A Counter-narrative against Terrorism

1. Introduction. Since 9/11, international community has become particularly concerned

about radical ideologies and is trying to find ways and means not only to counter them but
also to come up with a befitting intellectual response. One of the strategies to take on this
challenge has been to develop a counter-narrative (Christian: 2009). In order to counter the
process of radicalization, it is necessary to understand the attraction of the narrative or the
messages (Tom: 2009). Narratives are essentially
compelling storylines which can explain events convincingly and from which inferences can
be drawn (Lawrence: 2006). Dealing with narrative, more formally, what we are left to deal
with are not the facts- thats why there is a controversy- but different stories people as a way
of articulating and making sense of uncertainties and complexities that matter to them (Roe:
1994). In a real time environment, both narratives and their counters assume a competitive
character with each proponentthe terrorists and governments-striving to maintain
strategic audience support (Thomas: 2014). In other words, analysis and marketing on a
sustained basis in order to build technical capacity to engage in narrative development is
imperative to pull the masses out of the narrative rationality of the extremists to an informed
worldview. The ideology based state of Pakistan has been at war with terrorism for over a
decade, resulting in over 55,000 citizens death, half a million injured, and a loss of 107
billion dollars to the national economy ( South Asia Terrorism Portal:2003-2014,Pakistan
Economic Survey: 2014-
15 ).
2. Need for Changed Mindset. After a long spell of extremism, there is growing realisation
that force alone cannot defeat violent extremism, therefore, the situation warrants the
knitting of a national counter-narrative. Yet without understanding the radicalisation process
how and why individuals are converted to extremist causes it would be difficult to
counter the poisonous narrative of the radicals. Extremist organisations like the militant
Islamic State Group focus on religion, or rather their version of it. Right from their motto,
emblem and flag to their appearance, everything is wrapped in religious colours. Such
organisations also try to convince their followers about the benefits of a caliphate and
envision waging a struggle for the revival of the system, as opposed to the existence of the
modern nation-state system.
3. The Relevance of National Action Plan (NAP) . The twenty points National Action Plan,
that was announced by the Government of Pakistan in January 2015 for crack down on
terrorism and to supplement the ongoing anti-terrorist offensive, which says that, measures
will be taken to stop religious extremism and to protect minorities and madrassas will be
regularized and reformed (The Express Tribune Dec 25,
2014).Countering extremism with a narrative falls within the softer approaches. Before the
APS attack there seemed to be little clarity about clamping down on the glorification of acts
of terrorism. The formulation of the National Action Plan indicates that at last we have left
our state of denial and opted for clarity. Point five of NAP categorically explains the resolve
of the state to counter hate speeches and extremist material. Point 11 bans glorification of
extremists on mass media.
4. Role of Media. Prior to NAP, non-state actors captured significant airtime and space in
the media. To reduce space on social media, point 14 determines that action shall be taken
against those who lure youth towards extremism through social media. As our electronic
media is still in a nascent phase, it is unable to set an agenda that may promote de-
radicalisation. Gone are the days when state-run PTV dedicatedly promoted Pakistani
values. To inform and educate are two universal functions of the media but our media hardly
educates the audience regarding the national narrative.
5. Deploying the Soft Power Resources. By employing force, we may quell visible
extremists, but prevention of the incubation process of violent extremism requires soft
power approaches. Undoubtedly, through the media, the state can easily educate citizens
and in response, citizens may volunteer to protect the states interests. Ideally, who shall
draft the narrative the state, media or the intelligentsia? All three have a role. The
national narrative should be drafted by the intelligentsia as desired by the state and should
be amplified by the media. In the past, the intelligentsia, media and state-run institutions
operated in isolation, hence synergised efforts are required on the part of all stakeholders.
While drafting a narrative, an inclusive, holistic approach will pay dividends. Groups like Al
Qaeda promote a narrative, of the Islamic World under threat, hence the obligatory need to
defend it through jihad. The unbridled influence of such elements has increased militancy
and sectarianism. Extremists try to make issues related to health, education and democracy
controversial. For example, the role of Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs), polio vaccination, girls education and womens right
to vote are topics the extremists repeatedly raise. Militants term such issues as part of a
foreign and un-Islamic agenda, hence illiterate, poor folk are left with few options but to
jump on the bandwagon.
Developing Counter Narrative. In the counter-narrative, the messenger, message
and target audience all are important constituents. An effective counternarrative
requires naming and shaming a terrorist leadership, highlighting the sufferings of
victims and the fact that the extremists interpretation of religion is inaccurate. A more
logical interpretation of religion is the clergys domain. A few enlightened scholars in
this domain, like Maulana Hassan Jan, Mufti Shamzai, Dr Farooq and Mufti Sarfaraz
Naeemi, have been silenced forever. Hence protecting the messengers should be
the states responsibility. A counter-narrative must be more creative, proactive,
flexible and positive than reactive. An appealing, logical and viable narrative is not
possible without reforming the curriculum and educational system. Clarity should be
the essence of the message; it should not only prevent violent extremism but also
change the mindset that accepts violence. Extremist narratives are based on
violence; hence the state should glorify the dividends of peace. The narrative should
highlight how because of terrorism Muslims have suffered much and incurred major
losses. Political parties should also discuss the counter-narrative in their manifestos.
To convert NAP into reality is a collective responsibility. Society at large should not
be looking towards state institutions alone; rather teachers, parents, sportsmen and
the youth should be incorporated. The counter-narrative should also say that carrying
guns is the prerogative of the state alone. If this happens, it will synchronise with
Article 256 of the Constitution that forbids the functioning or existence of armed
militias.