The Role of Pakistan Against Counter Terrorism

Pakistan joined global efforts to curb terrorism right after 9/11 and kept on playing a vital role as a frontline ally. The country's role in War on Terror was inevitable due to multiple factors such as geography, supply routes and intelligence sharing. Over time, Pakistan carried out numerous operations to dislodge trans-national militants in its tribal areas. After constant terror attacks, it aimed at launching comprehensive operations against terrorists hiding in every nook and corner of the country. Keeping counter-terror policies of Pakistan, the paper is divided into three eras. First, the Musharaf era (2001-2008), in which Pakistan relied on military operations, banned extremist organizations, reformed Madrasahs and drone strikes. Whereas, the second era, under Pakistan People's Party encompasses the overwhelming reliance on Drone Warfare and military operations in Swat and South Waziristan Agency. During the third era, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif came up with the idea of peace talks with the militants, that went futile and operation Zarb-e-Azab was launched against militants