Assessing Cultural Distortion in the Wake of Counter-Terrorism Strategies and the Growing Radicalization in the Pakhtun Society

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the performance of existing states responses such as Pakistan and United States against terrorism in the Pakhtun tribal society. It is reflected that forceful responses of states or excessive use of force against terrorism does not recourse to Pakhtun culture. Emphasis on the excessive use of force against terrorism caused damaged to Pakhtuns socio-cultural institutions. Resultantly, Pakhtuns cultural distortion also created the problem of socio-political order in the tribal belt of Pakistan. It is also revealed that collateral damages led to the perception of injustice and suppression which badly affected the performance of Pakistan against terrorism in this region. Collateral damages as a result of current counter-terrorism strategies also provoke Pakhtuns cultural traits revenge (badal) and resistance against the state forces. Research probes that Pakhtuns resistance and their cultural distortion and collateral damage further reinforces the process of radicalization. This study argues that states responses against terrorism in Pakhtun tribal society further increased their susceptibility towards radicalization. Lastly, the research concludes by offering non-kinetic approach to curb terrorism in the region. It is analyzed that growing radicalization can be reduced to preserve the socio-cultural institution of Pakhtun society and resolve the socio-economic and political problems of the region through culturally recourse counter-terrorism strategies.