Daily Times

The arrest of Constable Wali is a crucial step in addressing the threat posed by terrorist organizations like JuA and ISKP. It exemplifies the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to root out extremism from within their ranks while highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance against both internal and external threats.

The fight against Fitna Al Khawarij requires not only military action but also a concerted effort to counter their narratives and prevent their ideologies from taking root in vulnerable communities. The actions and efforts of law enforcement agencies are commendable in combating terrorism however, the looming threat of terrorism in the region and the complex nature of extremist networks operating across borders raise important concerns about their motivations and targets particularly about their focus on Muslim-majority states while seemingly ignoring other potential targets.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, an offshoot of Fitna Al Khawarij has been responsible for numerous attacks within Pakistan, primarily targeting security forces and civilian populations. Their collaboration with individuals like Wali, who infiltrated the police force demonstrates the sophisticated tactics employed by these groups to carry out devastating attacks.

Selective targeting by groups like ISKP suggests that they are serving interests beyond their stated religious or ideological goals.

The ISKP, meanwhile, has emerged as a significant threat in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. Despite claiming to defend Islam and establish a caliphate, the ISKP’s actions have predominantly affected Muslim populations in the region. This selective targeting explicitly depicts the group’s true motivations and allegiances. A notable aspect of ISKP’s operations is its apparent disinterest in attacking Israel or addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Similarly, the group has shown little inclination to target India, despite ongoing tensions and alleged human rights violations in IIOJK.

This selective and misinterpretive approach to ‘Jihad’ contradicts the group’s stated goals of defending Muslims globally. The ISKP’s prime focus on destabilizing Muslim countries while ignoring conflicts that involve non-Muslim actors against Muslim populations suggests a more complex and hypocritical agenda. This strategy may serve broader geopolitical interests that benefit from a fragmented and conflict-ridden Muslim world.

The group’s sophisticated media strategy, which includes multilingual propaganda disseminated through its ‘Al-Azaim Foundation’ aims to radicalize and recruit Muslims globally. However, the content of these messages often incites violence against governments in Muslim countries rather than addressing perceived threats from non-Muslim states. The absence of ISKP attacks on Israel or significant operations in India, despite the group’s stated ideology, raises suspicions about its true nature and purpose. This pattern of behaviour aligns more closely with efforts to weaken and divide Muslims rather than unify or defend them against external threats.

The case of Constable Wali and the broader activities of groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and ISKP underscore the critical need for robust counter-terrorism efforts and international cooperation. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies must remain vigilant against infiltration and continue to dismantle these networks.

However, addressing the root causes of radicalization and the appeal of extremist ideologies is equally important. This includes tackling socio-economic disparities, improving governance, and promoting inclusive policies that leave no space for extremist narratives to take hold. The international community must also recognize the complex nature of these terrorist organizations and avoid simplistic categorizations. The selective targeting by groups like ISKP suggests that they are serving interests beyond their stated religious or ideological goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.

The threat posed by Fitna Al Khawarij to Muslim-majority states is clear and present. Their selective targeting which ignores conflicts involving hostile non-Muslim actors against Muslim populations reveal their true motivations and allegiances. To effectively combat this threat, a multifaceted approach is necessary, combining robust law enforcement efforts with strategies to address the root causes of radicalization and promote regional stability. Only through such comprehensive efforts can the safety and security of Muslim populations in the region be safeguarded against the scourge of terrorism.

(Concluded)

The writer is a graduate of QAU, PhD scholar and a freelance writer and can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com