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MADRASSA REFORMS IN PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD

SALMAN AHMAD
Madrassas, the Islamic religious seminaries, have long played a key role in the lives of Pakistani people. These institutions have produced many respected scholars of Islamic jurisprudence, Quranic and Hadith studies. However, concerns have grown over the years about the failure of many Madaris graduates to contribute effectively to nation-building due to the absence of contemporary education and life skills. In addition, some madrassas have come under scrutiny for their alleged roles in promoting sectarian hatred, extremism, and intolerance towards minorities, raising red-flags domestically and internationally.
Recognizing the above-mentioned challenges, successive governments in Pakistan have tried to regulate and reform the madrassa system in the country. Despite repeated efforts, ranging from the initiatives under President Ayub Khan to the post, Army Public School NationalAction Plan, progress has been limited. Resistance from religious quarters, lack of political will, and legal complexities have consistently hindered the implementation of meaningful reforms.
In late 2024, Pakistan took a significant legislative step forward. The Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024, commonly known as the madrassa registration law, was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on December 29, 2024. This law, passed earlier by the Senate in October, seeks to address long-standing concerns about madrassa oversight. However, despite its passage, the broader conversation about madrassa reforms remains crucial and must extend beyond legal formalities to address deeper educational, ideological, and administrative issues.
Combating Extremist Ideologies Through Education Reform
The threat posed by extremist ideologies remains a pressing national security concern for Pakistan. For over two decades, the country has faced waves of religiously motivated violence, much of it stemming from sectarian divides. Few madrassas, though not all, have been linked to the propagation of rigid interpretations of Islam that promote intolerance and extremist ideologies. Every year, during Moharram-ul-Haram, security forces are deployed en masse to manage the persistent threat of sectarian violence.
One major issue is the binary worldview ingrained in many madrassa students, who are often taught to see issues in terms of absolute right and wrong without the tools to engage in nuanced, critical thinking. This leaves them vulnerable to manipulation by extremist groups, especially when they lack the skills to analyze geopolitical developments or understand alternative perspectives.
Reforms that integrate contemporary subjects, such as social sciences, basic math, languages, and critical thinking, into madrassa curricula can play a transformative role. They can help students develop a more balanced worldview, enabling them to engage constructively with broader society and resist radicalization.
Integrating Madrassa Graduates into the National Mainstream
There is a growing consensus that the inclusion of modern education in madrassas is essential for both the personal development of Madaris students and national progress. At present, the majority of madrassa graduates face limited employment opportunities due to their narrowly focused religious training.
A phased integration of national curricula covering technical education, civic knowledge, and vocational training would allow these students to gain useful skills and access professional pathways.
This transformation could enable them to contribute meaningfully to society, whether as educators, entrepreneurs, or social workers.
Though such integration should ideally have taken place decades ago, particularly when Madaris numbers were manageable and sectarian ideologies had not yet deeply rooted themselves, the opportunity for reform still exists. The state must treat this as a national priority, not only to absorb millions of Madaris’ students into the socialmainstream but also to preempt future threats posed by ideological isolation.
