TERRORISM AND MEASURES TO CTR THIS THREAT
Introduction
1. The menace of terrorism is the most clear and present danger at this point in time. The word terrorism was first used in France to describe a new system of government adopted during the French revolution (1789-1799). The reign of terror was intended to promote democracy and popular rule by ridding the revolution of its enemies and thereby purifying it. However, the oppression and violent excesses of the terror transformed it into a feared instrument of the state. From that time on, terrorism has had a decidedly negative connotation.
2. The U.S. government says democracy is necessary to inoculate Iraq and Afghanistan against the return of dangerous regimes that oppress their people, support terrorism and threaten peace. At the same time, Taliban and al-Qaida forces displaced from Afghanistan are finding refuge and a place to regroup in neighboring countries, which sided with the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks. Especially, for the last two decades and aftermath of 9/11 tragedy, the major challenges are in the form of deteriorating law and order, ethnicity, religious extremism, sectarianism, weaponisation and economic degeneration. There is a dire need to address this menace so that we can stand as a country that is trouble free and respected in the world. The increasingly unstable situation in Pakistan demonstrates that terrorism will continue to flourish until serious democratic reforms are undertaken there as well.
3. Today, Pakistan is confronted with Internal Security dilemma in the form of Terrorism. The divisions of society on sectarian, religious and ethnic lines pose a threat to our security and are breeding ground for terrorism acts. Weak economy, high inflation, unemployment, high rate of population growth, low literacy level and poor health care are permanent irritants. Especially, for the last two decades and aftermath of 9/11 tragedy, the