The 9/11 attacks by al-Qaeda on American soil were declared by President Bush of the United States as an attack on the heart and soul of the world. As a result, a self-proclaimed Jihad was initiated, prompting a large number of militants from the West to travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Consequently, the president declared war against all actors who were involved either in exporting or supporting terrorism and decided to initiate a kinetic approach of the War on Terror and to get rid of terrorism.
Such an approach did not halt the terrorist menace proliferation, and between 2002 and 2004 the world witnessed several major terrorist attacks. On account of devastating activities, the UNSC passed several resolutions and shifted the policy of countering terrorism to countering violent extremism. Paradoxically, the same jihad was initiated in Pakistan with the patronage of the US and the UN in 1979 to contain Soviet Union expansionism in South Asia.
While the use of force remains a crucial component of counterterrorism efforts, the processes of disengagement, deradicalization, and reintegration are equally important in ensuring a comprehensive and effective strategy. Therefore, in May 2005, a shift in the U.S. counterterrorism strategy occurred, adopting a non-kinetic approach called Counter Violent Extremism.
In Pakistan, religious fanaticism that has been initiated with the Afghan-Soviet war posed a major threat to the internal security of Pakistan. Recently, the political polarization of society and severe economic crises in the country has further intensified the situation. In Pakistan-like societies, people accept anything that has been offered in the religious coating that provides unconditional support to extremist groups in the region.
On the other hand, in the opinion of Abdul Basit, most of the militants are not ideologically motivated but they participate in Jihad merely as a source of income. In the words of Muhammad Naeem Dar, a veteran of the Pakistan Army, the cultural context of Pakhtun society significantly contributed to the cultivation of violent tendencies in the society. According to research carried out by Imtiaz Gul, it was stated that among the terrorists recruited from erstwhile FATA, 80 percent were unemployed.
After Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat, the Deradicalization and Emancipation Program (DREP) started with three major components: Sabaoon for juveniles at Batkhela, Mishal for adults at Mingora and Rastoon for youth at Barikot Swat
As discussed earlier, the unwitting support of illiterate individuals posed major threat to national security, in the view of worldwide deradicalization and counter-extremism programs, the government of Pakistan initiated Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) to prevent radicalization, recruitment of individuals into terrorism, and extremist ideologies and transform local society through peace education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the erstwhile FATA region. The origin of the Pakistan-based CVE program was back in 2008 when the government sought assistance from the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research of Singapore regarding the establishment of a rehabilitation center and providing a second chance of life to incarcerated militants to reform their ideology. After Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat, the Deradicalization and Emancipation Program (DREP) started with three major components: Sabaoon for juveniles at Batkhela, Mishal for adults at Mingora and Rastoon for youth at Barikot Swat.
In 2011, the Naway Sehr and Ghalani projects were launched in the Bajaur and Mohmand districts (formerly part of FATA), followed by the Heila and Sparlay initiatives in the Tank district in 2012. Additionally, several deradicalization centers were established across various districts in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
The Sabaoon-II program was established in December 2014, the only model that still exists, with collaborations of the Frontier Corps of KP and the FATA Secretariat. The project is based on an open-prison model that not only provides a conducive environment for the radicalization of ex-militants but also transforms the whole of the society of Tehsil Bara, district Khyber.
The success of such transformative models largely depends on how well they integrate fundamental human values such as compassion, sympathy, care, and positive regard for others within their core framework
No transformative model can be considered precise or perfect, as there is no universal standard to measure its performance and efficiency. Around the world, various approaches have been implemented to transform violent behaviors in society through peace education. While these models may differ in structure, they share a common goal: rehabilitating individuals and reintegrating them into peaceful communities. The success of such transformative models largely depends on how well they integrate fundamental human values such as compassion, sympathy, care, and positive regard for others within their core framework.
Unlike rehabilitation programs in other countries, Pakistan’s initiative is distinctive as it deals with hardcore BLACK-category militants in open-prison settings. One of the flagship projects under this initiative is Sabaoon-II, which has demonstrated remarkable success in transforming former militants. The effectiveness of this program can be attributed to several key aspects, including therapeutic interventions, honor codes, and a commitment to unconditional positive regard for beneficiaries.
