Maleeha outlines counter-terrorism strategy

High commission to the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi on Monday has called for a nine-point counter-terror strategy at the global level, as a way forward to durable peace for the troubled world.
Such a strategy, she said, should be based on a comprehensive approach to all measures, international consensus on short and long-term steps, identification of causes breeding terrorism, removal of confusion vis-à-vis understanding of the phenomenon, improvement of capabilities to pursue operatives, co-operation rather than coercion among nations, upholding of civil liberties, civilisation and cultural dialogue and a conference to craft an integrated international approach.
In a wide-ranging keynote address at an international seminar on global terrorism, Dr Lodhi stressed upon two themes filling the perception gap between the Muslim and the US-led western world and identifying root causes of terrorism, as the US sees it as lack of democracy in the Muslim world while the Islamic countries see political disputes and socio-economic injustice as factors breeding discord, unrest and terrorism.
Dr Lodhi also pinpointed lack of consensus on issues like "state terrorism" and the "right to resist foreign occupation" as considerations of paramount significance toward developing an unified global response to the menace of terrorism.
"The internationally acceptable definition of terrorism still remains an elusive pursuit," she noted.
The high commissioner, referring to the 7/7 attacks in London, pointed out these only confirm that no nation or country is immune to the threat of the menace.
In her widely appreciated analysis of the world affairs, Dr Lodhi said profound challenges evoke profound responses as "we all share the same world, our destinies are naturally entwined".
"Peace and security has never been nor ever will be a zero sum game," she declared, adding the only way to respond effectively to challenges posed by terrorism is to work with unity.
Advocating strongly in favour of a holistic response and a long-term strategy, she underlined the need for co-operation, co-ordination and said the world must shun confrontation.
"It is crucial that we promote harmony and understanding, which in turn are dependent on political, social and economic justice."