On Sunday, July 30, in a political rally held by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), a deadly explosion took the lives of 44 individuals and injured more than 150 people. The tragic incident took place in Khar, a town in the Bajaur district of the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), now the Merged Areas. None of the militant groups claimed responsibility for the attacks. The incident shook the community to its core; a chilling testament confirming the volatility of the situation.
The aftermath of the US-led NATO forces’ withdrawal in August 2021 and the subsequent resurgence of the Taliban to power in Kabul have unfolded as predicted, confirming the concerns expressed about the far-reaching security implications for the former FATA, as well as Pakistan at large. Over the past two years, there has been a notable resurgence in these militant forces. The TTP is staging a comeback, advocating for the undoing of the merger between the erstwhile FATA and Pakhtunkhwa, with the aim of reintroducing Sharia law.
The United States’ decision to suspend funding Pakistan’s military operations against Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) from its Coalition Support Fund (CSF), followed by the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, has created a power vacuum, leading to an escalation of instability and violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moreover, ever since Pakistan made the decision to ally with the United States in the ‘War on Terror,’ it has struggled to articulate a clear and firm stance against militancy inside its territories.
Nevertheless, the consequences of this collective blind eye leave communities of the border regions of Pakistan to wrestle with the aftermath, navigating uncertain paths towards stability. This volatile environment presents a fertile ground for new recruitment, particularly among disillusioned and marginalised youth who are exposed to limited employment opportunities, faced with economic hardships, and finding themselves entrenched in a feeling of alienation and disenfranchisement. This volatile situation continues to make the youth increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by various factions of the Taliban groups, as well as the Islamic State of Khurasan (IS-K) or Daesh.
The militant narrative has successfully influenced the agency of disillusioned youth, unravelling the complexities of new alliance-making, who have relinquished their traditional ties with their tribes in pursuit of justice, purity, and the preservation of Islamic traditions.
The militants capitalize on the vulnerabilities of the youth, offering them a distorted sense of purpose, belonging, and empowerment to exercise their agency. They present themselves as alternate forces, offering solutions and reaffirming a sense of identity that has been suppressed by tribal hierarchy, constrained by oppressive colonial governance system, and erosion of social order by years of conflict.
The militant narrative has successfully influenced the agency of disillusioned youth, unravelling the complexities of new alliance-making, who have relinquished their traditional ties with their tribes in pursuit of justice, purity, and the preservation of Islamic traditions. The allure of adventure, camaraderie, and a jihadi ideology can be enticing for young individuals who feel marginalised and disconnected from mainstream society.
In the majority of suicide attacks, it is often the youth who are exploited and used as instruments of violence. These young individuals are manipulated through assurance of a blissful afterlife in paradise, a false promise used to justify their involvement in these tragic acts. The coercive and manipulative tactics used by such militant groups exploit the naivity and vulnerability of these young people, leading them down a path of violence under the misguided perception of achieving a divine reward.
The Zarb-e-Azb operation has had considerable success in terms of hunting TTP and regaining control over areas under the TTP control. However, such operations cannot eliminate militants and their narratives, which continue to pose the greatest threat to the country. The TTP poses a significant challenge to Pakistani military forces aiming to instate Islamic rule in areas with weak government control.
On the other hand, IS-K is emerging as a new threat in the former FATA, while its influence is expanding in other parts of the country. Over the years, some factions of local militant groups in the region, such as TTP, started aligning themselves with the ideology and goals of IS-K, leading to the establishment of its presence in the region. The presence of IS-K also exacerbated sectarian tension between the Shia and Sunni communities and places of worship, leading to deadly attacks and increased sectarian violence. This not only deepened the division within the local population, but also raised concerns about communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The militants capitalize on the vulnerabilities of the youth, offering them a distorted sense of purpose, belonging, and empowerment to exercise their agency. They present themselves as alternate forces, offering solutions and reaffirming a sense of identity that has been suppressed by tribal hierarchy, constrained by oppressive colonial governance system, and erosion of social order by years of conflict.
The consequences of youth recruitment by militant groups are profound and wide ranging. Not only does it perpetuate the cycle of violence and undermine stability within Pakhtunkhwa, it also poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s overall security. The radicalization of youth and their involvement in extremist activities perpetuate a climate of fear, disrupt societal harmony, and hinder the prospects of peace and development in the region.
Concerted efforts are required to address this growing concern. This requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond military strategies alone. Socioeconomic development, education, and employment opportunities for youth empowerment are crucial in countering the appeal of militant groups. Promoting inclusive governance and justice system, addressing grievances, and fostering social cohesion are vital components of creating an environment that is resistant to extreme ideologies.
In addition, slow progress in implementing FATA reforms has led to widespread confusion, a lack of trust, and friction among various power holders. This includes tensions between tribal elders and youth, disagreements between Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government regarding the responsibilities of undertaking development schemes in the newly merged districts, tension between tribal elders and the government over establishing judicial infrastructure, introduction of internal policing systems, and disputes between local leadership in the merged districts and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the distribution of natural resources.
Post-withdrawal events have undeniably affirmed the apprehensions about the vulnerability of the youth in the Merged Areas to recruitment by militant groups. As Pakistan navigates this critical juncture, it is imperative to prioritise the well-being and future of its youth. Only through comprehensive measures and sustained efforts can the former FATA and the country at large mitigate the risks posed by radicalisation and extremism, fostering a more stable and prosperous future for the younger generation.
The youth of the Merged Areas stand at a difficult intersection; they are torn between the persuasive jihadi narrative spun by militants and the fading voices of Pakistan’s own counter-narrative. It is a battle of ideas fuelled by feelings of alienation, economic hardships, and a longing for identity. The road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, but it is essential that we don’t turn a blind eye. The choices we make today, as a nation, are to empower, educate, and engage the youth of tribal areas. It is not just about combating militancy or restoring peace – it is about rebuilding our narrative, one that resonates with our young generation which will give them a sense of purpose and belonging. We must invest in their development, understand their needs, and foster an environment in which they can thrive, free from the traps of radicalisation.
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