Countering TTP: Evaluating Military and Non-Military Strategies for Sustainable Peace in Pakistan
Keywords:
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Counterterrorism, Military Operations, Non-Military Approaches, Peace Building, Sustainable PeaceAbstract
The resurgence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has given Pakistan a daunting security threat and it is important that both military and non-military solutions for sustainable development of peace are analyzed. In this study, the effectiveness and fallacies of counterterrorism policies of Pakistan was covered on the basis of military campaigns, socio-economic development, governance reforms, counter-radicalization policies and regional security concerns. It stresses that while the military has played a major part in reducing the military capacities of the militants, it has not been able to do much in terms of the "root causes" and "ideology" if any, and that supports and maintains extremism. The study emphasizes the need to integrate security measures and institutional reforms, community engagement, and development activities to conflict-affected areas. Moreover, it also highlights importance of cross border cooperation in dealing with regional aspects of the TTP challenge. This study finds that the bottom line for durable peace and stability in Pakistan is a holistic strategy that works both militarily and in a non-military approach to peace building.
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