Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi

CTC Sentinel, 2010

This article profiles Khyber Agency, showing how it is suffering from a blend of sectarian violen... more This article profiles Khyber Agency, showing how it is suffering from a blend of sectarian violence and Talibanization. It also reveals how at least one militant group in Khyber, Lashkar-i-Islam (LI), has morphed from a vigilante crime fighting organization into a terrorist group allied with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Combating Threats Exchange Journal, 2025

The merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATAs) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) marked... more The merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATAs) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) marked a pivotal step in integrating these regions into Pakistan's constitutional framework, yet it posed significant challenges for policing and governance. Rooted in tribal traditions, the region's law enforcement system—comprising Levies and Khasadars—struggles to adapt to modern criminal justice practices. This study highlights the persistent influence of collective responsibility, tribal justice mechanisms, and socio-political dynamics that hinder the effectiveness of policing in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). Drawing on the case of Kurram District, it examines the complexities of transitioning to a formal police structure amid sectarian tensions, infrastructure limitations, and terrorist threats. The article offers actionable recommendations, including comprehensive training, equitable recruitment, and integration of traditional practices with modern law enforcement, to ensure sustainable reforms. These insights emphasize the critical need for resource allocation, community engagement, and political will to achieve the overarching goal of justice and security in Pakistan’s tribal regions.

The Geopolitics, 2024

This classic savior of Syria is a militant leader with a ten-million-dollar price tag on his head... more This classic savior of Syria is a militant leader with a ten-million-dollar price tag on his head. He has been an al-Qaeda franchise leader, battled Americans in Iraq, and deployed suicide bombers in Syria. He has given interviews for international media, even after being designated a terrorist by the West. He was Islamic State’s number one man in Syria until he betrayed them, becoming the top commander for al-Qaeda in Syria, later abandoning them as well.

T - Magazine Special Issue Express Tribune, 2024

The conflict in Kurram can only be solved by a healing of hearts and minds. This security mindset... more The conflict in Kurram can only be solved by a healing of hearts and minds. This security mindset of the ruling class, the mindset of the elites, is one of the main reasons for the long-standing backwardness of this area. Whenever there were reforms in India in the British era, these tribal agencies were never given their share. This was not just because they these areas lacked political representation, but it was primarily the mindset that too much development would ‘dilute’ the ‘martial’ nature of this area.

T-Magazine Express Tribune, 2024

The long-standing problems of FATA have just been handed down to the NMDs and its police force. O... more The long-standing problems of FATA have just been handed down to the NMDs and its police force. Once upon time, there was a place called FATA, at times called the most
dangerous place on earth. It was the picture of ultimate disparity compared to rest of
Pakistan, backwards in regard to every conceivable human wellness indicator. Then, in
2018, it was merged into the national mainstream in Pakistan, and re-branded as newly
merged districts (NMDs). The draconian law of Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) was
repealed, and FATA got the laws and policies of Pakistan- people got the same
constitutional protections as every other citizen.
And then, all was well.
Or, was it?

The phenomenon of radicalization has played a major part in the ongoing militancy in Pakistan’s r... more The phenomenon of radicalization has played a major part in the ongoing militancy in Pakistan’s restive tribal regions along the Pak-Afghan border. This paper traces a possible link between radicalization and poverty in the country by surveying 1,147 respondents, consisting of a sample universe of the poor compared with more affluent control groups. All the provinces of Pakistan were included in the sample universe, with the findings centered on an analytical discourse of poverty in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, and a possible link to escalating militancy there. The analysis engages with relevant literature to argue for the development of sub-nationally researched, fresh perspectives on linkages between poverty and radicalization in Pakistan. (Complete paper is published in PIPS Research Journal Conflict and Peace Studies, Volume 3, Number 3, Jul-Sep 2010.) To buy and/or subscribe you can Email at pips@san-pips.com publications@san-pips.com or Contact by telephon...

Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 2010

This paper puts Assabiyya into its contextual paradigms related to leadership in the Islamic worl... more This paper puts Assabiyya into its contextual paradigms related to leadership in the Islamic world. The different trajectories of elitist patterns of leadership in the Islamic world are elucidated, with their tendency to generate Islamist sentiments amongst tribalized masses. The Meta Assabic dynamics of this mobilization is described, which pertains to an excessive group loyalty feeling based upon the perception of an urgent redemption of honour. The centrist relationship trends between the modern Islamists and Islamic regimes are dwelt upon, in the backdrop of Petro Islam and the Islamist outreach to theatres, with the help of examples from Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is vital to comprehending the geopolitical undercurrents of perceptions of redemption of honour rampant within Islamist ranks today.

