Terrorist attacks at the Karachi police station killed two police officials, two rangers and a civilian and injured more than ten yesterday. According to several sources including the BBC, a group of five or six people entered the police station and carried out the attack with hand grenades. Police officials regained control of the station after hours and killed three attackers. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan —also rendered the Pakistan Taliban which is most active in the mountainous areas near the border with Afghanistan — claimed its responsibility for the attack. Though the situation at the police station is calm now, frequent terrorist attacks are one of the most important problems and are a cause of concern in the South Asian country.
It is pertinent to note that terrorist attacks frequently happen in Karachi, Peshawar and many other places in Pakistan, which has several insurgent groups including the Pakistan Taliban that carry out terrorist attacks on security posts, police stations and civilian targets. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal, more than thirty thousand terrorism-related incidents occurred in Pakistan from 2000 to date. While terrorist attacks were more frequent from 2006 to 2016, their number reduced in the last few years in Pakistan which is one of the worst affected countries by terrorist attacks for around two decades and is struggling to relieve from terrorist attacks. Also, terrorist attacks caused the death of more than 65 thousand security officials, terrorists and civilians during the stated time.
Though the situation has notably improved, there are religious, political and geopolitical, economic and other causes of insurgent attacks that make it difficult to end such attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan’s participation in the war on terror, a lack of political commitment, inadequate law enforcement and the presence of extreme religious ideologies are among the most important causes. Participation in the anti-Taliban war in 2001 is believed to have commenced the current wave of terrorist attacks facilitated —probably—by the long presence of extreme religious ideologies. Several underlying causes also increase the chance of involvement with terrorist groups including poverty and unemployment. Notably, many Pakistanis are affected by poverty which makes it easier for terrorist groups to bring them into their groups.
It is desired that efforts be taken to end terrorist attacks in Pakistan. In this respect, law enforcement needs to be improved but Pakistan needs to address terrorist activities with effective plans. Ideological factors of terrorism need to be well-addressed. Along with military operations, as sometimes taken by the Pakistan military, undertaking political negotiation-based efforts may be helpful. The mitigation of disputes with Afghanistan may also be effective. A strong political commitment is imperative. But it is important that Pakistan addresses the underlying causes including poverty to significantly reduce the chance of getting involved with terrorist groups and successfully fight against terrorism that has heavily affected the country.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
