels of economic discrimination are less likely to be the source of terrorism. Pakistan has been under intense scrutiny on several occasions due to allegations that it is helping the Islamic extremists in this conflict, even though it has publicly supported the US. The assault was viewed as a setback to American liberalism and a worldwide menace, prompting the international community to acknowledge and acknowledge the Twin Towers tragedy as a terrorist act. Thus, Pakistan may completely abolish terrorism through the implementation of good economic measures.
- ✓ By spreading the true teachings of Islam against the killing of innocents
Pakistan has endured the terrorist plague for almost two decades. Pakistan lost 83 thousand lives and more than 35 trillion rupees in revenue between 2001 and 2022. As a result, there is a rise in radicalism, violence, and intolerance in society. In order to permanently address this dilemma, a comprehensive plan and all-encompassing policy are required. In this era of digital communication, creating and disseminating a national narrative opposing terrorism and extremism is essential to achieving long-term success. It must serve as the cornerstone of counterterrorism and counter-extremist policies. In Islam, suicide bombing is categorically prohibited (haram). For instance, the Prophet Mohammed(PBUH) established stringent guidelines for behavior that prohibited the killing of women, children, and noncombatants as well as the destruction of infrastructure, even in times of conflict and animosity. In the name of Islam, the Prophet denounced terrorism in all its forms. According to Shariah and domestic law, it is an egregious offence. In order to combat terrorism, it is the duty of academics and the OIC to disseminate authentic Islamic teachings that are centred on harmony and peace across the world.
Critical Analysis
Thus, Pakistan’s first line of defence in the deadly troika is to clean house by resolving political division, easing the financial hardships of the average citizen, and advancing the establishment of a more unified society through the election of a government that is trusted by the people and enhancing accountability, adherence to fundamental rights, and the rule of law. Terrorism in Pakistan is influenced by social, political, and economic reasons. Low educational standards, a lack of economic opportunities, and unequal access to outlets for social and economic mobilization are often present in a country like Pakistan, where young radicalization develops. Unfortunately, nearly all of these indicators are present in Pakistani society.
Conclusion
To sum up, shortly after its creation, Pakistan has been transformed into the terrifying ghost of terrorism. But following 9/11, Pakistan was treated to a dried-up version of this enormous pandemonium. However, terrorism was a foreign problem that the world powers forcibly placed on Pakistan; yet, there were a number of reasons for terrorism that accelerated its spread. First of all, in Pakistan, political division feeds the terror wave by creating a vicious circle of injustices, grievances, and violence. Poverty and economic downturns further added fuel to the already-raging terrorism. Apart from them, socioeconomic inequality and religious sectarianism turned the already-existing terrorism into exploding lava that severely burned the entire country. However, via achieving political and economic stability as well as long-term security advancements, Pakistan can lessen or eliminate the threat of terrorism.
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