The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan

A Review
Group Members:
Muhammad Shayan
Ali Salman
Moosa Raza
Usama Safdar
Ryyan Choudhary
Introduction
Introduction:
• This book delves into the roots and nature of terrorism in Pakistan.

• Since the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan has been perceived as a hotbed of terrorist activity perpetrated
under the guise of Islam. The book challenges this perception, arguing that terrorism in Pakistan has
been manipulated to serve the interests of ordinary political and class agendas. It effectively debunks
the myth of 'Islamic terrorism', suggesting that the most effective way to combat terrorism in Pakistan
lies in addressing the underlying political, social, and economic issues plaguing the country.
Chapter 1: Islam
In Pakistan
Diversity of Islam in Pakistan
• The author in this book starts of by discussing the diversity of Islam in Pakistan. Author discusses the
major features of Islam in Pakistan, highlighting both its historical tolerance and acceptance of rival
sects and religions. There has been various linguistic cultural and ethnic differences among Muslim
communities in Pakistan.
Coming of Islam to Indian Subcontinent

• Pre partition Muslims of British India were distributed unevenly. Vast majority of these Muslims lived in
north India, in the North West and North East parts of the country. Islam came to India through
numerous ways in the late 7th century.

• Islam first reached the West coast of India through trade and most of the people that converted were
low caste Hindus and untouchables. Islam also spread through invasions from foreign armies. In
eighth century the Arabs captured Sindh which led to the establishment of Islam in the lower parts.

• West Punjab became more strongly Islamic while the East Punjab was still a mix of Muslims, Hindus
and Sikhs. In the south India Muslims were around 5% with varying concentrations in different
regions.
• Large concentration of Muslims were around capitals like Hyderabad and Mysore. Sufis played a
major role in Sindh and many people were influenced by them.

• Many castes converted to Islam attributing their conversion to the influence of a particular saint.

• Islam also spread in the East India and areas of Bengal. Bengal was a densely forested, marshy
region with a vast network of great rivers.

• In that part of the land the Mughals in the 8th and 9th century provided free grants of land to the Hindus
and Muslims officials who in turn subleased it to the entrepreneurs who were either Sufis or ulema.

• It created local societies that were loyal representatives of the Mughal state and spreading Islamic
ideas and beliefs in that part of India.
Islam in todays Pakistan
• The Islam today in Pakistan is the same as in most parts of the world. There is sectarian division of
Muslims between Sunni and Shia with 75-80%Muslims being Sunni in Pakistan.

• Another division that is found in Pakistan are the Wahhabis.

• The 2 major grouping within Sunnis are the Bareli and Deobandi.
• Brelvi's also follow many Sufi practices like the use of music (qawwali) in religious worship. Unlike the
Deobandi they along with the Shias supported the movement of Pakistan.

• Deobandi Sunni school of Islam takes its name from the town of Deoband located 10 miles from
Delhi.

• They are particularly influential in KPK, Baluchistan among the Pashtun tribes. They initially also
opposed the movement of Pakistan

• Many Taliban leaders have also studied in Deobandi madrasas.

• The Shia sect of Muslims make up approximately 20% of Pakistan's Muslims. They are the 2nd
largest group in terms of population outside of Iraq.
• Majority Shia are called Twelver Shia because they recognize a direct line of 12 imams, but there are
also smaller sects of Shias.

• Ismaili: Most important of the Shia sects is the Ismaili sects. They recognize only 7 imams.

• Sunnis and some Shia sects have been against them.

• Khoja: They follow Sir Agha Khan. They have been important economically and politically.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah belonged to this sect. His closest supporters (Liaquat Ali Khan) also belonged
to this sect.

• Ahmadiyya: They claim themselves to be Shia. They have unorthodox interpretation of Islam and
have been target of violence from the very foundation of the state of Pakistan.

