Counter-Terrorism in Pakistan: A Case of Vested Interest

Abstract

The current counter-terrorism framework of Pakistan is guided by the National Action Plan (NAP) of 2014. This thesis argues that the implementation of the NAP has been subjugated to the vested interest of a powerful segment of Pakistan’s political system, i.e. its military establishment. It critiques the overwhelming role of Pakistan’s military leadership or, as commonly referred to in Pakistani parlance, ‘the Establishment’ in manoeuvring politics and manipulating state institutions. The Establishment is shown to remain invested in maintaining its position as the guardian of Pakistan’s national security. This allows the Establishment to use Pakistan’s counter-terrorism framework to expand its influence over neighbouring countries by deploying proxy militants.

Scholars have widely discussed the Establishment’s counter-terrorism preferences in fighting or co-opting various terrorist groups present in Pakistan. This thesis goes beyond that and critically analyses the multi-pronged legal and policy elements of the NAP that are formally authorised by civil institutions. Through a socio-historical and legal examination of the Establishment’s powerful influence over civilian policy and decision makers, it finds that Pakistan’s executive, legislature and judiciary continue to support, or withhold their substantive opposition to, the Establishment’s domineering control of the NAP. The thesis also examines the Establishment’s promotion of religious narratives under the NAP to gain legitimacy and curb criticism against its national security policies. Through its co-option of religious groups with political ambitions, the Establishment is shown to enlist their support for its political interventions and maintain relations with religious militant organisations. It is argued that, ultimately, the Establishment’s management of the NAP results in a chaotic counter-terrorism framework for Pakistan undermining public interest of safety, national cohesion and internal stability.