Pakistan Urges UN to Address Root Causes of Terrorism in Countering Efforts
Pakistan has called on the United Nations (UN) to prioritize addressing the root causes of terrorism in its efforts to counter the global terrorist menace. During a debate on countering terrorist narratives and preventing the use of the internet for extremist purposes, a Pakistani delegate highlighted that counter-terrorism efforts would be futile unless fundamental human rights, such as justice, self-determination, and freedom from oppression and occupation, are properly addressed.
The delegate, Jawad Ajmal, who is a first secretary at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, emphasized the role played by the internet in radicalization and recruitment by terrorist groups. He noted that these groups have utilized the digital revolution to their advantage, using the internet as a command-and-control center, cryptocurrencies for fund transfers, and the dark web as a medium for global execution of terrorist activities.
To effectively combat the misuse of technology by terrorist organizations, Ajmal called for regulation of technology companies, social media platforms, and internet providers. He argued that these entities, driven primarily by commercial interests, must be held accountable to prevent the spread of hate speech, xenophobia, and specifically Islamophobia, which can contribute to violence and the incitement of hatred against individuals and nations.
Additionally, Ajmal highlighted the importance of capacity building within state agencies to address cyber terrorism. He stressed the need for a global plan of action that educates and warns young and vulnerable individuals about the dangers of online radicalization and recruitment.
Furthermore, the Pakistani delegate emphasized the need for reform within the global counter-terrorism architecture. In addition to combating state terrorism, he called for measures to address threats posed by right-wing extremist and fascist movements. Ajmal also stressed the importance of countering narratives that stigmatize Islam and Muslims, while cautioning against the misuse of digital space for the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and incitement to violence.
Ajmal acknowledged the reluctance and bias of some digital platforms in countering terrorism, accusing them of being susceptible to bullying by certain governments. He warned against the efforts of certain states to exploit the discourse on terrorism and technology for their own domestic political purposes. In conclusion, Ajmal argued that the Global Digital Compact should reflect these concerns and priorities, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and necessary safeguards to avoid further chaos, polarization, and terrorism within societies.
As Pakistan urges the UN to address the root causes of terrorism, the international community must consider the importance of dealing with fundamental socio-political issues in order to effectively combat the global terrorist menace.