• They are not recognized as Muslims by Shia and Sunni because their founder claimed to be a
prophet. Still it is illegal for Ahmadiyya's to pray in mosques.
Navigating the Shadows
• When Pakistan was established in 1947, there was little hint that sectarian violence and terrorism
were to emerge as serious problems facing the Pakistan state and its people towards the end of the
twentieth century. Indeed, many Pakistanis, particularly in the early years, were irreligious. Most
Pakistanis were influenced by Sufism and, thus, were tolerant of other sects and religions. An
understanding of the growth of sectarian violence and terrorism must, therefore, be found in other
non-religious aspects of Pakistani society and history, including the set of events that led up to the
foundation of Pakistan which is the subject of the next chapter.
Chapter 2:The Colonial
legacy and making of
Pakistan
Origins of Muslim Separatism to
Congress Rule
• Origins of Muslim Separatism:

• Examines historical roots and factors leading to the idea of a separate Muslim nation.

• Protecting Muslim Interests.

• All India Muslim League and Rise of Jinnah:

• Focuses on the role of the All India Muslim League in advocating for Muslim rights.

• Highlights the political rise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

• Congress Rule 1937–1939:

• Analyzes the impact of Congress rule on Muslim interests.

• Explores challenges faced by Muslims during this period.

Regional Dynamics to Legacy of
Partition
• Winning the Punjab:

• Discusses the strategic importance of the Punjab.

• Describes efforts to gain support for a separate state.

• East Bengal, Regional Identity and Mass Politics:

• Explores dynamics of East Bengal in relation to Muslim separatism.

• Examines the role of mass politics in demanding a separate state.

• Factionalism, Corruption, and Politics in Sindh:

• Highlights internal challenges within the Muslim League in Sindh.

• Discusses the impact of factionalism and corruption.

• NWFP and the Demand for a Pushtun Nation:

• Explores the demand for a Pushtun nation in the NWFP.

• Analyzes regional dynamics influencing this demand.

Chapter 3:Birth Pains
The Decline of Pakistan’s Democracy
and Unity:
• Explore factors contributing to democratic decline and disunity.

• Examine historical events shaping political challenges.

• Sectarian Violence and Politics, The Anti-Ahmadiyya Movement:

• Investigate sectarian violence's role in Pakistani politics.

• Focus on the impact of the anti-Ahmadiyya movement.

• Troubles in ‘Paradise', The Never-Ending Kashmiri Dispute:

• Analyze persistent challenges in the Kashmiri dispute.

• Examine how it shapes internal and external policies.

• Conclusion:

• Summarize key points and findings. Provide insights into broader implications
Chapter 4:Jinnah’s
Dream Fades
Jinnah’s Dream Fades
• By 1977, Jinnah’s dream of a democratic, united and tolerant Pakistan had all but faded away.

• In this chapter, we will discuss the era between 1956-1977.

• The main leaders that will be discussed in this timeframe are:

• Ayub Khan

• Yahya Khan

• Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Ayub Khan’s Era(1958-1969)
• Ayub Khan served as president of Pakistan after coming to power through a military coup.

• Here are some key points:

• Authoritarian rule:

• Ayub Khan implemented martial law after taking power in 1958, concentrating political authority in the
hands of the military.

• Suppression of political opposition:

• Ayub Khan's government was known for suppressing political opposition. Opposition parties faced
restrictions, and dissenting voices were often silenced through various means.
• East Pakistan Unrest:

• The disparities between East and West Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh and Pakistan,
respectively) led to unrest in East Pakistan.

• Military actions.

• Ayub Khan's government used military force to quell unrest and opposition, especially during the
Agartala Conspiracy Case in 1968, where military tribunals were used against political opponents.

• Conclusion:

• While Ayub Khan's era is associated with economic development, the repressive measures against
political opposition contributed to a legacy of discontent.
Yahya Khan’s Era(1958-1969)
• Yahya Khan assumed the presidency after Ayub Khan's resignation in 1969.

• Here are some key points in his era:

• Political unrest and autonomy demand:

• The demand for greater autonomy in East Pakistan intensified after the 1970 elections. The Awami
League advocated for regional autonomy, triggering a political crisis.

