Unity against terror

Terrorism is not just a word – it is an ideology. Pakistan ranks third on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). In 2014, sixty terrorist organisations had been declared as terrorist outfits by the government. So far, 54,855 people have lost their lives in terrorist incidents since 2001. The Wagah border check-post, Karachi airport and Peshawar school attacks are the biggest terrorist incidents in 2014. In the Peshawar school attack, over 145 people – including 133 innocent schoolchildren – had been killed by the militants.
According to the World Health Organisation, terrorist attacks significantly affect the mental health of the people. Terrorism is the biggest threat to Pakistan’s progress and economy. The World Health Organisation report goes on to estimate the total loss to economy in the last ten years because of terrorism at $100 billion. The government should devise a plan to minimise the counter-effects of terrorism. The 21st Amendment to the constitution is a good step towards defeating the ideology. We should not lose hope and should stand united against terrorists.
Muhammad Asadullah
Peshawar