Pakistan Counter Terrorism Policy since Zarb-i-Azab: Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Security

Abstract

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon in 21st century. It is as old as human nature has the lust to gain maximum power for maintenance of peace and security. Since 9/11 Islamabad is facing terrible and protracts acts of violence, extremism, abduction, target killing and explosions. Above mentioned factors became a reason to worsening the peace and security of the country. There are many ways to eliminate the root causes of terrorism from negotiation to military operations. Pakistan has formulated a counter terrorism doctrine from 2002-2008. Former General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani (Retired) initiated this doctrine and developed framework to stop further terrorists activities through political solutions, agreements, deals and last resort as military operations. Military operations intensified after beheading of soldiers, Pakistan 9/11 (APS), Char Sadh University attack and still these operations are on flow. So, it is difficult to evaluate success of Zarb-i-Azb led by retired General Raheel Sharif due to the start of combing operation as a lexicon to operation Zarb-i-Azb. The short comings are remained to achieve whole objective of operation Zarb-i-Azb in term of lack of trust among Pakistan’s military, civil government, in United States and Afghanistan. To the maintenance of peace and sustainability of the region there should adopt peace building measures.