Expert: Lt. Gen. Naeem Lodhi, Former Advisor to National Security, Former Federal Minister for Defence Production
Lt. Gen. Naeem Lodhi, provided invaluable insights into Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against terrorism. Gen. Lodhi began by addressing the complexities surrounding the definition of terrorism, broadly describing it as the use of violence against innocent, unarmed civilians for various purposes, including political and economic motivations.
The root causes of extremism, which he identified as a precursor to terrorism. He emphasized that both actual and perceived deprivation—whether political, economic, or judicial—can fuel extremist ideologies. Additionally, he noted that indoctrination and mercenary activities could also contribute to the rise of terrorism.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s history with terrorism, Gen. Lodhi traced its evolution from early insurgencies to the impact of the Afghan war and the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. He highlighted how technological advancements have transformed terrorist tactics, from simple explosives to sophisticated remote-controlled devices and suicide attacks.
The interview revealed Pakistan’s persistent efforts to combat terrorism through various military operations. However, Gen. Lodhi acknowledged that despite numerous successes, the complete eradication of terrorism remains elusive. He attributed this to several factors, including the limitations of traditional military approaches when dealing with terrorists who blend into civilian populations.
Gen. Lodhi stressed the critical need for a holistic, “whole of nation” approach to effectively counter terrorism. This strategy, he explained, should encompass political engagement with aggrieved groups, diplomatic efforts to gain international support and deter foreign interference, economic development to address deprivation, and judicial reforms to ensure justice.
He emphasized the importance of countering extremist narratives through media and public discourse, rather than suppressing information. He argued that simply blocking or gagging media is counterproductive and that the government must actively engage in the “war of narratives” to combat propaganda effectively.
A key point raised by Gen. Lodhi was the necessity of sustained political involvement in areas cleared of terrorist activity. He noted that while military operations can subdue terrorists, it is the responsibility of political forces to ensure development, job creation, and the addressing of local grievances to prevent the resurgence of extremism.
Looking towards the future, Gen. Lodhi advocated for a comprehensive strategy that involves all segments of society, including the police, judiciary, military, and political leadership. He emphasized that such efforts must be led by political authorities to ensure long-term success.
In conclusion, Gen. Lodhi called upon those in positions of power to fully grasp the multifaceted nature of terrorism and to implement an integrated plan addressing all the aspects he outlined. His insights provide a roadmap for Pakistan’s evolving counter-terrorism strategies, emphasizing the need for a unified, multidimensional approach to secure a more stable future for the nation.
