War of Narrative in the Field of Counter Terrorism
- Militant groups exploit religious and ideological narratives to gain support, while counter-narratives emphasize rule of law and safety.
- Technological advancements have made digital platforms a battleground for narratives, spreading fear through hate speech and disquieting content.
- Educational reforms, positive social media use, and engagement of religious leaders are essential strategies in promoting a healthy counter-narrative to combat terrorism.
With the commencement of a new country, a rapid change in historical and geo-political facets has appeared and acts as a linchpin for evolving internal and external conflict. Shortly, the war on terror caused hundreds of deaths, half a million injuries, and a loss of billions of dollars in the economy. Therefore, the war of narrative in the field of terrorism and extremism is tremendously affecting the behavior and ideology of the people who stand to promulgate a competition that not only confides to conflict but also manipulates the narratology, side by side. According to Noam Chomsky:
“Everyone’s worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there’s really an easy way: Stop participating in it.”
At first, it is postulated that there is no denying the fact that, militant groups and terrorist organizations exploit the narrative and persuade youngsters or supporters to diminish their opponents. They utilize religious and ideological narratives to embark on their supremacy. On the contrary, the counter-narrative is also prevalent which emphasizes the rule of law safety and protection.
Secondly, rapid technological advancement in the country is acting as an ultimate battleground for narrative. The hate speech, abhorrent digital content, and disquietened material instill fear among people for this purpose.
Thirdly, historical contacts, that is the era of the 9/11 war on terror have played a climacteric role in shaping the narrative of war in Pakistan. The grappling impact of internal and external conflict highly influences the socio-political and religious respect of Pakistan.
Consequently, amidst this chaos, Pakistan has launched various Counter Terrorism programs to combat the widespread terrorism and ideologies. These programs have worked tirelessly for the betterment of the country. These strategies are developed to repudiate the misuse of the narrative of jihad, utter hostility against the West, and inculcation of anti-state sentiments in individuals. All these projects are extended to depict the true essence and image of Islam.
Historically it is evident that in certain topsy-turvy situations, there is a certain realization of change called epiphany, which helps to reconcile both parties for this purpose of the strategies for counting terrorism are designed. First and foremost is to understand the four P’s in Terrorism’s strategy that is prepare, protect, prevent, and pursue which is highly impeding in the narrative of Pakistan.
Subsequently, tackling this war of narrative in terrorism requires a multifaceted and multi-dimensional strategy to overcome the ideological, social, and information dimensions. First of all a positive and a healthy counter-narrative is to be promoted. Educational institutions can play a vital role in helping this. Instead of reverberating the same past events, the education system and the curriculum must induce the actual and modern ways of perception of the people. It should highlight the true interpretation of Islam.
Similarly, the effectual use of social media also helps to bulwark terrorism. In the age of digitalization almost everyone uses it, so the promotion of peaceful messages unity, and an authentic version of the state, is the need of the hour. Likewise, the culture and artistic projects can also depict the two sides of the notorious story.
The role of religious leaders and clerics is also significant in this matter. With their dialogue and religious sermons they can address social cohesion and unity among people. Not only this, the allocation of youth in activities can also play an important part in countering terrorism.
At the Government level, reason and intelligence can also condemn terrorism. With these modern-day tools and technology and with the help of tactics and plans, the government’s game of narrative is not only inclined to terrorist groups but also can be reciprocated by counting the misconceptions and grievances. The enhancement in cyber security and digital monetary can also reduce the frustrations spread by the narrative of terrorism. The training of law and enforcement agencies and strengthening of law which helps to rebuke the incitements of violence, is also a way of counter-terrorism.
In a nutshell, it is perceptible that, counter-terrorism is not only to prevent ideology or secure the narrative, it is also essential for national security and economic stability. Pakistan’s terrorism history has shown that the fusion of anxiety, fear, and loss has adversely affected its security, image, and economy. The deprivation of money and stability widely confiscated the right to grow properly and causes chaos. Therefore, the country’s struggle for appropriate narrative is much demanded for effective growth and betterment.
The author is a lecturer in Higher Education department and believes that words are powerful enough to transcribe the stories into reality.
