Internal Violence in pakistan
Internal Violence in Pakistan: A Detailed Report
Introduction
Pakistan, a nation founded in 1947 on the ideological basis of providing a homeland for South Asia’s Muslims, has long struggled with internal violence. While its security challenges have often been attributed to external conflicts, notably with India, the more complex and persistent issues lie within its own borders. These issues are rooted in sectarian, ethnic, political, and ideological divides that have frequently exploded into violence, often with devastating consequences for civilians, state institutions, and economic development.
This report examines the major forms of internal violence in Pakistan, including sectarian strife, ethnic tensions, political assassinations, and jihadist insurgencies. Special emphasis is placed on the rise of militant organizations, state responses, and a case study of one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history: the 2014 Peshawar school massacre.
---
1. Historical Context of Internal Violence in Pakistan
1.1 Ethnic and Sectarian Foundations
Pakistan's internal strife has deep roots in the country’s complex socio-religious composition. Despite being formed in the name of Islam, the Pakistani state soon encountered tensions among its diverse ethnic and sectarian groups. The most prominent ethnic groups include Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, and Mohajirs (migrants from India). Each has distinct cultural, linguistic, and political identities, which often clash.
In addition, the Sunni-Shia sectarian divide has played a central role in fueling religious violence. Although the majority of Pakistanis are Sunni Muslims, the Shia minority has faced systematic persecution, especially since the 1980s.
1.2 Islamization and Rise of Extremism
The regime of General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988) marked a turning point in Pakistan’s internal dynamics. His policies of Islamization intensified sectarian divides. With support from Saudi Arabia and during the Cold War context, Zia's government promoted Deobandi and Wahhabi ideologies, leading to the marginalization of Shia and moderate Sunni sects.
The Afghan-Soviet war (1979–1989) further exacerbated these divisions. Pakistan became a conduit for U.S. and Saudi funding of Afghan mujahideen, and the influx of weapons and militants laid the foundation for a deeply entrenched militant culture.
---
2. Types of Internal Violence in Pakistan
2.1 Sectarian Violence
Sectarian violence has been among the most persistent forms of internal unrest in Pakistan. Key actors include Sunni extremist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have frequently targeted Shia communities through bombings, shootings, and suicide attacks.
According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), more than 5,000 people were killed in sectarian attacks in Pakistan between 2001 and 2020. Cities like Quetta, Karachi, and Parachinar have been epicenters of Shia killings.
2.2 Ethnic and Nationalist Insurgencies
2.2.1 Balochistan Insurgency
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, has experienced multiple insurgencies since the 1950s. The most recent began in 2005, led by groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), demanding greater autonomy or independence.
The violence in Balochistan includes guerrilla warfare, bombings of gas pipelines and railways, and assassinations of Punjabi settlers and state officials. The state’s military response has involved widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
2.2.2 Karachi Ethnic Clashes
Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, has long been a hotspot of ethnic violence, primarily between Mohajirs (represented by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – MQM), Pashtuns, and Sindhis. Turf wars between political factions and criminal gangs have resulted in thousands of deaths since the 1980s.
2.3 Political Violence
Political violence, including targeted killings, suicide bombings, and mob lynchings, has marred Pakistan’s democratic processes. Key events include:
The 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi.
The attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team in 2009.
Multiple attacks on political rallies, especially during election seasons.
Political parties have also maintained armed wings, further entrenching violence into political competition.
2.4 Islamist Militancy
The rise of jihadist organizations within Pakistan has had dire implications for internal security. Militant groups such as:
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – launched numerous attacks on military, police, and civilian targets.
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) – operated clandestinely with local support.
ISIS-Khorasan (IS-K) – claimed responsibility for some high-profile bombings in recent years.
These groups often work in complex networks, funded by extortion, kidnapping, and ideological patronage from local and foreign actors.
---
3. Case Study: The 2014 Peshawar School Massacre
3.1 Overview of the Attack
On December 16, 2014, six gunmen affiliated with the TTP attacked the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar. The assault lasted nearly eight hours and resulted in the deaths of 149 people, including 132 children. The attackers entered the school disguised in military uniforms and opened fire indiscriminately on students and staff.
This was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Pakistan's history.
3.2 Motivation Behind the Attack
The TTP claimed the attack was retaliation for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a military offensive launched in 2014 in North Waziristan to root out terrorist networks. The TTP viewed the attack as a symbolic act against the military establishment by targeting its children.
