The Militancy Challenge

Based on data, the impact of militancy is analyzed in detail on the economic growth and development of Pakistan. It is argued, using Krueger’s differentiation, that a big effect view holds for Pakistan as regards the impact of terrorism. The roots of militancy are traced to the historical and ideological factors. The Kashmir dispute and overemphasis on Islamic ideology for nation building worked as a catalyst for militancy. Besides said factors, it is argued that low development provided fertile ground for militant activities as it is hardly a coincidence that militants mostly emerged from the economically and politically deprived regions. The role of madrassa factor is also analyzed and it is argued that the role of religious seminaries in militancy is not conclusive in the light of data and evidence. The role of external factors like Afghan war, the Iranian revolution, and 9/11 are discussed and it is concluded that the phenomenon of militancy is very complex and needs a multi-pronged approach to tackle it.