Deradicalisation -Author – Mohammad Ali Babakhel

In societies struggling with political instability and rising extremism, the article throws light on the burning need to strike a delicate balance between safeguarding civil liberties and countering radical ideologies. The writer argues that democracy thrives only when inclusivity, dialogue, and justice form its backbone. Yet, in Pakistan and many other postcolonial states, retributive justice often takes precedence over rehabilitation, failing to uproot the causes of radicalisation. Rather than throwing people behind bars, a democratic state should invest in community engagement, psychological support, and civic education that fosters tolerance and critical thinking. The root causes of extremism like disenfranchisement, alienation, and social exclusion must be addressed at the grassroots level to counter the appeal of violent ideologies.

The article pulls no punches in critiquing the superficiality of some deradicalisation efforts, particularly when foreign-funded or ideologically skewed. It warns that imposing one-sided narratives can backfire, deepening mistrust and marginalisation. Moreover, the piece raises red flags about ethical concerns such as privacy violations in prison-based programmes and discriminatory targeting based on ethnicity or religion. The revised National Action Plan’s inclusion of non-kinetic strategies is a step forward, but without ideological neutrality and long-term commitment, real progress remains elusive. As the writer highlights the ultimate challenge lies in walking the tightrope that guardt against extremism without trampling on democratic values. If done right, deradicalisation can act as a healing balm for fractured societies, nudging them toward peaceful coexistence and democratic maturity.

Overview:

This article explores the complex relationship between democracy and radicalisation in Pakistan, advocating for inclusive, community-driven, and rights-based approaches to deradicalisation. It discusses how punitive measures often worsen the problem and highlights the ethical, cultural, and operational challenges faced by such programmes.

NOTES:

This article is important for looking to understand internal security, human rights, counter-terrorism strategies, and governance. It adds depth to essays or questions concerning democracy versus security, postcolonial justice systems, and civic education reforms. It shows how successful deradicalisation requires more than surveillance. It demands societal transformation through justice, dignity, and inclusive narratives.

Relevance to CSS syllabus or subjects:

• Pakistan Affairs – National Action Plan, extremism, counter-terrorism
• Current Affairs – Global counter-extremism strategies, human rights
• Governance & Public Policy – Criminal justice reform, civic education
• International Relations – Role of NGOs, external influence on domestic deradicalisation efforts
• Political Science – Democracy, civil liberties, inclusion

Notes for Beginners:

Deradicalisation means helping individuals who once believed in extreme views return to normal society. This includes giving them psychological support, education, and job skills. For instance in many European countries former extremists are rehabilitated by being involved in community work and education. In Pakistan, the revised National Action Plan (NAP) now includes nine non-kinetic steps, like education and dialogue, to counter extremism. But challenges still exist, like public mistrust or biased programmes. A community-based method works best when local people, like teachers or religious leaders, help identify and resolve early signs of radical views. Without balancing safety and personal freedoms, these efforts can lose their moral ground.

Facts and Figures:

• Pakistan’s revised NAP has nine non-kinetic (non-military) points dedicated to deradicalisation.
• Many deradicalisation efforts in prisons worldwide face criticism for violating human rights.
• In conservative societies, foreign-funded deradicalisation programmes often fail due to credibility issues.

To sum up, This article underlines that deradicalisation isn’t merely a technical challenge but a moral one that tests the very fabric of democracy. It reminds us that real security doesn’t come from iron fists but from open minds, shared values, and inclusive policies. If Pakistan wishes to turn the tide against extremism, it must walk the talk—investing in education, justice, and community trust rather than quick fixes or imported solutions.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Disenfranchisement – the state of being deprived of rights (Syn: marginalisation, Ant: enfranchisement)
• Retribution – punishment inflicted as vengeance (Syn: penalty, Ant: forgiveness)
• Ideological neutrality – unbiased approach without favoring a belief (Syn: impartiality, Ant: partisanship)
• Deradicalisation – the process of making people abandon extremist beliefs (Syn: rehabilitation, Ant: radicalisation)
• Surveillance – close observation, especially of suspected individuals (Syn: monitoring, Ant: neglect)
• Inclusivity – the practice of including all people (Syn: acceptance, Ant: exclusion)
• Civic engagement – active participation in public affairs (Syn: participation, Ant: apathy)
• Kinetic measures – physical or force-based actions (Syn: coercive methods, Ant: diplomatic efforts)