Life skills workshops were conducted to instill positive behaviors and raise awareness about women’s rights, human rights, drug abuse, education, and peace
During the initial phase of their induction into Sabaoon-II, many beneficiaries exhibited resistance and aggressive behaviors. One common act of defiance was disrespecting food, such as spilling meals, kicking utensils, or showing dissatisfaction with the menu. To address this, the psychological staff was instructed to dine alongside the beneficiaries, teaching them proper etiquette and reinforcing these lessons with relevant Ahadith and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Recognizing the energetic nature of Pukhtuns, the administration introduced sports activities and competitions, providing a healthy outlet for their energy. Additionally, life skills workshops were conducted to instill positive behaviors and raise awareness about women’s rights, human rights, drug abuse, education, and peace.
To address the root causes of radicalization, the program conducted workshops that examined factors such as illiteracy (Jihalat), state negligence, lack of leadership, and poverty. These sessions not only helped identify key issues but also proposed solutions, including psychological and religious education to counter Jihalat and vocational training in practical fields such as heavy machinery operation, tailoring, computer education, and vehicle mechanics.
By equipping individuals with professional skills, the program enabled them to reintegrate into society as productive citizens, reducing the likelihood of recidivism. The program also placed significant emphasis on commemorating national events and fostering patriotism. Beneficiaries were encouraged to participate in patriotic speeches, national songs, drama skits, and slogan-chanting to instill a sense of belonging and love for the state.
One of the most prominent initiatives under Sabaoon-II is the Active Bara Citizen Youth Program (ABC Youth Program). This project operates on both male and female fronts, focusing on Tehsil Bara, which was one of the worst-hit regions during the insurgency. The area suffered immense devastation, with its socioeconomic and institutional infrastructure severely weakened.
In response, the program launched various initiatives aimed at restoring the town through self-help efforts, while simultaneously addressing the deeper psychological and social roots of extremism. It inaugurated community-led reconstruction projects to rebuild essential infrastructure and rehabilitate affected families. Moreover, the program conducted specialized workshops to analyze the factors that led local populations toward militancy, highlighting illiteracy, government neglect, weak leadership, and economic hardship as key contributors.
To provide sustainable solutions, the program introduced psychological and religious education as a means to counter radical ideologies, while also offering vocational training in various trades such as heavy machinery operation, tailoring, computer education, and vehicle mechanics. These efforts ensured that individuals had access to legitimate employment opportunities, preventing their return to extremist networks.
Religious counter-narrative is crucial in challenging extremist ideologies and reshaping perspectives
A unique aspect of Sabaoon-II is its reliance on religious teachings to counter extremist ideologies. Throughout the facility, Ahadith and Quranic verses are displayed to instill feelings of repentance and regret among the beneficiaries. These teachings highlight the prophecies of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) regarding the Khawarij, describing them as the worst of people, who would kill Muslims while sparing idolaters, speaking in attractive slogans but acting with cruelty and barbarism. This religious counter-narrative is crucial in challenging extremist ideologies and reshaping perspectives.
The accomplishments of Sabaoon-II and Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy can be credited to its therapeutic model, honor codes, and structured interventions. The program proudly claims a 100% success rate, with none of its 1,501 graduates returning to militancy. By offering a second chance through education, psychological therapy, vocational training, and community reintegration, the initiative has successfully rehabilitated former militants, equipping them with the tools to lead productive and peaceful lives.
Pakistan’s model highlights that a balanced approach combining security measures with rehabilitation is essential for countering terrorism and ensuring lasting peace
Following other countries’ counterterrorism policies, Pakistan also evolved its strategies of kinetic approach to a more comprehensive integration of Counter Violent Extremism initiatives. While military operations were crucial in dismantling terrorist networks and long-term stability required rehabilitation programs like Sabaoon-II, which focus on psychological counseling, vocational training, and social reintegration.
These efforts have proven effective in preventing recidivism and addressing the root causes of extremism. However, long-term success requires ongoing efforts in education and job opportunities in regions where individuals are inclined toward militancy. Pakistan’s model highlights that a balanced approach combining security measures with rehabilitation is essential for countering terrorism and ensuring lasting peace.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