The Role of Regulatory Oversight and Transparency
Effective regulation is a pillar of successful Madaris reforms. Oversight mechanisms are necessary to ensure educational quality, transparency in financial affairs, and the safeguarding of students’ rights. Furthermore, amid Pakistan’s security challenges, it is vital that authorities maintain accurate data on students and staff in Madaris, especially given past incidents where such institutions were linked to militancy.
Pakistan’s previous struggles with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over concerns related to money laundering and terror financing further underscore the need for financial scrutiny of Madaris. Without transparency in funding sources, expenditures, and foreign affiliations, suspicions about illicit financial activity persist.
Many Madaris have resisted calls for transparency, particularly regarding their finances and foreign connections. This reluctance makes strong regulatory enforcement essential. While the new legislation does aim to bring Madaris under a formal registration framework, key aspects such as financial auditing and reporting remain contentious and require continuous oversight to avoid loopholes and non-compliance.
Historical Context
Pakistan’s attempt to reform madrassa education dates back over six decades. The earliest efforts under President Ayub Khan were followed by another push during Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s tenure in 1975. Neither initiative succeeded, largely due to a lack of institutional commitment and resistance from religious establishments.
A more recent attempt came in 2002 under President Pervez Musharraf through the Deeni Madaris (Voluntary Registration and Regulation) Ordinance. However, the voluntary nature of the program meant most Madaris ignored it. In the aftermath of the 2014 APS massacre, the National Action Plan (NAP) called for robust madrassa reforms, including financial transparency and curriculum standardization. Yet, this too faltered due to political sensitivities and implementation hurdles.
The 2019 agreement between the federal Ministry of Education and the Wafaqul Madaris (a coalition of all major madrassa boards) was a rare consensus-driven effort. It proposed centralized registration, modern subjects, and financial accountability, with the endorsement of top religious leaders. However, this initiative was later undermined by administrative changes and inconsistent follow-through, and its legal foundation was recently nullified by newer amendments.
Challenges
Despite new legislation, significant challenges that includes;
Legal Hurdles: Complications in interpreting existing laws versus new provisions continue to delay implementation.
Community Resistance: Many Madaris fear state overreach and a loss of religious autonomy.
Sectarian Concerns: Critics worry that unregulated Madaris expansion could inflame sectarian tensions.
Political Opposition: Religious political parties, particularly JUI-F, have framed the reforms as attempts to divide the religious establishment.
Operational Reluctance: Even with streamlined procedures like one-window operations, many Madaris remain hesitant to register. while the law is now officially enacted, the road to full implementation is fraught with political, legal, and societal obstacles.
The Way Forward
True Madaris reform will require more than just legislation. It must involve sincere engagement with religious scholars, incentives for compliance, and a transparent regulatory structure that respects religious values while ensuring educational and financial accountability. Reform must strike a balance between preserving the spiritual mission of madrassas and aligning them with national development goals. Ultimately, if Pakistan is to move forward as a stable, progressive nation, it must bring its millions of Madaris students into the educational and economic mainstream, equipping them not only with religious knowledge but with the tools to become informed, productive citizens.
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MINES & MINERALS INDUSTRY: A ROAD TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROSPERITY

