Political violence and extermism in Pakistan. Political violence in different regions of Pakistan like panjab, balochistan, kp, Gilgit baltistan, Sindh
1. Political violence and extremism in Pakistan.
Pakistan has been plagued by political violence and extremism for several decades. The country has been
rocked by numerous terrorist attacks, assassinations, and sectarian violence, resulting in the loss of
thousands of lives. Political violence and extremism in Pakistan can be traced back to the country’s history
of political instability, ethnic and religious tensions, and the influence of extremist groups.
Pakistan has a long history of political instability, which has been exacerbated by military coups and
dictatorships. The country’s first military coup took place in 1958, and since then, the military has played
a dominant role in Pakistan’s politics. The military’s involvement in politics has often led to suppression
of civil society, the media, and political opposition, and has created a climate of fear and uncertainty. This
has led to the emergence of extremist groups, which have taken advantage of the political instability and
lack of governance in the country.
Pakistan is also a country with diverse ethnic and religious communities. This diversity has often resulted
in sectarian violence, with different groups competing for power and resources. The sectarian violence in
Pakistan has been fueled by the spread of extremist ideologies, particularly by Sunni and Shia extremist
groups. These groups have carried out attacks on each other’s places of worship, resulting in the loss of
many lives.
In recent years, Pakistan has also become a battleground for international terrorist groups. The Taliban
and Al-Qaeda have a strong presence in the country, and they have carried out numerous attacks on
civilians and security forces. In addition, the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the region
has added to the security challenges facing Pakistan.
Pakistan has taken several steps to counter political violence and extremism in the country. The
government has launched military operations against extremist groups in the country’s tribal areas and
has enacted legislation to counter terrorism. The government has also taken steps to address the root
causes of extremism, such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. However, the effectiveness
of these measures has been limited due to the deep-rooted nature of the problem and the influence of
extremist groups.
In conclusion, political violence and extremism continue to pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s security
and stability. The country faces multiple challenges, including political instability, sectarian violence, and
the presence of international terrorist groups. The government needs to take a comprehensive approach
to counter extremism, which includes addressing the root causes of the problem, strengthening
governance, and countering extremist ideologies. Only through sustained efforts can Pakistan hope to
overcome the challenges posed by political violence and extremism.
Political violence and extremism have been ongoing issues in Punjab, Pakistan for several decades. The
root causes of these problems are complex and multifaceted, including economic, social, and political
factors.
One major factor contributing to political violence and extremism in Punjab is the prevalence of poverty
and economic inequality. Many individuals living in the region struggle to make ends meet and are
vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups that offer financial support and the promise of a better life.
2. Additionally, political instability and corruption have created a sense of disillusionment and distrust
among many residents of Punjab. This has led to a rise in support for extremist ideologies, which promise
to bring about meaningful change and address systemic issues.
Furthermore, religious and sectarian differences have also played a significant role in fueling political
violence and extremism in Punjab. Tensions between different religious and ethnic groups have at times
erupted into violent clashes, with extremist groups taking advantage of these divisions to further their
own agendas.
Overall, addressing political violence and extremism in Punjab will require a multi-faceted approach that
addresses the underlying social, economic, and political issues driving these problems. This will likely
require a combination of targeted economic and social interventions, as well as efforts to improve
governance and reduce corruption. Additionally, promoting greater interfaith dialogue and understanding
can help reduce tensions between different religious and ethnic groups in the region
Sindh, a province in Pakistan, has a long history of political violence and extremism. The root causes of
political violence in Sindh can be traced back to various factors such as ethnic tensions, economic
disparities, and political polarization.
One of the main sources of political violence in Sindh is the ethnic divide between Sindhis and Mohajirs.
Mohajirs are Urdu-speaking migrants who moved to Sindh from India during the partition of British India
in 1947. They have often felt marginalized in Sindh, leading to tensions between the two communities
and, in some cases, violent clashes.
In recent years, political violence in Sindh has also been linked to the rise of extremist groups such as the
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State (IS). These groups have carried out attacks on
government and security forces, as well as on religious minorities and civilians.
Moreover, political polarization in Sindh has also contributed to political violence in the province. The two
main political parties in Sindh, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement
(MQM), have a history of violent clashes and targeted killings.
The situation in Sindh is further complicated by the economic disparities between the urban and rural
areas of the province. Many rural areas of Sindh are among the poorest in Pakistan, and this has led to
frustration and resentment among the rural population.
In order to address political violence and extremism in Sindh, it is important to address these underlying
factors. This includes promoting inter-ethnic harmony, providing economic opportunities to marginalized
communities, and addressing political polarization. Additionally, the government needs to take effective
measures to counter extremist groups and their activities in the province.
Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan, located in the southwestern part of the country, bordering
Iran and Afghanistan. The province has been plagued by political violence and extremism for many years,
with various militant groups operating in the region.
One of the main issues in Balochistan is the separatist movement, which seeks to create an independent
Baloch state. This movement has been active since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, with several armed
groups carrying out attacks against the Pakistani government and its security forces.
3. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is one of the most prominent separatist groups operating in
Balochistan. It has been responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces, as well as on
civilians whom they accuse of collaborating with the government. The BLA has also targeted Chinese
workers and projects in Balochistan, as part of their opposition to Chinese investments in the region.
Another major issue in Balochistan is the presence of various extremist groups, including the Taliban and
other Sunni extremist groups. These groups have been responsible for carrying out attacks on Shiite
Muslims, who are a minority in Balochistan. They have also targeted Pakistani security forces and
government installations.
The Pakistani government has taken various measures to counter these challenges, including launching
military operations against militant groups and increasing development projects in Balochistan to address
the economic grievances of the local population. However, the situation in the province remains complex
and challenging, with political violence and extremism continuing to pose significant threats to the
security and stability of the region.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan has experienced political violence and extremism for many
years. The region has been a hotbed of Taliban and other militant activity, and there have been numerous
incidents of violence and terrorism in the province.
The causes of political violence and extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are complex and multifaceted.
One factor is the presence of various extremist groups in the region, such as the Taliban, who use violence
as a means to achieve their political goals. These groups often target government officials, security forces,
and civilians who oppose their ideology or presence in the region.
Another factor contributing to political violence and extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the lack of
development and economic opportunities in the region. Poverty, unemployment, and inequality have
fueled frustration and anger among some residents, who may turn to extremism as a means of expressing
their grievances.
Furthermore, the history of political instability in Pakistan and the influence of external factors, such as
the US-led war on terror, have also played a role in the rise of extremism and violence in the region.
To address the issue of political violence and extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a comprehensive
approach is needed. This approach should involve addressing the root causes of the problem, including
poverty, inequality, and lack of economic opportunities. Additionally, efforts should be made to combat
extremist ideology and promote tolerance and understanding among different communities in the region.
Finally, effective law enforcement and security measures are also necessary to ensure the safety of the
population and prevent further violence and terrorism.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan, has seen a history of political violence and extremism,
particularly in the form of sectarian and ethnic clashes.
One of the main sources of conflict in Gilgit-Baltistan is the sectarian divide between Sunni and Shia
Muslims. This divide has been exploited by extremist groups who use violence to advance their agendas
and target members of the opposing sect. In the past, these tensions have led to violent clashes and
terrorist attacks, such as the 2012 Kohistan incident where passengers on a bus were killed for their Shia
faith.
4. Additionally, there have been ethnic tensions between the local population and settlers from other parts
of Pakistan, particularly Punjab. These tensions have led to clashes and violence, such as the 2010 riots in
Gilgit-Baltistan that left dozens dead.
The government has taken steps to address the issue of extremism and violence in Gilgit-Baltistan,
including deploying security forces and cracking down on extremist groups. However, many locals feel
that the government has not done enough to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
Overall, the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan remains tense, with periodic outbreaks of violence and ongoing
sectarian and ethnic tensions. It is important for the government and community leaders to work together
to address these issues and promote peace and stability in the region.
The issue of political violence and extremism in Pakistan is complex and multi-faceted, with historical,
social, and political factors all contributing to its persistence. However, there are several steps that can be
taken to address this issue:
Strengthening democratic institutions: Pakistan has a long history of military rule and weak democratic
institutions. Strengthening democracy, promoting free and fair elections, and improving governance can
help to address the underlying causes of political violence and extremism.
Promoting economic development: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunity can
contribute to political violence and extremism. Promoting economic development and creating job
opportunities can help to address these underlying causes.
Improving education: Education is a powerful tool for promoting tolerance and reducing extremism.
Improving access to education and promoting a curriculum that teaches critical thinking and tolerance
can help to address the root causes of political violence and extremism.
Combating corruption: Corruption is a major problem in Pakistan and can contribute to political violence
and extremism by undermining trust in democratic institutions. Combating corruption and promoting
transparency can help to rebuild trust in democratic institutions and reduce the risk of political violence.
Addressing sectarian and ethnic tensions: Sectarian and ethnic tensions can contribute to political
violence and extremism in Pakistan. Addressing these tensions through dialogue, promoting tolerance,
and respecting diversity can help to reduce the risk of violence.
Addressing human rights abuses: Human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and
torture, can contribute to political violence and extremism. Addressing these abuses and promoting
respect for human rights can help to reduce the risk of violence.
Overall, addressing political violence and extremism in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that
addresses the underlying causes of the problem. This will require sustained efforts by government, civil
society, and the international community over the long term.