Mainstreaming of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan: A Theoretical Perspective of Conflict Transformation

Abstract

Since the onset of 21st century, Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented waves of terrorism and violent extremism across the country. The nexus between the banned militant outfits and proscribed organizations have shaken the very fabric of our society. In the last two decades, Pakistan has tried to uproot the menace of terrorism through a combination of military operations and negotiations but so far it has not yielded any favorable outcomes. This article tries to find out whether terrorist organizations such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could be mainstreamed into a political force. It utilizes the framework of Conflict Transformation Theory that lays out the process through which a conflict-ridden system could be converted into a system of peace and stability. Drawing from historical precedents, where designated terrorist organizations of the time were mainstreamed into their respective national folds and became progressive political parties, the study examines the prospects of mainstreaming terrorist organizations or banned outfits such as the TTP. The article concludes by exploring the future prospects of TTP mainstreaming, standout limitations and foreseeable obstacles for such an eventuality.