LAILA SADAF
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one of Pakistan’s most resource-rich provinces, holds immense potential for economic growth and development through its abundant mineral deposits. KP is undoubtedly bestowed with a wealth of mineral resources. The province holds up to 52 types of minerals, including a variety of precious stones, industrial minerals, and energy resources such as coal, soapstone, limestone, chromite, graphite, gypsum, phosphate, granite, and silica sand. These diverse geological assets make KP one of the most mineral-rich provinces in Pakistan, thus a significant asset to the overall economic development of the state.
The varied mineral landscape harbours significant mineral deposits that have long been recognised and used up to some extent as a vital economic asset, contributing to regional development as well as the livelihoods of local communities. Among them, some of the notablemining areas are Kurram District, a source of soapstone and limestone; Dara Adam Khel, known for its rich coal reserves; and the Malakand Region, home to various mineral deposits. The Swat Valley, though specifically known for its gemstones, also has an abundance of limestone and marble deposits. These mineral resources are crucial for KP’s economy, supplying its riches to both domestic industries and international markets.
The recently proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 plans to capitalize on this potential. It has an ambitious vision for the region. Under this bill government promised to adopt a modernized mining sector with digital licensing, a new Mineral Development Authority, and an expanded Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority (MIFA) to attract major National and international investors. Thus, the bill, if further improved and implemented in letterand spirit, is a road to prosperity, akin to discovering a treasure map in one’s own backyard.
The bill does provide KP with the opportunity to explore and capitalize its natural resources like the well-known and robust mining frameworks of Canada and Australia. But KP needs little improvements to address the concerns of local people. Only then would it stand parallel to Canada’s Indigenous treaties or Australia’s Native Title Act, which ensure that affected communities receive fair compensation and employment opportunities. Without these articles of safeguards included, KP risks repeating Pakistan’s long history of elite capture, where mining capital flows to a select few while local populations see little or no benefits from it. Additionally, if the bill is thoughtlessly implemented without being amended to the needs of locals, KP would also risk repeating the mistakes of Balochistan’s Saindak project, where mining augmented corporations left residents impoverished.
In short, the mineral and mining sector has the potential to provide employment opportunities, support infrastructure development, and contribute a huge chunk to overall revenue generation. The industrial stone sector alone is a multi-billion-rupee industry, with products highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. Therefore, to transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral wealth into a sustainable engine of economic development, local communities mustn’t be merely bystanders but active participants and beneficiaries.
Implementing a robust royalty system is essential, ensuring that a significant portion of the revenues generated from mining activities is allocated directly to the districts where these resources are extracted. This approach not only compensates for the environmental and infrastructural impacts but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among local populations.
Moreover, incentivizing local involvement in the mining sector can lead to more equitable development. Establishing training programs and providing access to technology can empower local workers, enabling them to take on skilled roles within the industry. Such initiatives can reduce dependency on external labour and ensure that the economic benefits of mining are more widely distributed.
By integrating these measures into the legislative framework, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can set a precedence for inclusive and sustainable resource management, ensuring that its mineral wealth translates into lasting prosperity for all its residents.
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SLOGANS DON’T PAY BILLS: FIGHT FOR FISCAL FREEDOM

