Due to complexity of problem of militancy in the name of religion and depths of its tentacles one may find it difficult a way out. But one can be hopeful exactly for the same reason. It seems that militancy and terrorism has grown so pervasive that it cannot spread more. It has expanded to the fullest. This dismal situation is itself a hope, the nation cannot fall deeper it has to rise as it is the only way left. Another thing that kindles hope is the fact that violence can never be permanent. It’s the peace that brings stability and thus permanence so violence has to give way to peace and stability. Despite all this, the challenge is enormous as the militancy has been given space to grow unchallenged for three decades, it will not be easy to claim back the lost space. The research is qualitative and based on descriptive and analytical methods of research. This article argues that confusion and diplomacy while dealing Taliban whether “good or bad” gave way to clear policy of declaring all militants’ enemy of Pakistan. The change occurred after December 16, 2014 attacks on Army Public School Peshawar, in which almost 140 students were killed by terrorists. This incident changed the whole thinking. Public was not ready to forgive nor was military establishment. Attack was direct and hatred for militancy was at its height. Public was ready to support the military operation against militants in all possible ways.
Authors
Dr. Saqib Khan Warraich
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, GC University Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
Imran Alam
Assistant Professor, University Law College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
Fatima Rifat
Lecturer, Department of History, GC University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Keywords
Ideology, Militancy, Militants, Pakistan, Religious Extremism