War on Terror and its Implications on the Political Economy of Pakistan (2001-2018)

Abstract

The ongoing war on terror is not the result of aggression by the state-sponsored armies but the terrorist action of non-state actors such as Al-Qaeda. The main focus of this war is the elimination of Al-Qaeda and its allies, that is, the Taliban, to make this world peaceful and free from terrorists who can pose a threat to the world’s pace at any time. Pakistan, the U.S., and its allies are fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan and its Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Pakistan, being adjacent to Afghanistan and having the Tribal areas on its own, is playing the active role of front-line state that makes it the most important U.S. ally in this war. Joining the U.S.-led collision in the war against terrorism has many short and long-term repercussions for Pakistan. The alliance helped Pakistan overcome the sanctions to get economic and military assistance and end its international isolation. It also got the status of non-NATO ally and front-line state and proved itself as the most suitable ally for that rogue regime, terrorist, or failed state. It also restored its membership in the Commonwealth, which was suspended after the military coup of October 1999. On the other hand, Pakistan is playing a heavy price in socioeconomic and socio-strategic fields. It suffered immeasurable losses in the global war on terror. It faced the gravest foreign policy predicaments had to revise its Afghan policy and found difficulties in its diplomacy while supporting the freedom struggle of Kashmir. The counter-terrorism against terrorists and militancy inside the country added to institutional instability and raised social problems that remained consistent to reset society. Thus, Pakistan is considered one of the economic and strategic losers in the global system that has evolved since 9/11.