Journal of Strategic Security, 2010

Though Western analysts tend to mention al-Qaida and Taliban in Pakistan in the same context, the... more Though Western analysts tend to mention al-Qaida and Taliban in Pakistan in the same context, the dynamics of their relationship are far more complex than a cursory examination would reveal. The context of this relationship is best understood within the overarching paradigm of militant activities of post 9/11 Taliban and al-Qaida remnants in Pakistan's tribal areas, where these groups flourish. The military struggle in Afghanistan has significantly influenced the formation of a loosely structured alQaida/Taliban "nexus" that was forged in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), particularly Waziristan. In order to survive the ongoing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operations to flush them out, these groups rapidly devised a symbiotic strategy that characterizes al-Qaida's ability to subsume itself within the ranks of different militant organizations in Pakistan.

Arab Studies Quarterly, 2009

Besides denoting an armed struggle, it has the connotations of a moral struggle within one's own ... more Besides denoting an armed struggle, it has the connotations of a moral struggle within one's own self. It thus carries the hermeneutical meaning of a moral endeavour directed towards one's own improvement or self- elevation on a moral plane which Muslim jurists of eminence have been quoted as calling Jihad-e-Akbar or bigger jihad. On the other hand, preparations and participation for defence against an armed conflict in consequence of foreign aggression has been known as Qitaal or Jihad-e-Asghar.

Athena Intelligence Journal, 2008

The fundamentalist distortion of the Islamic message involves the manipulation of Islamic teachin... more The fundamentalist distortion of the Islamic message involves the manipulation of Islamic teachings by extremist groups to justify violence and political agendas. This misrepresentation often stems from a literal and selective interpretation of religious texts, disregarding the broader, peaceful principles of Islam. Such distortions can lead to extremism, fanaticism, intolerance, and terrorism.

BROOKINGS PROJECT ON LOCAL ORDERS - The present disorder in the international system is significa... more BROOKINGS PROJECT ON LOCAL ORDERS - The present disorder in the international system is significantly augmented by the breakdown of domestic order across a number of key states. Around the globe, the politics of identity, ideology and religion are producing highly polarized societies and deepening conflicts among non-state actors and between non-state actors and the state. In the Middle East, the Arab Spring disrupted long calcified political systems in ways that are still producing unpredictable effects on the regional order. The collapse of political order in Libya has wide-ranging consequences for governance across the Sahel, intensifying Mali and Nigeria’s fragility and highlighting the many deficiencies of their states. Meanwhile, Russia’s annexation of Crimea was facilitated by a breakdown of political order in Ukraine, and Russia’s aggressive external posture also partially reflects and compensates for its internal weaknesses. But even emerging powers such as India and Brazil face profound and persistent governance problems, including in public safety and the rule of law. Among the topics explored in the Seminar are the construction of institutions and counter-institutions in the Middle East and South Asia; the role of external interveners and local militias in conflict settings; and forms of governance in slums and prisons, such as by criminal groups.
The Seminar is a collaborative research space that serves as a launching pad for cutting edge debate and research around questions of local and transnational order, of which this paper is a part.

Any account of the rise of militancy in Pakistan would not be complete without accounting for the... more Any account of the rise of militancy in Pakistan would not be complete without accounting for the Lal Masjid militancy and its effects on terrorism in Pakistan.

Peace Works 113, 2016

Pakistan’s criminal justice system related to terrorism prosecution is in urgent need of reform. ... more Pakistan’s criminal justice system related to terrorism prosecution is in urgent need of reform. Conviction rates in the country’s anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) continue to be extremely low. This report highlights the numerous problems contributing to the system’s failure, including absent defense councils and witnesses, limited use of forensic evidence, poor investigative capacity, and lack of coordination between the police and prosecution. Compounding these problems is the high number of cases going through the ATCs, notably due to the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act’s broad definition of terrorism. Any reforms or new laws aimed at reducing terrorism must account for these long-standing implementation issues.

Defence against Terrorism Review, 2008

This paper traces the resurgence and reorganization of the Taliban into a new organizational enti... more This paper traces the resurgence and reorganization of the Taliban into a new organizational entity, the Taliban in Pakistan. The Taliban, forced to flee Afghanistan, have found a haven in Pakistan's tribal areas, re-organizing and recruiting anew in the process. Pakistani Taliban are ideologically similar to the Taliban in Afghanistan, but are organized in distinct organizational entities. They are, in effect, the new face of the Taliban. A comprehension of the evolution of this phenomenon is a vital aid to any research into the gravity of the geopolitical situation. The study traces the profiles of their warlords, organizations, and terror tactics.

