In recent years, Pakistan has found itself grappling with a surge in violent extremism, marked by a sharp increase in deadly armed attacks, particularly in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan. This rise in violence has led the government to unveil a new policy called the National Prevention of Violent Extremism (NPVE) Policy, which seeks to tackle the root causes of extremism through a multifaceted approach. The policy introduces a “whole-of-society” strategy that goes beyond traditional military tactics, incorporating changes in school curricula, social media outreach, and community engagement. However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of this ambitious plan, given Pakistan’s history of failed anti-extremism initiatives and the predominant role of the military in the country’s security policies.
The NPVE Policy, launched in late 2024, aims to address the escalating violence that has made 2024 one of the deadliest years in Pakistan in nearly a decade. According to data from the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), an Islamabad-based think tank, 2,526 people were killed in violent attacks last year, including security personnel, civilians, and armed fighters. The majority of these attacks were carried out by the Pakistan Taliban, or TTP, a group ideologically linked to the Taliban in Afghanistan. The TTP has been waging an armed rebellion against Pakistan since 2007, taking advantage of the country’s porous borders, political instability, and socio-economic challenges.
The NPVE Policy, developed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to countering extremism. Unlike previous policies that relied heavily on military action, the NPVE emphasizes non-kinetic measures, including education reform, social media campaigns, and community outreach. The policy is built around a “5-R” approach—Revisit, Reach Out, Reduce, Reinforce, and Reintegrate—which aims to prevent extremism by addressing its root causes and engaging all segments of society. For instance, the “Revisit” component focuses on reforming school curricula and engaging youth and religious leaders, while “Reach Out” seeks to promote a national narrative through media and counter hardline ideologies on social media. The policy also includes 700 key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure its effectiveness over time.
Despite its innovative approach, the NPVE Policy faces significant challenges in implementation. One of the primary concerns is the lack of detailed plans and resources to execute the policy’s ambitious goals. Analysts argue that while the policy strikes a balance between military and non-military strategies on paper, its success depends on the government’s ability to ensure proper execution. Pakistan has a history of well-intentioned policies failing due to poor implementation, and the NPVE Policy may suffer the same fate if the necessary institutional and financial support is not provided. Additionally, the policy’s reliance on civilian institutions like NACTA raises questions about the military’s role in its implementation, given the military’s historical dominance over security policies in Pakistan.
The military’s influence in Pakistan’s security affairs is a critical factor in the NPVE Policy’s potential success or failure. While NACTA is a civilian institution, the military has traditionally played a central role in shaping and executing security policies, often prioritizing kinetic measures over non-kinetic approaches. Experts warn that the military’s oversight could undermine the policy’s focus on community engagement and prevention, as the military’s approach has often been reactive and focused on short-term gains rather than addressing the deeper causes of extremism. Furthermore, the policy’s success requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, schools, religious leaders, and local communities, which may be challenging in a system dominated by the military.
Another challenge facing the NPVE Policy is the need for a tailored approach to address the unique challenges faced by different regions and communities. While the policy provides a comprehensive framework, experts argue that it needs to be adapted to the specific contexts of different areas, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where the drivers of extremism may vary significantly. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective in addressing the complex and nuanced nature of extremism in Pakistan. Moreover, the policy’s success will depend on the government’s ability to foster a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion, where people can express their differences without resorting to violence.
In conclusion, while the NPVE Policy represents a bold and much-needed shift in Pakistan’s approach to countering extremism, its success will hinge on effective implementation, collaboration between civilian and military institutions, and a willingness to address the root causes of extremism. The policy’s emphasis on non-kinetic measures and community engagement offers a promising alternative to the failed military-centric strategies of the past, but it will require sustained effort, resources, and political will to achieve its goals. As Pakistan continues to grapple with the challenges of violent extremism, the NPVE Policy provides a roadmap for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to building peace and stability in the region.