DR. BASHIR AHMAD
“Why KP must tax to build—not beg to survive. The road to Khud-Mukhtari is paved with taxes, not talk”
In the rugged valleys and bustling towns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the road to prosperity doesn’t begin with handouts or hope—it starts with revenue reform. The slogans are loud, but the receipts are silent. In a province where history, hardship, and heroism collide, one silent crisis grows beneath the surface: tax apathy. Without fixing our tax system, KP risks remaining a province of potential without performance. The punchline? Pakistan’s economic stability now hinges on plugging this revenue gap to counter rising unemployment, declining purchasing power, fiscal instability, and crumbling living standards.
The National Crisis Behind the Provincial Silence
Pakistan’s debt has surged to Rs. 76 trillion, with Rs. 51.5 trillion in domestic borrowing alone—nearly 70% of total public debt. The external debt load stands at Rs. 24.5 trillion (US$87 billion), but it’s the domestic debt spiral that’s bleeding the economy dry.  In the FY2025–26 budget, a staggering Rs. 8.2 trillion is allocated to debt servicing alone—47% of the entire federal budget—more than the combined spend on defense, education, and health. In FY2024–25, Rs. 6.44 trillion in interest payments had already been made by March—66% of the annual target, leaving little room for public investment or provincial development.
This isn’t budgeting. It’s survival mode. And what fuels this crisis? A tax system that bleeds more than it feeds. The gap is papered over with more borrowing—domestic and foreign—tightening IMF strings and shrinking sovereignty.
The Federal-Provincial Disconnect
As the federal government’s fiscal space collapses under debt pressure, provinces remain heavily reliant on NFC transfers. But without enhanced provincial revenue generation, service delivery suffers, autonomy erodes, and future development gets mortgaged to past loans.A comprehensive tax overhaul isn’t just good governance—it’s the only escape route from this debt quicksand.
Now zoom in on KP. Home to over 40 million people (15% of Pakistan’s population), strategically located on the CPEC western corridor, and rich in youth and potential, it should be a revenue engine. Yet it remains a fiscal ghost town. Over 80% of KP’s development budget is funded through federal transfers. We’re running the province with borrowed matches, and when Islamabad sneezes, KP catches pneumonia. Yes, the KP Revenue Authority (KPRA) is trying. In the first ten months of FY2024–25, it collected Rs. 41.9 billion, up 40% year-on-year from Rs. 29.9 billion. Commendable—but still just 2.5% of KP’s Rs. 1.65 trillion budget. The fiscal engine is still sputtering.
To secure genuine autonomy and reduce national debt pressure, KP must aim for own-source revenue equal to 5–6% of its GDP. That’s the threshold for provincial resilience.
Why Tax Matters More in KP
KP is a pressure cooker of challenges: post-conflict reconstruction, climate disasters, urban overload and a ticking youth bomb. From Bajaur to Waziristan, rebuilding after terrorism and displacement needs billions annually, not one-time charity.
Over 50% of KP’s population now lives in urban or peri-urban areas, straining public services like water, waste disposal, transport, and housing. Climate change is slamming KP with glacial floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather, demanding climate-resilient infrastructure. With 65% of the population under 30, the province faces a make-or-break moment: either generate jobs and entrepreneurship or prepare for social unrest.
Without reliable revenue, there’s no way to invest in the future. But the opportunity is real: if just 10% of KP’s informal businesses were taxed fairly, the province could unlock Rs. 40–50 billion annually. That’s enough to build 200 modern schools, launch a universal health program, or digitize every union council from Chitral to D.I. Khan—and still have change to spare.
Building a Tax Culture in KP: From Burden to Pride
If buying naan is taxed, why not a mansion in the hills? It’s time to change the way we think about taxes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If the poor are paying GST on every essential item, the rich cannot keep skating free. Luxury villas, real estate barons, elite housing societies, and commercial plazas in cities like Peshawar and Swat must be brought into the tax net. There can be no sacred cows in a province trying to stand on its own feet.
Tax compliance shouldn’t feel like a punishment—it should be as simple as a tap on your mobile screen. A small shopkeeper in Swabi or a fruit vendor in Dera Ismail Khan should be able to file taxes with the ease of ordering a ride. No agents, no red tape, no excuses. To truly shift the mindset, tax awareness must connect with KP’s cultural heartbeat. Frame it not as a civic duty, but as part of Pakhtunwali—a matter of justice, pride, and responsibility. A slogan like “Tax do, taqdeer badlo!” (Pay tax, change your fate) should echo from billboards to mobile screens across the province. Tax compliance should also come with incentives. Reward those who pay with fast-track public services, digital recognition, and community respect. Make it aspirational – something to be proud of, especially for the rising middle class and the digitally active youth. But above all, there must be transparency. Every rupee collected should be linked to something tangible: a functioning school, a working hospital, a newly paved street. Transparency is the new currency. Without it, even the best systems collapse under mistrust. But collecting taxes is only half the job. People need to see where their money is going. Let local governments—tehsils and union councils—collect and reinvest these revenues directly into their communities. Put up signs that say, “Funded by the People of KP” on every new road, drainage line, or school. When citizens feel ownership, tax stops being a burden—it becomes a badge of dignity.
With the Rashakai Special Economic Zone booming, DI Khan emerging as a trade route hub, and Torkham buzzing with cross-border activity, KP stands on the brink of transformation. But none of that potential will mean much if we fail to capture it through a strong, smart, and fair tax system.
The Bottom Line: From Slogans to Substance
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa doesn’t need pity. It needs power. And that power begins with revenue reform. Taxes are not theft. They’re the price of dignity, autonomy, and development.
KP has fought wars, survived displacement, and shown resilience. Now it must rise again not with borrowed aid, but with its own taxes. Because every rupee not collected in Peshawar today becomes a rupee borrowed from Washington or Beijing tomorrow. And that is a debt this province and this nation can no longer afford.
Dr. Bashir Ahmad is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, Islamia College Peshawar. Email: b.ahmad3@icp.edu.pk
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BREAKING THE CYCLE OF EXTREMISM THROUGH SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES

