Changing Trends of Violent Extremism in Pakistan: A Perspective for Human Security

Abstract

The study sought to comprehend the definitional impasse of violent extremism along with its long-term impact in Pakistan. The study has been descriptive and qualitative in nature which describes the issues as well as the cause-and-effect with thematic analysis for the recent rising trends. This research also introduces and employs a more comprehensive understanding of violence by breaking down the terminology, how it is incorporated into society, and what enhances it. It also includes the institutional defects that require attention. Furthermore, a conceptual framework is utilized to bring about an understanding of the issues in Pakistan regarding violent extremist trends. The conceptual framework utilized Johan Galtung’s brilliant theory of the violence triangle to address the drivers of factors that are typically addressed in human security sectors. These areas can be socioeconomic, political, religious, cultural, media, and societal systems that require indigenous scholars’ attention rather than international geographical shaming. Moreover, this research focuses on the areas of previous and recent initiatives taken by the government. These trends require attention. The study explains and explores a trend of violent extremism emerging due to structural and cultural violence. The findings are based on prior literature such as various news outlets, journals, documents, articles, and reports. However, to enhance knowledge, data collection is conducted through in-depth and open-ended interviews with experts, academicians, and authorities as primary source tools.