• Operation Searchlight:

• In March 1971, the situation escalated when the Pakistani military, under Yahya Khan's orders,
launched "Operation Searchlight" in East Pakistan.
• Bangladesh Liberation War:

• The military crackdown in East Pakistan led to a full-scale conflict, known as the Bangladesh
Liberation War.

• Human Rights Violations:

• The actions of the Pakistani military during Yahya Khan's era resulted in severe human rights abuses,
including mass killings, torture, and displacement.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Era(1971-1977)
• Here are some key points of his rule:

• Post 1971 Situation:

• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assumed office in the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the
secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. The defeat had significant repercussions
for Pakistan's political and military establishment.
• Balochistan Conflict:

• One of the significant challenges during Bhutto's era was the Balochistan conflict. The Baloch
nationalist movement, seeking greater autonomy and rights for the Baloch people, faced government
opposition and military intervention.

• Suppression of opposition:

• Bhutto's government was criticized for suppressing political dissent, particularly through the use of
authoritarian measures.

• Military Operations in Balochistan:

• In 1973, Bhutto ordered a military operation in Balochistan to suppress the nationalist movement. The
conflict resulted in human rights abuses and contributed to a sense of political unrest in the region.
Chapter 5: Zia-Ul-Haq
and Islamization
Introduction
• General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq's era in Pakistan, which spanned from 1977 until his death in 1988, is
marked by significant political and social transformations, including a process of Islamization. During
his regime, Zia implemented policies to Islamize various aspects of Pakistani society, and this period
is often associated with the rise of religious conservatism.

• Here are some key points of his rule:

• Support for Afghan Mujahideen:

• Zia-ul-Haq's government played a crucial role in supporting the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet-
Afghan War (1979-1989).Pakistan, with the assistance of the United States and Saudi Arabia,
became a key supporter of Afghan resistance fighters against the Soviet occupation.
• Rise of militancy and extremism:

• The influx of foreign funds and weapons for the Afghan Mujahideen contributed to the proliferation of
militant groups and extremist ideologies. This period saw the rise of militant organizations that later
played significant roles in regional and global conflicts.

• Impact on educational system:

• Zia-ul-Haq's government made changes to the educational system, incorporating a more

conservative and religious curriculum.

• Legacy of sectarianism

• The Islamization policies, coupled with geopolitical developments, also contributed to an increase in
sectarian tensions. Sectarian violence became more pronounced during and after Zia-ul-Haq's era,
with conflicts between different Muslim sects.

• Conclusion:

• The policies implemented during his rule had indirect consequences that influenced the rise of
militancy and extremist ideologies. The support for Afghan Mujahideen, the Islamization of society,
and the promotion of a particular brand of Islam in educational institutions contributed to a complex
and volatile environment.
Chapter 6: The Afghanistan
jihad and the making of
terrorism
Soviet Invasion and Proxy Warfare:
• Reason for Invasion: Internal conflicts, CIA fears.

• Afghanistan faced internal conflicts, including opposition to the communist government.

• "Bear Trap" Strategy: Draining Soviet resources.

• National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter strategy aimed to engage the Soviets in a costly,
prolonged war.

• The idea was to drain Soviet resources and divert attention from other global issues.

• Carter's Shift: More aggressive stance:

• The Carter administration shifted to a more aggressive approach in response to the Soviet invasion.

• This involved increased support for Afghan resistance fighters (mujahideen) against the Soviets.
Role of Pakistan in the Afghan Jihad:
• Zia ul-Haq's Approach: Used Afghan jihad for political gains:

• President Zia ul-Haq skillfully utilized the Afghan jihad to strengthen his domestic and international
standing.

• The Afghan conflict became a tool for bolstering Zia's political power.

• US-Pakistan Friendship: Strengthened ties, safeguarded against threats:

• The Friendship between the U.S. and Pakistan strengthened during the Afghan jihad.