NOOR-E-HIRA 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province in northwestern Pakistan, has long stood at the frontlines of conflict. For many years, the region was deeply affected by terrorism, militancy, and instability. Thousands of lives were lost, homes destroyed, and communities torn apart. However, in recent years, there has been a growing effort to move forward and rebuild. By focusing on sustainable development, inclusive governance, and community-driven initiatives, KP has a real opportunity to break the cycle of extremism and emerge as a model for post-conflict reconstruction in Pakistan.
The impact of extremism on KP cannot be overstated. Entire towns were overrun by militant groups such as the Fitna-Al-Khawarij (FAK), and military operations were required to reclaim these areas. While the security forces successfully cleared many regions, the root causes of extremism still persist. Unemployment, poverty, lack of education, and weak local governance have all contributed to pushing vulnerable individuals toward radicalideologies. Unless these underlying issues are addressed, the threat of extremism may resurface.
This is where sustainable development becomes essential. Rather than relying on temporary fixes, KP needs long-term, community-centered solutions. One of the most critical areas is investment in education. When young people have access to quality learning opportunities, they are more likely to build productive futures and less likely to be swayed by extremist influences. Over the past decade, there have been concerted efforts to rebuild schools and promote female education across KP. NGOs and government programs have helped raise awareness and provide school supplies, scholarships, and transportation for students in remote areas.
Yet education alone is not enough. The local economy must also be revitalized. Many young men in KP are unemployed, making them easy targets for extremist recruiters. Sustainable job creation is vital for restoring trust and giving people a stake in peace. This can be achieved through vocational training programs that equip youth with practical skills such as carpentry, plumbing, IT, and tailoring. Organizations like the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) are expanding their reach in KP, especially in the tribal districts, to provide these opportunities.
Agriculture, a traditional livelihood in KP, also holds promise for sustainable development. Many farmers lack access to modern tools and knowledge of improved farming methods. Introducing practices such as drip irrigation, organic farming, and crop rotation can not only enhance productivity but also protect the environment. Community-based farming cooperatives can help farmers share resources, access markets, and obtain fair prices, thus building economic stability.
Infrastructure development remains another crucial priority. Roads, bridges, electricity, and internet connectivity are essential to integrate remote areas with the rest of the country. After years of conflict, many parts of KP still suffer from inadequate infrastructure. Without roads, children cannot reach schools, farmers cannot access markets, and patients cannot get to hospitals. With support from international donors, the government has begun rebuilding infrastructure in affected regions. These investments go beyond concrete and steel—they are about reconnecting communities and restoring a sense of normalcy and hope.
However, rebuilding KP is not just about physical development. Inclusive governance is fundamental. For decades, the people of KP, particularly those in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) felt excluded from decision-making processes. Since the merger of FATA into KP in 2018, legal, political, and administrative reforms have been introduced, but progress remains slow. Genuine change requires giving local communities a meaningful voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
Empowering local governments and including community leaders, especially women, youth, and minorities, in governance structures is essential. Mechanisms such as town hall meetings, village councils, and participatory planning sessions can help ensure that development is aligned with actual community needs. When people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to contribute positively to peace and progress.Technology can also play a valuable role in KP’s transformation. Mobile applications and digital platforms can disseminate job information, provide online education, and connect citizens with essential government services. In Peshawar, for instance, young entrepreneurs have launched initiatives to teach coding and digital skills, enabling youth to work remotely for clients worldwide. This not only opens new economic avenues but also connects KP with the global digital economy.
Security must remain part of this broader sustainable approach. While the military has played its role, it is now time for local police and law enforcement to take the lead. Community policing where officers build relationships with residents can foster trust and help identify early warning signs of radicalization. Proactive engagement, rather than reactive enforcement, is key to preventing future conflict.
Women’s empowerment is another cornerstone of long-term peace. Women in KP have traditionally faced barriers such as limited mobility and restricted access to education and resources. Yet, they have often been among the most vocal and active supporters of peace. Many women-led organizations are working to educate girls, assist widows, and train female entrepreneurs. Supporting these efforts uplifts not only women but entire families and communities.
Promoting cultural heritage is equally important. KP boasts a rich history, diverse languages, and vibrant traditions. Reviving local crafts, music, poetry, and festivals can foster pride and unity. Cultural expression offers a powerful alternative to the narratives of hate and division and strengthens social cohesion.
Breaking the cycle of extremism is no easy task. It requires time, patience, and sustained effort. But the people of KP are resilient. They have endured years of hardship and now seek to rebuild their lives with dignity. By prioritizing sustainable development, inclusive governance, and community-driven solutions, KP has the potential to become a beacon of hope for post-conflict recovery—not just for itself, but for all of Pakistan. Rebuilding is not only about infrastructure; it is about restoring hope. And in doing so, KP can lead the way toward a more peaceful and prosperous future.
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EXPLOITING AI’s POTENTIAL FOR COUNTER TERRORISM

