In the aftermath of 9/11 – Pakistan bore the brunt of global action against terrorism – sucked into the war on terror, in response to the famous query from Ex-President of the United States, George W. Bush, who said: “Either you are with us, or against us!”
Pakistan was hardly left with any options other than to reconsider its ties with the Taliban. Since then, Pakistan has suffered tremendous losses, both directly in the shape of valuable lives, property and the cost of waging war and indirectly through losses of revenue, investment, and business.
Pakistan Has Lost More Than 70,000 Innocent Lives And Security Personnel In The War-On-Terror
Source: cdn1.org
Terrorism Has Caused A Sense Of Uncertainty In The Country And Behaviors Of Our People
Afghanistan’s Instability Has Directly Or Indirectly Cost Pakistan A Huge Loss Of $35 Billion
Source: sputniknews.com
Military Operations In FATA Have Displaced Over 3 Million Pakistanis – Along With;
Source: tribune.com
1. Decline in GDP Growth
2. Reduction in foreign and domestic investment
3. Damaged and destroyed physical infrastructure
4. Diversion of budget towards the military and security related spending
5. Capital and human capital loss
Loss Of Visitors And Investors In Pakistan
Source: Pakistan Defence
Today Pakistan is recognized as an unsafe country for tourism and investment, which it wasn’t before 9/11. Most countries are now reluctant to issue visas to Pakistanis and also have directed their citizens to not visit Pakistan. This has affected the social, cultural and financial links between Pakistan and other countries.
Low GDP Growth Of The Nation And Exports – Decline In Foreign Direct Investment
Source: tribune.com
Another impact of terrorism on Pakistan is the GDP growth rate which has gone to an all-time low of 4.24% currently, which was 2.10% in 2008-2009 and almost at 10% before terrorism had hit Pakistan. The exports of the country are also on a decline mainly because of recession and negative image of Pakistan in the world. Investors have lost business confidence in the country due to its uncertainty to terrorism.
Expenses On Security Needs Along With Damage – $70 Billion
Source: defence.pk
The deteriorating security in the country compelled the state to spend more on improvising security rather than on development. Low development spending affected the infrastructure, business and industrial activity in the country.
Pakistani Soldiers In The Country And Not On The Borders
Source: muslim-academy.com
Operation Zarb-i-Azb has enforced around 30,000 soldiers in KPK and other agencies instead of being on the borders – giving India a free hand to torment us on Line of Control.
Let us hope that our soil will be free of these non-state actors in the future and there will be no more bloodshed in the days and years to come.
