PR No. 236 Islamabad: September 25, 2024

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal addressed a one-day seminar on "Countering Terrorism in Pakistan: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward" at a local university in Islamabad. While speaking at the seminar, Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that it is a privilege to stand at this critical conference. He remarked, "Terrorism has cast a long shadow over Pakistan, claiming more than 80,000 lives and costing the nation approximately $150 billion over the past two decades. Yet, we have demonstrated resilience and sacrifice in the face of this menace." He emphasized that the gathering was not only to reflect on the remarkable progress made but also to identify the challenges that lie ahead. As we move forward, he said, we must balance military actions with non-kinetic measures, recognizing that counterterrorism requires a holistic approach. Addressing the seminar, the minister highlighted that Pakistan's battle against terrorism has yielded significant successes, largely due to the valiant efforts of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and the resilience of its people. Military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were described as milestones in the war against terrorism. These campaigns dismantled key terrorist networks, cleared militant strongholds in the tribal areas, and restored over 90% of the tribal regions to state control. More than 7,000 terrorists were killed during these operations. The minister also underscored the importance of the National Action Plan (NAP), adopted in 2015, which serves as a comprehensive framework to address terrorism in all its forms. From cracking down on hate speech to improving intelligence coordination, the NAP has achieved significant successes, including a 30% reduction in terror attacks over the last five years. The establishment of military courts and reforms in madrassas played pivotal roles in this success. Internationally, Pakistan's efforts in dismantling transnational terror networks and curbing terror financing have been acknowledged. In 2022, Pakistan was removed from the FATF's grey list-a testament to progress in controlling terror financing and improving financial transparency. On the impact of social media, the minister pointed out that the rise of lone-wolf attacks, cyber-radicalization, and the use of social media for extremist recruitment have transformed the landscape. A recent report shows that 80% of terrorist organizations now use digital platforms for recruitment, communication, and radicalization. He stressed the need for investment in cybersecurity and digital literacy to counter this threat. Minister Ahsan Iqbal also expressed concern about the threat of digital misinformation, emphasizing that social media is being used to spread hatred and misconceptions, fueling instability and promoting terrorism in the country. He shared a personal experience, recounting how six years ago, he was targeted in an assassination attempt by someone influenced by hate spread through social media. "Digital misinformation is now the most dangerous weapon globally," he warned, as it undermines nations, causes instability, and pushes them toward terrorism. The minister highlighted that Pakistan can no longer afford any form of instability. He urged the younger generation to be mindful of those who sow seeds of hatred in their minds, and to recognize those who genuinely work for the country's progress. As Muslims, Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to eradicate intolerance from society and to foster an environment of peace and dialogue. Reflecting on the past, he recalled that when the government took charge in 2013, Pakistan was suffering from economic hardship and rampant terrorism. Karachi, the economic hub, was plagued by frequent terrorist attacks. Despite these challenges, he said, the government succeeded in restoring peace, driving economic growth, and overcoming the electricity crisis. However, in 2018, an inexperienced and unprofessional leadership took over, setting Pakistan's progress back, ruining the economy, and burdening the nation with massive debt. Addressing the root causes of terrorism, the minister emphasized the importance of the National Internal Security Policy (NISP), stating that the fight against terrorism is as much about development as it is about security. Long-term peace, he said, can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of extremism-poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. He called for continued investment in development programs, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and other marginalized regions, to provide the youth with opportunities that draw them away from radicalization. In conclusion, he stated that the fight against terrorism is not just a security issue, but a struggle for the hearts and minds of the people. "It is a battle for the soul of Pakistan, where we seek a future free from fear, hatred, and violence," he said. The remarkable progress made so far is a testament to the courage of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens. However, the challenges ahead demand national unity, determination, and a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of extremism. Guided by the principles of Islam, which promote peace, tolerance, and justice, we must stand firm against those who seek to divide us through terror. By strengthening our institutions, engaging our communities, and investing in our people, we can ensure that Pakistan remains a strong, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

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