Shahzad Masood Rumi 

Since the beginning of the 21st century, terrorism has remained one of the most persistent global security challenges. Developing nations, plagued by socio-political instability, economic disparities, and historical grievances, suffer most from terrorism’s devastation. Even developed nations, despite their resources, often adopt harsh anti-terrorism policies that invite criticism for infringing on civil liberties.

            With such a scenario, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into counter-terrorism strategies offers transformative potential. AI technologies, ranging from predictive analytics to facial recognition, enable governments to identify root causes, design robust policies and deploy real-time threat mitigation tools. For developing countries, in particular, AI promises low-cost scalable solutions vital for combating terrorism’s complex nature.

            In societies where poverty, politicalmarginalization, and cultural alienation drive radicalization, traditional counterterrorism strategies often fall short. AI, with its unmatched capacity for large-scale data synthesis, can analyze these intertwined factors swiftly and accurately. Machine Learning (ML) models, for instance, can predict regions at risk by correlating economic indicators like unemployment with terrorism incidents. Meanwhile, Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools track extremist narratives online, mapping how grievances and religious ideologies are weaponized.

            Beyond analysis, AI offers predictive scenario-building using political science frameworks. Game theory models, enhanced through AI, can simulate how environmental factors, economic disparity or governance failures foster radicalization. These simulations help policymakers design timely interventions such as targeted development programs oreducation reforms, addressing the catalysts of terrorism at their roots. For example, AI can guide governments in identifying vulnerable youth populations in conflict zones, helping design tailored socio-economic initiatives to counter extremist recruitment efforts by groups like ISIS and TTP.

            AI’s capability to process multilingual and multimedia content gives it an edge over traditional models. Extremist propaganda using text, audio, or video can be swiftly deciphered and tracked across the internet. In Indonesia, authorities use AI to monitor apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, disrupting recruitment by groups like Jemaah Islamiyah. Moreover, sentiment analysis driven by AI can gauge public reactions to counterterrorism efforts, helping governments refine their narratives and policies for better counter extremist ideologies.

            Perhaps AI’s greatest promise lies in shifting counterterrorism from reactive to proactive. States can build multi-institutional AI tools that integrate data from financial institutions, social media and field surveillance to forecast terrorism risks. One example is the Sentient World Simulation—a real-time geopolitical wargaming tool that models conflict scenarios and tests potential policy responses. Similar models can help developing nations, where monitoring resources are limited, to evaluate and adapt their counterterrorism strategies more dynamically. On the operational front, AI-powered surveillance and reconnaissance offer crucial advantages, especially in high-risk zones. Pakistan, facing threats from the Fitna-al-Khawarij Pakistan (FAK/TTP), Baloch separatists, and transnational networks like ISKP can greatly benefit from such technologies. These groups exploit Pakistan’s porous borders and socio-economic vulnerabilities and evolving tactics like drone-enabled IED attacks that traditional counter-terrorism efforts struggle to counter.

            Drones, equipped with computer vision sensors, can monitor rugged terrains in ex-FATA, KP and Balochistan, alerting security forces instantly to suspicious activities. Similar to theU.S. military’s use of surveillance drones in Iraq,     Pakistan could deploy these technologies along the Pak-Afghan border to detect infiltration attempts by terrorist groups. AI-enhanced smart checkpoints, already in use in Jordan, could also be adapted to Pakistan’s border crossings, using IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and facial recognition to screen travelers against global watchlists.

            Urban centres too stand to gain. Pakistan’s Safe Cities Initiative, which uses facial recognition, could evolve further by integrating predictive policing models. Such models would allow dynamic resource allocation based on threat levels rather than outdated static deployment, outsmarting terrorists who exploit predictable security patterns.

            Border security could also be bolstered by AI-integrated surveillance towers equipped with thermal imaging and acoustic sensors, providing real-time tracking of illegal crossings. ML-based models, trained on historical infiltration data, could predict peak periods of risk, enabling timely deployment of forces. Additionally, blockchain-based financial monitoring systems could disrupt terrorist financing across borders.

            At the community level, AI offers powerful tools for early intervention against radicalization. NGOs and local governments could leverage AI to identify at-risk youth through social media patterns or educational performance data. Tailored intervention programs in regions like KP, where youth radicalization is rampant, could significantly weaken extremist recruitment pipelines.

            However, unlocking AI’s full potential in counterterrorism domain requires ethical deployment, technical robustness, and strong cross-sector collaboration. For Pakistan and other developing nations, the following steps are crucial:

            Investing in AI Infrastructure: Develop secure cloud platforms, IoT networks, and dedicated AI research centres. Building Human Capital: Train security personnel and policymakers in AI tools and data analysis through academic partnerships, such as with the National Defence University. Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with tech firms to create localized AI solutions, like Urdu-language NLP models to monitor extremist content. Enhancing Regional Cooperation: Strengthen intelligence-sharing with allies like China, Russia, and Central Asian states to tackle transnational threats.

            The future of counterterrorism lies not merely in military might but in the strategic fusion of AI technologies with human intelligence. Developing nations can dismantle terror networks more effectively while addressing the systemic inequalities that breed extremism by embracing AI. Through foresight, collaboration, and ethical innovation, a more secure world is within reach.