Terrorism in Pakistan - Constraint on Development

Pakistan today is undergoing different economical, political and social problems. However the biggest threat today is from terrorism and extremism. Not a day passes when some incident of violence or terrorism is not witnessed in the country. Suicide blasts and explosions have become much common news that people fail to give much attention as well. Try this project and find some positive news in newspapers and media about Pakistan and you will not have much success.

I will not go in the background that when terrorism started and who is supporting them as we have still not created a successful strategy to fight the enemy. Pakistan was a very peaceful and united country until the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the heavy influx of refugees who brought drugs and arms used in the war. The main thing is that terrorists are present and have taken refuge here in the remote and lawless tribal regions where the writ of the government does not exist and Pakistan has been the worst affected by their presence. Terrorism is the biggest constraint in the development and prosperity of Pakistan. Hence a fight against terrorism in necessary for the security of the country.

However, a military offensive is just part of the solution. Those people in the tribal areas have a very lamented view of this world. There is a very high level of unemployment and illiteracy in those areas. Hence, young people falls in the hands of those terrorists who use them for their purposes as they are paid well and made to believe that they are fighting for their religion. People who are uneducated can be made easily brain-washed to believe that the are been persecuted by people of other religions and that they should support the war.

There needs to be a peaceful solution as well. After the military operation, the government should not leave them but provide some economic development. This is probably the best long-term solution to terrorism. When people will have jobs then they will not fall for terrorists. They should be provided industries on the condition that they will not allow any outsider to stay in their areas. The provision of education and health services, improvement in infrastructure facilities and assistance to people affected by the military operation is necessary to win the hearts of the people.

A few thousand terrorists can not make an entire country hostage. This war can last for a long time but it is a war in which evil will always be defeated. Pakistan has the potential and will be a great nation of the world.

18th International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC)

This picture is of the participants of the 18th International Youth Leadership Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic from 19-24th July, 2009. I had the opportunity to be part of this conference as well which is hosted and organised by the Civic Concepts International.

The conference is a week-long youth forum on world politics, international relations and justice for an open-minded exchange of diverse perspectives on contemporary global challenges. The IYLC blends social interaction with cultural and academic components to create a cohesive experience that promotes cross-cultural youth participation and socially responsible leadership. The theme of the conference is a "cross-cultural exchange of young ideas concerning the future of world leadership."

With participants from all six continents the IYLC was a truly international experience for me. The formalised events included the simulations of the United Nations Security Council, International Criminal Court and the European Union Parliament along with visit to the Czech Senate, foreign embassies (Switzerland)and The American Cultural Centre in Prague. The were panel discussions, regional presentations and the infamous Culture Night.

I see it as a great initiative with the greater aim of empowering youth to bring positive change in their communities. Young people around the world have the willingness to bring change but their efforts are seen as insignificant and characterised by lack of resources. It is initiatives like the IYLC which allow us to realise our potential and at the same time promote peace, tolerance and celebrate diversity to make the world a better place. It will be an memorable event of not just my first visit to Europe which is beautiful continent and to attend a truly international conference.