3.3 National and International Reaction
The massacre triggered widespread outrage across Pakistan and the world. Pakistan observed three days of mourning. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to take revenge and declared that terrorism would be eradicated at all costs.
International figures, including Malala Yousafzai, the UN Secretary-General, and global leaders, condemned the attack.
3.4 State Response
3.4.1 National Action Plan (NAP)
In response, Pakistan’s government unveiled the National Action Plan in January 2015. Key features included:
Establishment of military courts for terrorism-related cases.
Crackdown on hate speech and terrorist financing.
Curbing the activities of banned outfits.
Registration and regulation of madrasas.
3.4.2 Military Operations
Military operations such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and later Radd-ul-Fasaad intensified. Dozens of militant hideouts were destroyed, and hundreds of suspected terrorists were killed or captured.
Despite these efforts, the long-term efficacy of the state response remains debated due to inconsistent implementation and selective targeting of militant groups.
---
4. Key Militant Organizations Involved in Internal Violence
4.1 Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Formed in 2007, the TTP is a conglomerate of various militant factions operating in Pakistan’s tribal areas. It has claimed responsibility for hundreds of attacks, including:
Suicide bombings on mosques and markets.
Assassinations of tribal elders and politicians.
Coordinated assaults on security installations.
4.2 Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ)
LeJ is a Sunni supremacist group, notorious for targeting Shias, especially the Hazara community in Quetta. It maintains links with the TTP and Al-Qaeda.
4.3 Baloch Separatist Groups
Groups like the BLA, Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), and Baloch Republican Army (BRA) are engaged in a low-intensity insurgency. Their activities include ambushes, bombings, and attacks on Chinese workers involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
---
5. Impacts of Internal Violence
5.1 Human Cost
Tens of thousands have died due to terrorism and insurgency.
Entire communities (e.g., Hazaras in Quetta, Shias in Parachinar) have been displaced.
Mental health crises, particularly among children and youth exposed to violence.
5.2 Economic Consequences
Pakistan has lost over $150 billion in economic losses due to terrorism since 2001 (estimates by the Ministry of Finance and World Bank).
Foreign investment has been deterred due to instability.
Tourism and trade in affected regions have collapsed.
5.3 Erosion of Trust in the State
State institutions often appear complicit or indifferent.
Lack of justice for victims and inadequate compensation.
Public distrust in the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
---
6. State Response and Its Shortcomings
6.1 Military-Centric Approach
While the military has led multiple operations against insurgents, the state’s overreliance on force has not addressed the root causes of violence. This includes:
Poverty and underdevelopment.
Sectarian indoctrination in madrasas.
Lack of political inclusion for marginalized groups.
6.2 Failure to Dismantle Extremist Networks
Many banned organizations continue to operate under new names or with state tolerance. Some are used as strategic assets in foreign policy (e.g., India, Afghanistan), undermining internal security.
6.3 Inadequate Judicial Reforms
Pakistan’s weak judicial system has failed to effectively prosecute terrorists. Military courts, though swift, lack transparency and have not built long-term legal frameworks.
---
7. Recommendations for Addressing Internal Violence
7.1 De-radicalization Programs
Establish educational reforms that promote critical thinking and pluralism.
Introduce rehabilitation programs for former militants.
7.2 Regulation of Religious Institutions
Enforce madrasa registration and curriculum reform.
Shut down hate-preaching mosques and monitor foreign funding.
7.3 Political Reconciliation and Decentralization
Dialogue with nationalist groups in Balochistan and Sindh.
Greater autonomy and resource control for provinces.
7.4 Economic Development
Focus on infrastructure and job creation in conflict-prone areas.
Transparency and inclusion in CPEC projects.
7.5 Independent Policing and Judiciary
Reform law enforcement with better training and accountability.
Strengthen the civilian judiciary to handle terrorism-related cases.
---
Conclusion
Internal violence in Pakistan is a complex and deeply rooted issue. The 2014 Peshawar school massacre symbolized the worst outcomes of decades of negligence, misgovernance, and ideological manipulation. While military operations have had tactical successes, long-term peace requires addressing the systemic issues of sectarianism, inequality, and political exclusion.
Pakistan’s future stability depends not just on defeating militants with arms but on creating a society where justice, inclusion, and tolerance are cornerstones of governance.
Comments