Preventing youth radicalisation

2026-02-22 - 22:13

It is deeply alarming that terrorist organisations continue to prey upon the youth of Pakistan for their violent and inhuman agendas. Young people constitute more than 60 percent of the country’s population, representing immense potential for national development. However, in the face of persistent economic challenges, political uncertainty, and social disparities, segments of this vibrant population remain vulnerable to exploitation by extremist networks. One of the principal drivers of youth recruitment is unemployment. Pakistan’s prolonged economic strain, inflationary pressures, and limited industrial growth have significantly reduced job opportunities for educated as well as unskilled youth. In many deprived communities, poverty and socio-economic marginalization create an environment in which militant recruiters can easily operate. By offering financial assistance, these organizations manipulate vulnerable youth for their nefarious designs. In some tragic instances, struggling families are tempted with monetary incentives to allow their children to join militant ranks. Recruitment strategies have also become more sophisticated. While in the past, extremist elements primarily relied on physical networks and local facilitators, today they actively exploit digital platforms. Social media applications, encrypted messaging services, and even online gaming forums are used to identify, influence, and indoctrinate potential recruits. Through emotionally charged propaganda videos, selective religious narratives, and misinformation campaigns, terrorist organizations create a false sense of heroism and purpose. These groups deliberately distort Islamic teachings to justify violence, despite the fact that Islam unequivocally upholds the sanctity of human life, justice, and peace. In addition to religious manipulation, some organizations exploit ethnic grievances and local frustrations. By framing violence as resistance or empowerment, they attempt to legitimize acts of terrorism. This multidimensional recruitment pattern, combining economic incentives, ideological indoctrination, and digital outreachmakes the threat particularly complex and dangerous. Over the past few years, Pakistan has witnessed a worrying resurgence of terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Militant outfits such as Fitna Al Khawarij (TTP), BLA, and Islamic State Khorasan(ISKP/Daesh) have carried out attacks targeting security forces, public installations, and innocent civilians. These terrorist organizations have consistently attempted to cloak their violence in religious and ethnic rhetorics. Their brutal tactics; suicide bombings and attacks on mosques, schools, and marketplacesstand in direct contradiction to Islam, ideology of Pakistan and social norms of Pakistan. Unfortunately, terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil use most sophisticated weaponry, including advanced firearms and surveillance systems. The availability of such equipment enhances their terrorist skills and increases the lethality of their attacks. Pakistan has repeatedly called upon the Afghan interim Taliban Regime to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, but there is no positive response. Terrorism is not merely an act of violence; it is a strategy aimed at destabilizing society, eroding public trust in institutions, and creating divisions between citizens and the state. If young people lose faith in lawful avenues for progress, they may become more susceptible to radical narratives. Therefore, protecting youth from extremism is not solely a security imperative, it is a national obligation. A comprehensive and coordinated national strategy is essential to defend the youth against terrorist outfits. The first and foremost is economic revival; government should expand employment opportunities through targeted investment in industry, agriculture, information technology, and renewable energy sectors. Encouraging entrepreneurship through microfinance schemes, startup incubators, and skill-development programs can empower young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. Technical and vocational education must be strengthened to equip youth with market-relevant skills. Secondly, the education system must foster critical thinking, tolerance, and civic responsibility. Curriculum reforms should emphasize constitutional values, interfaith harmony, and peaceful coexistence. Religious scholars and community leaders have a crucial role in countering extremist interpretations of Islam. Thirdly, digital literacy is indispensable in today’s interconnected world. Youth must be educated about the dangers of online radicalization, misinformation, and propaganda. Schools and universities should integrate media literacy programs that enable students to critically evaluate online content. Parents, too, should remain vigilant regarding their children’s digital engagement, encouraging open dialogue and guidance rather than alienation.Civil society organizations and the media can further strengthen societal resilience. Awareness campaigns, youth engagement programs, sports activities, and cultural initiatives provide constructive outlets for youthful energy. Pakistanis’youth is our greatest asset and strongest hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. By investing in their education, employment, and moral development, the state and society can close the avenues exploited by terrorist organizations. Military and law-enforcement operations are necessary to dismantle militant infrastructure, but long-term success depends on addressing the root causes of radicalization.Let’s collectively guide our youth toward constructive opportunities, foster inclusive growth, and reinforce the true values of Islam. Through such a mechanism we can defeat the menace of terrorism in Pakistan. Indeed, protecting our youth means protecting the future of Pakistanand that responsibility rests upon us all. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.