Suchergebnisse

Islam plays a central role in Pakistan's identity making process. Since the events of 9/11, the significant rise of religious extremism and terrorism in Pakistan has influenced its democratic setup, constitutional process and human rights values. This paper examines the historical evolution of democratic and constitutional process in Pakistan as well as the role of religion in defining the state narratives. This divide between religious extremists and secularists is more acute at the moment primarily because the state is passing legislations influenced by extremist and terrorist narratives. The paper uses interpretive approach in examining the challenge presented by the religious–secular divide and extremist narratives pose to the democratic principles and human rights values in Pakistan.

The resurgence of the Taliban movement and its affiliate organisations in the Swat Valley of Pakistan since 2004, combined with military operations in 2009 and the displacement of residents created a humanitarian crisis in the area. The devastating floods of July 2010 again created opportunities for militant organisations to regain their lost position by filling the vacuum in relief efforts left by the government and international organisations. This paper suggests a framework for peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the region. The framework draws on the work of two scholar-practitioners – John-Paul Lederach and Mohammed Abu-Nimer – and practices from traditional Pakhtun, or Pashtun, culture to suggest ways in which the root cause of the conflict might be addressed to bring about peace and sustainable development. Finally, the paper suggests a number of peacebuilding strategies that need to be considered by governmental and non-governmental organisations for peacebuilding in this conflict zone.1