Violent extremism has never really gone away anywhere in the world. Pakistan is one of the countries affected by this threat, where violent extremism has shaken security and disrupted the country’s social balance. In response, the Pakistani government has consistently developed strategies to counter it, from security operations to rehabilitation programs for affected victims. The question is: Will these approaches remain relevant and effective? Or are there actually gaps that can be filled to more effectively help counter violent extremism in Pakistan?

Recent reports show that there were 5,397 incidents of terrorism in 2025, based on government data, and the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) recorded 1,066 militant attacks. In June 2026, there were 118 attacks, and in July and August, there were approximately 99 and 199 attacks, respectively, representing a 38% increase. These numbers show that violent extremist attacks are still occurring at a pretty high frequency, which means even more action needs to be taken to deal with them.

Holistic Education brings together “head, hand, and heart,” with the idea that education should not only shape cognitive intelligence but also character and life skills.

Holistic Education brings together “head, hand, and heart,” with the idea that education should not only shape cognitive intelligence but also character and life skills.

Pakistan has actually been showing commitment to fighting violent extremism, including initiatives such as the 2009 “Sabaaon” program, which rehabilitated teenage militants recruited by the TTP in Swat, and established policies such as the National Action Plan (NAP) in December 2014 following the tragic attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar. The latest initiative by NACTA is the National Policy on Violent Extremism........

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