Roundtable on Psycho-Social Toxicity in Pakistan: A Fallout of Terrorism

The menace of terrorism, which is often politically motivated, has bedeviled Pakistan for decades, despite successful kinetic operations against militant outfits. The aftermath of years of war on terror, man-made and natural disasters, ethnic and sectarian conflicts, poverty, inequality and injustice have etched the psycho-social fabric of the country adversely. The virtually unaddressed psychological damage has instilled a sense of perpetual fear leading to insecurity, paranoia, and intolerance into the minds of the citizens. Despite being a resilient nation, Pakistanis live through un–remitting emotional and social trauma on a daily basis. Unregulated, irresponsible and insensitive media reporting is an impact multiplier of terrorism in Pakistan.

This was discussed at the Roundtable on Psycho-Social Toxicity in Pakistan: A Fallout of Terrorism organized by IPRI here in the capital today. The roundtable moderated by Dr Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Vice President (Academics), Department of Psychology, International Islamic University included Dr Shakil Jehangir Malik, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Sussex, UK as the Keynote Speaker.