Jihad as Grand Strategy Islamic Militancy National Security and Pakistani State

Islamist militants based in Pakistan have played a major role in terrorism around the world and pose a significant threat to regional and international security. Terrorist entities and their leaders, including many designated by the UN, continue to roam its streets freely and operate with State support. With the approval of authorities, many terrorist organizations raise funds openly in flagrant violation of Pakistan’s international obligations," Gambhir reminded them in a reference to Hafiz Saeed, a terrorist with bounty money on him. Turning to Pakistan’s internal situation, workshop participants from Pakistan acknowledged, and shared, the concerns expressed by the other participants. However, it was noted that Pakistan’s Army remains essentially loyal and the Government is now facing the insurgencies underway across the country with renewed determination. In response to particular concerns over the fighting underway at the time of the workshop itself, a discussant noted that the Swat valley is “a long way” from Islamabad, in practical and political terms, if not geographically. Islamist militants based in Pakistan have played a major role in terrorism around the world and pose a significant threat to regional and international security. Although the Pakistan-militant connection has received widespread attention only in recent years, it is not a new phenomenon. The present book seeks to explain the deep-seated complexities of Jihadi organizsation and Terrorism in Pakistan.