Pakistan Journal of Terrorism Research

Terrorism's Persistence in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs): An Examination of Inter-Group Militant Cooperation and Rivalries

Abdul Basit — 2024-06-28

Following US withdrawal and Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the militant landscape of Pakistan’s Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) has been in a constant flux. As it evolves, the old militant groups are reviving, while the new ones are also emerging. Three broad trends underpin the evolution of the NMDs’ militant landscape: decentralized organizational structures of terrorist groups have been replaced with centralized ones, divisions and splintering have given way to mergers and alliances, and globalized and regionalized militant narratives, barring the Islamic State of Khorasan, have been replaced with localized ones. Against this backdrop, this article has used the framework of inter-group terrorist cooperation and rivalries to unpack the persistence of terrorism in the NMDs. Consistent with the inter-group cooperation and rivalries of terrorist groups, the fraternal and antagonistic ties of terrorist groups in the NMDs are positively linked to terrorism’s persistence and endurance in the region.

Post-US Withdrawal Challenges to the Security of Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ahmed Ali Naqvi — 2024-06-28

US decision to fully withdraw from Afghanistan under Doha Accord has significantly altered the geo-strategic environment of the whole region. This withdrawal directly resulted in re-rise of Taliban regime in Afghanistan. These developments have had a direct bearing on regional states, most notably Pakistan, which partnered with US in War on Terrorism post 9/11. Pakistan’s border region with Afghanistan and particularly Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly FATA), have been most affected due to strategic shifts in Afghanistan. The fundamental purpose of this paper is to explain the ways in which US withdrawal and subsequent developments in Afghanistan have created enabling environment for security threats (resurgence of terrorism) in NMDs. The study is an attempt to provide insights into the localized developments of Pakistan-Afghanistan border region for broader policy options for the state.

Transforming Violent Extremist Masculinity for Preventing Violent Extremism in the Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa

Mossarat Qadeem — 2024-06-28

This paper looks into the reinforcing patriarchal power structures that benefit men over women as well as men over other less-powerful men. These structures shape the ways in which masculine norms contribute to the perpetration and experience of violent extremism in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also discusses how gender and other identities influence motivations, experiences, and risk factors for those who choose or do not choose to become involved in violent extremist groups. It confirms the interplay between local narratives, ideology, material conditions and power structures in forming violent extremist masculinities and using the same for preventing violent extremism (PVE). The paper delves into the transformative methodology developed by the author to engage men and boys- encompassing community leaders, fathers, religious figures, peace advocates, youth, and others - alongside women and girls.

Gendered Perceptions: Exploring Radicalization and Drivers in Women of NMDs

Dr. Beenish Sultan — 2024-06-28

This article aims to understand the lack of gendered analysis of terrorism in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). It discusses the spread of radicalization in women of NMDs, amidst the resurgence of terrorist activities especially by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Qualitative data collection method involving semi-structured interviews has been adopted, involving female psychologists, female officers from Law Enforcement Agencies, local women from NMDs and faculty of FATA University. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by using NVIVO software while keeping anonymity. This data led to a three-fold focus: radicalization of women, the urgency of terrorist organizations for visibility through roles played by women and the need for a gendered view of terrorism in NMDs. The significant theme remained that while women hailing from NMDs are not currently involved in active terrorist roles, however, if unattended they can be affected by the radical agenda of TTP and their female recruits.

Beyond Military Operations: Fostering Good Governance and Resilient State-Society Relations in Newly Merged Districts ( A Counter-Terrorism Strategy)

Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi — 2024-06-28

Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), formerly known as FATA, have historically remained underdeveloped and isolated regions of Pakistan. The areas remained politically backward, even though the central government has over the years introduced numerous reforms. The year 2018 brought a drastic constitutional reform when FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the NMDs were created. However, introducing state institutions and improving governance structure in the area remains painfully slow. Moreover, with the recent surge in terrorism, the NMDs once again find themselves at the centre of this evolving national crisis. This research seeks to provide policy recommendations for decision makers by exploring prospects of a trust-building approach and resilient state-society relationship. For the purpose of this research, a qualitative research design incorporating in-depth interviews with the locals has been duly utilized.

TTP Ideological stance for Women in the NMDs

Dr. Shabana Fayyaz — 2024-06-28

Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) continue to exploit religion to justify unwarranted restrictions upon the female agency in the garb of the ‘ideology’. Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) is no exception to this mode of behaviour and thought pattern. This research aims to unravel the untold and often silent narration of female victimisation in the name of Islam by TTP in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). The psychological scars, physical dislocation, educational embargo on the girls continue to haunt them as recorded in the off-record conversations with the author. This qualitative research analyses TTP’s ideological views about women in NMDs, wherein it maintains a highly conservative and restrictive ideological position. Notwithstanding the endeavours of governmental bodies and civil society organisations to advance gender equality and empower women in these regions, the pervasive impact of TTP's ideology persistently presents significant challenges to advancing the welfare and rights of women, which this study dwells upon through empirical data.