African Journal of Political Science

African Journal of Political Science ISSN 3461-2165 Vol. 9 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

War on terror: Pakistan’s apprehensions

Umbreen Javaid

Political Science Department, University of the Punjab, Lahore - Pakistan - 54590. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 92-42-99231229, 92-333-4284643. Fax: 92-9235838263.

Accepted 05 February, 2015

Abstract

After the 9/11, Pakistan has become a front line state in US “war on terror” even though quite reluctantly, but since becoming a partner it has played a crucial role in this war. However, it also has certain serious apprehensions in this process. There is a general feeling amongst the masses and also the decisions makers of Pakistan that once the US “war on terror” is over, Pakistan will again be left alone to deal with the after effects of the war. Pakistan will lose its status of front line state and also the interest of US towards this country. Unfortunately, the “war on terror” is no more limited to Afghanistan, it has now entered into Pakistan also, where in its tribal belt and FATA region (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), large number of militants had entered and taken refuge from Afghanistan due to the ongoing war over there. These militants have been creating serious security problems leading to military operations against them by the Pakistan military. The worrying aspect is that there are suicide attacks all over the country leaving the whole society terrorized. These militants comprising of Taliban and Al-Qaida, have now been joined by many local religious militant groups. They are together carrying out terrorist activities. Now after a decade, since the “war on terror” started, a large number of people believe that Pakistan is the net loser. This paper is an attempt to analyze the concerns of Pakistan and to look into the effects of “war on terror” on this country.

Key words: War on terror, Pakistan, Taliban, security, Afghanistan, terrorism.