PESHAWAR
\nIn the modern and presence of sophisticated weaponry and communication modes, terrorism has emerged as the most lethal threat to integrity of countries and safety of their people.
\nIt is not a threat to countries and regions but globally and demands a multidimensional role of political governments, security institutions and civil society to eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
\nTherefore, the dream of achieving durable peace cannot be materialized unless and until all the relevant stakeholders make collective efforts in defeating terrorism that is threatening our social fabric.
\n\u201cTerrorism is a known unlawful act of using force or violence to intimidate or coerce a government or people and damage national fabric for furthering the agenda of destabilization,\u201d said Prof. Dr Jamil Khan, Director Centre of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar.
\nTerming complete elimination of terrorism a complex riddle, he said, \u201cit requires a comprehensive response of civil society, academics, religious scholars, media and other stakeholders.\u201d
\nTraditionally the states are thought to be on the forefront to curb terrorism but in modern age it is increasingly recognized that not the governments alone but other segments also have a key role to play in eliminating terrorism.
\n\u201cBesides actions of security forces, the role of civil society can also be a way forward to address the causes of terrorism like radicalism, illiteracy and socioeconomic imbalances,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cAs civil society components largely operate independently and flexibly, they can better engage communities for forging unity against inimical forces.\u201d
\nHe said constructive role of civil society can also play role in upbringing a generation that dislikes terrorism and when reaching adolescent, this generation will have a clear vision about terrorism and avoid falling into hands of terrorists.
\n\u201cA gradual process of countering radicalization, negativity and pessimist thinking through community engagements and promoting counter-narratives, can definitely have positive results,\u201d Dr Jamil said.
\nHe said social media had badly affected \u2018hujra culture\u2019 in KP. \u201cToday our youth is more influenced by social media than the saner voices of their elders as they spend lesser time with them.
\n\u201cIf properly integrated, our civil society, ulema, teachers and parents can collectively encourage community resilience against extremist ideologies by building trust between state and citizens,\u201d he said.
\nHighlighting importance of community engagement, Ashfaq Khan, Deputy Commissioner Kurram said that after peace jirga on January 1, 2025, over 979 bunkers were demolished and weapons surrendered with the cooperation of both parties.
\nThe surrendered weapons include RPG-7s, 12.7 mm machine guns, 10-inch missile launchers, 82 mm mortars and other heavy weapons and ammunition and explosives.
\n\u201cTribal leaders, maliks, chieftains and religious leaders of all sects in Kurram have guaranteed peace in their respective areas at January 1, 2025 peace jirga and reiterated strict action against violators,\u201d he said.
\nAdditionally, recruitment of youth in Road Protection Force for Kurram has started and so far 200 individuals have been recruited to protect Parachinar-Peshawar, Thall-Sadda and other link roads.
\nIkhtair Wali Khan, Prime Minister\u2019s coordinator for Information and KP Affairs said that sensitization of masses against terrorism had started prevailing in Khyber Pakthunkhwa after deadly terrorist attack on APS Peshawar in December 2016.
\nThe then PMLN Govt led by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had united the entire nation against terrorism and formulated an inclusive National Action Plan that helped in fighting terrorism.
\nUnder the project of countering and prevention of terrorism in Pakistan, he said, a series of orientation workshops and seminars were held to integrate community-based organizations, academia and public sector bodies in efforts to counter terrorism.Pakistani travel guides
\n\u201cThis initiative was aimed to work closely with National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) especially in rolling out a range of community-driven activities to promote peace, tolerance and social cohesion,\u201d Wali said.
\nHe also mentioned to the Prime Minister\u2019s youth program and said, initiatives like providing free laptops, scholarship and vocational education to engage youth in constructive activities, are appreciable.
\n\u201cSuch steps would encourage youth to participate in constructive activities and counter extremist elements,\u201d he said.
\nMeanwhile, the elders of Tank and DI Khan districts during a meeting with Lt Gen Umar Ahmad Bukhari, Corps Commander Peshawar recently assured full support and cooperation in fight against terrorism.
\nThe elders\u2019 representative jirga praised the role of Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism and their matchless sacrifices for protection of the motherland. They also reiterated their strong commitment and support to security forces in their fight against Fitnatul Khawarij.Pakistani travel guides
\nThe Corps Commander on this occasion reiterated that Pakistan Army would ensure peace, stability and play a key role in development and progress of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
\nThe intelligence based operations continue against Fitnatul Khawarij and miscreants and warned that inimical forces have no other option but to surrender and lay down weapons.
\nThe tribal elders and local people assured their full support for fight against terrorism and restoration of peace and security in restive areas and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
\nAs the civil society, academia, religious scholars and local elders of any area are always important, their integration and a broader role can go a long way in thwarting terrorism and extremism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR In the modern and presence of sophisticated weaponry and communication modes, terrorism has emerged as the most lethal threat to integrity of countries and safety of their people. It is not a threat to countries and regions but globally and demands a multidimensional role of political governments, security institutions and civil society to eliminate […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-476379","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n