The Culture of Fear in Post 9/11 Pakistan:
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Date
2018-05-18
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UMT.lahore
Abstract
This qualitative study attempts to answer if (a) terrorism has the effect of catalyzing the cycle of
enhanced criminal behavior, (b) whether the aspect of fear is taken into consideration in policy
prescriptions for curbing crime, and (c) what role social factors play in developing and retaining
anxiety in the population. Based on relevant empirical and theoretical studies and interview data
specifically collected for this research it is argued that in Pakistan, the prevailing climate of
anxiety is a side effect of mis-governance and deficiencies in policy formulation and
implementation. Additionally, terrorism has a strong link with criminality -- ransom, mass
killings and kidnappings, bank robberies, vehicle smuggling, the trafficking of small arms, drug
trade, and money laundering are prevalent and violent extremism is thriving due to these. Owing
to these factors a culture of fear has seized our lifestyles and has also influenced our everyday
routines. It is proposed that in order to put an end to fear, along with academic frameworks,
administrative and non-administrative entities must be harnessed; and to keep a close watch on
information transmitted by media outlets for reducing the propagation of panic in our population,
rigorous regulatory changes are required by the government.