De-radicalization: A Case Study of Swat Valley; Its Progress, Challenges

Abstract

This research analyzes the de-radicalization process of swat, its progress, and challenges inthe years 2008 to 2018. Previously Swat was fallen in the hand of terrorists and it had facedextremism and terrorism. Religious intolerance and economic issues led it to the next level of conflict.Pakistan Army initiated operations against terrorists while on the other hand, they converted the terrorist’sheadquarters into centers for the de-radicalization program. This study primarily explored the de-radicalization progress of swat and find that the Army de-radicalized the terrorists through a systematicprogram that included rehabilitation, religious counseling, vocational training, reintegration into the society,and later on their monitoring were the main features of the program. The study also analyzed the possibleefforts that can be put together in making a conducive working environment in Swat. This study alsohighlights the need for more de-radicalization programs in Pakistan targeting different ethnic, racist,religious radicalization. This study also discusses the efforts of the National action plan and Paigham-e-Pakistan in the light of de-radicalization and its effectiveness in the long run. This research also suggeststhat the government and private sector with combined efforts can bring more diversity and effectivenesssin de-radicalization programs.