A pressing question for the state concerns the militants who have laid down their arms, often referred to as the 'good' Taliban. Residents of regions severely affected by militancy want nothing to do with these individuals.
For instance, during the recently concluded Bannu Amn Jirga, participants demanded the removal of the 'good' Taliban from their area and called for an end to checkpoints and patrols by such fighters. This presents a dilemma for the state: how to handle those willing to abandon violence? The issue is complex and requires solutions developed through consultation with the public, security experts, and academics.
Terrorist ideologues and facilitators responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistani civilians and security personnel must face legal consequences and cannot be welcomed back unconditionally. Similarly, militants—regardless of their surrender—cannot be allowed to create a parallel structure or roam freely; maintaining law and order is solely the government's responsibility.
The situation is even more complicated when considering thousands of foot soldiers, particularly child fighters groomed by terrorist groups. This dilemma is not unique to Pakistan; for example, around 40,000 wives and children of IS fighters are currently in a Syrian camp run by Kurdish armed groups, as their home countries refuse to repatriate them.
Instead of granting full liberty to militants who surrender and renounce violence, they could be placed in deradicalisation programs. Such initiatives have been previously implemented in Swat, managed by both the military and NGOs. Initially, hardcore militants should be separated from low-level cadres not involved in severe violence, with the former facing legal punishment.
The deradicalisation process should include psychological support, education, and vocational training to help reformed militants reintegrate into society. Even after completing the program, security forces must monitor former militants to prevent them from returning to terrorism.
This process is challenging, requiring significant funds and consistent effort. Moreover, the successes and failures of previous deradicalisation programs must be scientifically analyzed to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Deradicalisation should be a component of countering violent extremism, aligned with the revised National Action Plan. This approach can extend to both religiously inspired militants and Baloch fighters who wish to renounce violence and reintegrate into society.
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