Centre for International and Strategic Analysis( SISA)Norway, 2013

CTC Sentinel, 2010

Combating Threats Exchange Journal, 2025

The Geopolitics, 2024

T - Magazine Special Issue Express Tribune, 2024

T-Magazine Express Tribune, 2024

Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 2010

Journal of Strategic Security, 2010

Arab Studies Quarterly, 2009

Athena Intelligence Journal, 2008

Peace Works 113, 2016

Defence against Terrorism Review, 2008

Centre for International and Strategic Analysis( SISA)Norway, 2013

Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies( PIPS), 2024

This monograph aims to contextualize the narratives underpinning Pakistan's national security cha... more This monograph aims to contextualize the narratives underpinning Pakistan's national security challenges, examining the clarity or ambiguity in its strategic worldview regarding internal security. National security doctrines evolve gradually, shaped by institutionalization and sudden drastic changes. States with broader global aspirations face expansive challenges, whereas those focused on domestic protection adopt a narrower focus. Geographic location significantly impacts security strategies, with landlocked states facing direct territorial disputes and insular states like Pakistan considering regional neighbors in their security calculus. Power dynamics and state perception are critical in international politics, where power projection influences both external and internal perceptions. Public perception of law enforcement and the military plays a crucial role in shaping national security. Economic conditions further complicate national security, with economic instability limiting rational security decisions. This paper delves into these intricacies, exploring the interplay of geography, power, ideology, public perception, international relations and economic capacity in shaping Pakistan's national security policy, ultimately seeking to discern the coherence and effectiveness of its strategic worldview.

This book appears at a critical time in human history as our social concerns are further mitigate... more This book appears at a critical time in human history as our social concerns are further mitigated by an eminent threat to World wide safety and survival. The present crisis of war, destabilization, economic downturns, human rights violations and state interventions are leading to unprecedented number of refugees in many regions of our embattled planet. The Ebola epidemic in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea has transformed a health crisis into a peace and security challenge. It shows what we already know, that peace and care are intrinsically related. The well-being and care of people in affected communities and the means to provide care within communities is central to conflict-resolution. The leadership that women offer in this context constitutes an important element of peace-building and so is women s ability to participate in governance. This Chapter from the book engages with these issues .

The dynamics of the current Taliban insurgency is not confined to a single theatre, but transcend... more The dynamics of the current Taliban insurgency is not confined to a single theatre, but transcends the boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ethnic mix of Afghanistan is skewed towards Pashtuns, which explains why the Taliban movement emerged in the Pashtun South of the country, and had a predominantly Pashtun backing. Their fanatical policies generated intense resentment from almost all the other ethnic groups, including some Pashtuns, which partially explains the routing of the Taliban in the wake of the US led campaign in 2001. The easy victory of the American forces over the Taliban in Afghanistan led them to believe that Afghanistan would be pacified quickly, since the campaign took only two months and the Americans sustained just one casualty. Hamid Karzai seemed an ideal choice as a moderate interim President, and it was believed that he would eventually be able to pacify Afghanistan. Donald Rumsfeld was explicitly not interested in `nation building': helping Afghanistan to develop a healthy infrastructure. However, despite the fact that the Americans were anticipating a smooth sailing from the comfort zone of aerial bombing campaigns, they had not studied the realities on ground. This proved to be a deadly mistake.

DAWN, 2011

THE plethora of studies of terrorist labour in Pakistan and elsewhere provide vague empirical ass... more THE plethora of studies of terrorist labour in Pakistan and elsewhere provide vague empirical assessments of links between education, poverty and other aspects of socio-economic status and popular support for terrorism.

DAWN, 2011

SINCE the reasons behind the rise of militancy are multifarious, an analysis utilising any single... more SINCE the reasons behind the rise of militancy are multifarious, an analysis utilising any single variable would be misleading.

DAWN, 2011

WHEN 'terrorism' is used to refer to certain groups or their actions, it risks straying into the ... more WHEN 'terrorism' is used to refer to certain groups or their actions, it risks straying into the realm of subjectivity. The attacks of September 2001 and the terrorism associated with Al Qaeda have only added exponentially to the existing confusion regarding the definition of the word by popularising new terms and phrases such as 'international terrorism', 'global terrorism', 'catastrophic terrorism' etc.

DAWN, 2012

WHEN the Americans lost interest in Afghanistan after the defeat of the Soviets, the face of the ... more WHEN the Americans lost interest in Afghanistan after the defeat of the Soviets, the face of the Af-Pak region changed forever. It turned the Arabs in Afghanistan, and extremists in this country and in Pakistan, into new regional actors.

DAWN, 2012

STATE fragility in developing nations has traditionally been examined as a purely domestic concer... more STATE fragility in developing nations has traditionally been examined as a purely domestic concern, operating away from the global winds of change. This has usually been considered in the context of weak or contested leadership, and the debilitation of the capacity of states to deliver services to their people. