Critical Review of Pakistan's Role in the War on Terrorism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64428/rm/v6.i3.4Keywords:
Counterterrorism, Pakistan, Political Instability, State Sovereignty, Terrorism, War on TerrorismAbstract
Terrorism is one of the primary catalysts destabilizing the foundations of any nation, both internally and externally. Pakistan has taken a leadership role in addressing this critical issue. Often referred to as the "fashion of the day," terrorism is an epidemic that impacts both the public and the government. Its roots run deep, spreading far beyond Pakistan’s boarders. The perilous situation stems from a number of causes, including poor federal governance, nationalization, religious conflicts, inequality, and weak political leadership. Consequently, Pakistan's sovereignty has suffered severe damage from the various repercussions of terrorism since the 9/11 attacks. As is widely recognized, diverse terrorist actions have been committed for numerous reasons around the world for decades. In fact, terrorism is one of the most brutal crimes. As the world changes, terrorism will also adapt, exploring new opportunities for growth and impact made possible by technological advancements.
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