ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan needs clarity and consensus on its narrative against violent extremism and all key stakeholders of state need to show political resolve to develop a comprehensive response against this menace.

PPP leader made these remarks at roundtable consultation on ‘Resurgence of Violent Extremism in Pakistan’ organised by Communications Research Strategies (CRS) in collaboration with United States Institute of Peace (USIP) at a local hotel here.

He recalled past experiences of years 2008-2013, a time when Pakistan successfully countered violent extremism. Meeting also featured senior security experts, journalists and academics, including former Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General (retd) Athar Abbas, Major General (retd) Ejaz Awan, senior academic and member of Planning Commission Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad and senior journalists Mehmood Jan Babar and Iftikhar Firdous.

Participants expressed concern about resurgence of militancy in country and offered solutions for reducing impact of militant narratives among public.
 Participants of consultation also noted that militant groups were increasingly resorting to use of latest communication technologies through digital media to further their propaganda.

Maj Gen (retd) Athar Abbas was of view that political stability was imperative to ensure a decline in terrorism and extremism. Mehmood Jan Babar added that militants were trying to use political and local grievances to mislead people but they were failing in doing so as public had rejected them.

Iftikhar Firdous said that public had strongly opposed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and do not wish to provide them any kind of legitimacy, which was very evident by large public protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against outlawed group.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 25 2022

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