Pakistan is facing challenges not only from militancy but also from a ruling elite that viewed militancy as a strategic advantage, governance as a hassle, and accountability as a foreign notion. The military establishment in Pakistan has been exempt from suspicion, with blame often shifted to external entities. The country’s ruling elite has historically treated violence as a tool, categorizing militants and justifying proxy warfare for strategic reasons.
The report points out that Pakistan’s approach to extremism has been flawed, with militants being labeled as “good” or “bad,” and proxy warfare being defended as a means to ensure strategic depth. The country’s official responses to incidents like bomb blasts and attacks often deflect responsibility externally. The report highlights issues in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances and militarized governance have led to unrest and instability, with the province being treated as a security problem rather than a political entity.
In regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), military operations have displaced communities and fostered resentment among residents. The report emphasizes that Pakistani authorities have contributed to creating conditions that fuel discontent and recruitment. The military establishment, which once viewed militants as assets, now positions itself as the defender of civilization, despite being implicated in the chaos resulting from past actions.
The report underscores that Pakistan’s governance crisis has deepened, with coercive measures to suppress dissent diverting attention from public security to regime preservation. This shift has led to the politicization of intelligence, increased suspicion towards citizens, and a breakdown of trust. The report warns that a state that fears its own population is unable to ensure its protection.