• It not only aimed to counter the Soviet influence but also safeguarded Pakistan against potential
threats.

• ISI's Support: Backing specific Afghan groups:

• Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) played a crucial role in supporting certain Afghan groups
like Haqqani.

• This support was motivated by strategic concerns and aimed at influencing events in Afghanistan
Soviet Withdrawal and Consequences:

• Gorbachev's Leadership: Soviet withdrawal in 1989:

• Under Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership, the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989.

• This marked the end of a protracted and costly military engagement.

• Civil War: Among mujahideen factions:

• The power vacuum left by the Soviet withdrawal led to infighting among mujahideen factions.

• The Afghan Civil War ensued, creating further instability.

• Rise of Terrorism: Global impact, regional destabilization:

• The Result of the Afghan conflict contributed to the rise of terrorism globally.

• The power vacuum in Afghanistan and the Taliban's eventual rise to power had regional
destabilization effects.
Internal Consequences:
• Democratic Impact: Weakened mechanisms, regional instability:

• The focus on the Afghan conflict led to the neglect of democratic mechanisms in Pakistan.

• The consequences included weakened democratic institutions and contributed to regional instability.
 Chapter 7: Reaping the
whirlwind
(Politics, Terrorism in Kashmir
and sectarian violence)
Evolution of Terrorism in Pakistan (1980s -
1999):
• Military Support to Jihadis in Kashmir:

• Pakistan's military support to jihadis in Kashmir has been a major source of tension between Pakistan
and India.

• This period saw a pivotal shift in the nature of terrorism, influencing regional stability and shaping the
trajectory of anti-Indian resistance.

• Democratically Elected Governments (1988-1999):

• Dominance of democratically elected governments led by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

• Both leaders faced corruption charges and struggled with factionalized politics.
Terrorism movements in Kashmir (1990s):
• Pakistan's Involvement in Kashmir:

• Pakistan has been punished for helping insurgents by training and funding jihadi groups.

• U.S. State Department's 2000 report identifies Pakistan as a major center of international terrorism.

• Roots of Kashmir Conflict:

• After he Independence, The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a majority Muslim population,
became a point of contention between India and Pakistan during the partition.

• The discontent in the late 1980s served as a catalyst for the emergence of militant groups in Kashmir.

• Human Rights Abuses and Kargil Conflict (1999):

• Both militants and Indian security forces have been accused of committing widespread human rights
abuses in the context of the Kashmir conflict

• The Kargil conflict in 1999 was a significant event that further complicated the Kashmir issue.

• Infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and militants into the Kargil region led to armed conflict between India
and Pakistan.
Sectarian Violence in Pakistan:
• Rise of Sectarian Groups:

• The Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) are two prominent sectarian
groups that emerged in Pakistan's Jhang district. These organizations were founded on sectarianism
and the goal of establishing a Sunni Islamic state in Pakistan.

• Sectarian violence poses significant security challenges for Pakistan, requiring long-term efforts to
address root causes and eliminate them

• Urban Sectarian Violence:

• Sunni extremists have flooded into urban areas such as Karachi, Sindh, and Baluchistan.

• Urban sectarian violence poses a significant challenge to the security and stability of cities like
Karachi and Baluchistan.
Chapter 8:The fallout from the
US invasion of Afghanistan.
Introduction:
• New developments in terrorism in Pakistan are discussed after the 9/11 attacks such as Sabqadar
bombings.

• These attacks were carried out by Pakistani Taliban and Al Qaeda which spread out to Punjab.

• These attacks happened due to Pakistan’s support of US in the Afghanistan invasion along with
Pervez Musharraf and Zardari’s weak government.

• Now the key points of this topic are discussed:

• Musharraf Pre 9/11:

• Joined Pakistani army and rose to post of COAS.

• He cracked down on political opponents and shut down all media.

• Wanted to stop fighting against Shias and Sunnis, but when he tried to reform blasphemy laws, he
faced a lot of outcries.

• Relations with Afghanistan were bad due to Taliban rule and extremism but Musharraf still supported
them.

