In the current security environment, there is little question that terrorism is among the gravest of threats. The government and private sector have been allocated and re-allocated to the task of preventing terrorism. The “Psychology of terrorism” is based upon psychoanalytic theories like narcissism, hostility towards parents and/or mental illness. Terrorist ideologies tend to provide a set of beliefs that justify just actions. These beliefs are regarded as absolute and the behaviors are seen as serving a meaningful cause. Erstwhile and current Pakistan has been at the epicenter of terrorism and is currently waging the perfect war.
The roots of violence in the country can be traced to the 1980’s. Some historical incidents that took place in the international political area were to leave an impression on Pakistan’s political scenario. The ethnic conflict noted in the tension from the creation of Pakistan was also “weaponized” in the shadow of Afghan Jihad. Terrorist violence was more frequent, but this subsided by end of last century. Yet, again there have been acts in the post 9/11 era after the US launched ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’. Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorist outfits, but it is certain that all of this havoc has resulted in a significant loss of innocent lives as well as economic clout in their country.
Terrorism is a kind of psychological warfare where the inciting mechanism could be in the form of blasts, suicide bombing, bio- terrorism, narco-terrorism and financial terrorism. The act of carrying out terrorist activities does not come from a single moment of inspiration but rather from a combined process of cognitive accommodation and assimilation over accumulating steps. The WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities can cope up with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is correctly able to contribute to his or her community. The studied responses to terrorism include stress disorder, anxiety or depression, regressive behavior, separation problems and sleep difficulties. Terrorist organizations encash these behaviour problems to select and train individuals for the said 'cause'.
Madrassas (Islamic religious schools) have gained a reputation of being a sinister influence on young impressionable minds However, since religious schools trace their traditions back to the time of the Prophet Mohammad, 9/11 has cropped them out from the age of oblivion and brought them upfront to International attention. The role of most Pakistani madrassas is to promote radicalization and to provide necessary infrastructure for religious terrorism in J&K. At first it started as nationalist terrorism that does not include one group. Now, this form of terrorism is being described in terms of religious terrorism. However, such terrorism is not purely religious but is rather called as ‘politics under a different name’.
Religious terrorism has three special elements, namely using religious beliefs and scriptures to justify violence against people, considering destruction as a required and essential part of their holy mission, and the existence of a clear view as far as leadership is concerned. The creation of a “religious government” and “religious cleansing” are two common cardinal goals of terrorism. These two goals are associated with radical Islamic groups that typically strive to re-establish a fully independent state governed by Islamic Law.
Young impressionable adolescents are brainwashed into believing that the ultimate sacrifice by suicide bombing will elevate their stature in the eyes of God and send them straight to heaven. This is also supplemented with massive financial compensation for the deceased family. Terrorist organizations in Pakistan through this process of brainwashing, have been able to successfully convert young impressionable Muslim adolescents into suicide bombers known locally as “Fidayeen”. The psychological and sociological factors that contribute to terrorism in Pakistan are part of a long term process. The loss due to the acts is borne by many innocent people of this state. Pakistan as a state is unable to meet essential needs such as security, health, education and economic opportunities by hiding behind the shield of “ISLAM”. It is important that religious militias are neutralized and reintegrated into society. As soon as the militancy leadership is reasonably convinced of long term peace, extremists can be diverted to social work in the name of ISLAM rather than “JIHAD”.
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