Building Resilience: A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Extremism in Pakistan

Pakistan has long grappled with the persistent and evolving threat of violent extremism, with countering violent extremism becoming an increasingly complex challenge in recent years According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Pakistan ranks among the most affected countries globally, with a troubling 45% surge in terrorism related deaths recorded in the past year alone. This alarming trend necessitates a comprehensive reassessment of the national counter-terrorism strategy, shifting the focus from reactive measures to a more proactive and inclusive approach that addresses the multifaceted root causes of extremism.

Historically, the state’s strategy has heavily relied on militarized responses, intelligence operations, and conventional law enforcement. While such actions remain critical for mitigating immediate threats, they offer limited efficacy in preventing the emergence of radical ideologies and their appeal, particularly among vulnerable segments of the population.The shooting of Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Narowal was a sobering reminder of the persistent threat posed by political extremism in Pakistan. He is not alone—many political leaders, across different parties and regions, have been targeted over the years. These acts of violence expose the limitations of conventional security approaches and point to the urgent need for a broader strategy that addresses the ideological, social, and political roots of extremism.

In the aftermath of the attack, Narowal’s community did not respond with hatred or further division. Instead, local residents, civil society groups, and political leaders collectively initiated peace dialogues and reconciliation efforts, turning a moment of national trauma into a platform for community-driven resilience. The emergence of Narowal as a hub for peace discourse, led in part by those directly impacted by the violence has become a powerful symbol of Pakistan’s capacity for healing through inclusive dialogue and civic solidarity.

This transformation highlights the critical need to move beyond a narrow, militarized lens of countering violent extremism.While intelligence operations and security measures remain essential for mitigating immediate threats, they must be part of a broader framework that recognizes violent extremism as a complex socio-economic and ideological issue. The Narowal incident reinforced the urgency of addressing root causes.

Socioeconomic deprivation remains one of the most significant contributors to radicalization, particularly among youth in underscored and conflict-affected regions. High unemployment rates, lack of vocational opportunities, and limited access to basic services foster disillusionment and alienation. To counter this, Pakistan must prioritize inclusive economic development. Programs that provide vocational training, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and improve infrastructure and service delivery can offer tangible alternatives to those most at risk of radicalization.

Community resilience also plays an instrumental role in mitigating the spread of extremism. The involvement of local leaders, religious figures, and civil society actors is essential in fostering trust and social cohesion. Establishing local peace councils that include community members and security personnel can serve as effective platforms for early conflict resolution and for countering extremist narratives at the grassroots level. Trust-building between the state and communities is pivotal to ensuring that counter-extremism efforts are not perceived as coercive but as collaborative endeavors rooted in mutual benefit.

Women’s engagement in peace-building further strengthens the societal response to extremism. Often overlooked, women hold influential roles within their families and communities. Initiatives such as the “Peace by Youth and Women” program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have demonstrated how empowering women with leadership and conflict resolution skills can significantly contribute to building tolerant communities. Enhancing women’s participation in political, educational, and socioeconomic spheres ensures a more holistic and representative response to extremism that addresses the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

The media’s role in either reinforcing or dismantling extremist narratives cannot be understated. In today’s digital landscape, extremist groups leverage online platforms to disseminate propaganda and recruit sympathizers. Responsible journalism and strategic communication are thus essential. Media outlets must avoid sensationalism and instead amplify messages of tolerance, pluralism, and social unity. Media literacy programs, especially targeting the youth, can equip individuals with the critical thinking skills needed to challenge and resist radical content.

A whole-of-society approach is indispensable in the fight against violent extremism. This entails coordinated participation from governmental institutions, civil society organizations, religious scholars, the private sector, and the media. Effective institutional coordination across federal, provincial, and district levels is equally vital. Agencies must not work in silos; instead, they should share information, align objectives, and collectively implement policies that address both the symptoms and root causes of extremism.

Security operations will remain a necessary pillar of counter-extremism efforts; however, they must be embedded within a broader framework of societal transformation. Addressing structural inequalities, political disenfranchisement, and ideological polarization is essential for lasting peace. As the events in Narowal remind us, it is not only state action but also community courage, civic unity, and local leadershipthat drive sustainable peace and national resilience. “Peace and development must go hand in hand. Without addressing the conditions that breed violence, security efforts alone will always fall short.“

Ultimately, Pakistan’s long-term success in countering violent extremism will depend on its ability to forge a shared national vision one that transcends sectarian, ethnic, and ideological divides. A multi-dimensional approach that integrates economic uplift, community engagement, gender inclusion, and responsible media can lay the foundation for a resilient and harmonious society. This holistic strategy offers not only a blueprint for security but a pathway to inclusive national development, setting the stage for a future where peace and progress are mutually reinforcing realities.