• 9/11 and Afghanistan:

• 9/11 attacks provoked an invasion from the US and its allies to finish off Osama and Al-Qaeda.

• Musharraf in this invasion was given no choice but to side with the U.S, he was going to face
backlash either way and was given no chance to reconcile with Taliban.

• The US left a war-torn Afghanistan and the terrorists now considered Pakistan to be an enemy state
due to siding with the US.
• Jihad in FATA:

• When Pakistani and U.S intelligence realized that terrorist groups had accumulated in Waziristan,
Pakistan under U.S pressure invaded. This was ineffective.

• Eventually truces were made and the area was given to the militants which led to violence against
minorities in their control.

• Musharraf Under Siege:

• While Musharraf could not combat terrorism, he was given 5 more years due to a referendum. He
was supported by PML(Pakistan Muslim League) but not by MMA(Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal) which
was an amalgamation of his rival Islamic parties.

• They also wanted to impose very strict Islamization and sharia laws; this made them popular in the
NWFP where they were elected.

• These shady deals made his control shaky and he made a mistake by suspending the chief justice of
Pakistan in 2007.

• . Many evidences were found such as human rights violations by authorities during the rule of
Musharraf which led to massive outrage by the public which led to his downfall.
• Siege of Lal Masjid and the formation of Pakistani Taliban:

• Another issue of concern was the Lal Masjid incident. Lal masjid was run by Abdul Rashid and Abdul
Aziz with close ties to Al Qaeda and Taliban.

• After the war on terrorism incident the mosque leaders were against Musharraf as he had supported
the US.

• When they tried to investigate the Lal Masjid with suicide bombing connections, the female students
wearing all black drove them back.

• The state would be in trouble either way if they attacked the masjid or they didn’t attack.

• Suicide bombing:

• The use of suicide bombing was seen first in the Afghanistan war.

• Young men were recruited from regions such as Waziristan or Punjab and often from Madrasas.

• The suicide bombers attacked religious groups and government bodies to try to destabilize Pakistan.
• Taliban in Punjab:

• Terrorists in Punjab had turned against Punjab after the incidents of 9/11, they were a great problem
and formed the Punjab Taliban. They also later went on to terrorize Mumbai.

• Becoming a Jihadi:

• Example of Mohammad Amir Ajmal Qasab from the Mumbai terror attacks.

• Umer Kundi who become disillusioned with his life and was recruited at a low point in his life.

• A psychologist found that it was a misconception that all terrorists were uneducated and illiterate or
recruited from madrasas.

• Fall of Musharraf, Rise of Zardari:

• When Musharraf found out he was not going to be re-elected, he called for emergency rule and fired
most of the judges while shutting off all communication networks.

• Benazir Bhutto's letters and assassination conspiracy happened.

• Nawaz Sharif and Zardari called for his removal, which he did so and Zardari came into power.

• Osama Bin Laden was found and killed only 2 hours away from the Pakistani military academy.
Conclusion
• Why has Pakistan come to be regarded as the world’s most dangerous state in respect to
terrorism?

• The weak structure and government of Pakistan since its inception and the power struggle causing
true power to lie only in elite families.

• Fear and threats by India especially during the Kashmir war.

• What role did Islam play in the making of terrorism?

• Islam used to be tolerant with many groups such as Sufism from Bareli school. But the Wahabi school
from Saudia Arabia influenced a lot of madrasas to spread jihad.

• The conflicts were always against different school of thought and Pakistanis suffered.

• Religion has been used as a tool to influence people.

• Three key points towards the eventual rise of terrorism are the EIC selling Kashmir to the Indians,
ZAB appointing Zia-Ul-Haq, and the soviet invading Afghanistan.
What is the future?
• Tragedy of terrorism and violence has diverted attention from other issues such as water supply and
drying up of rivers. Analysts still see hope as Pakistan has resilient people and there are many policy
recommendation and potential reforms that could drastically improve the situation.
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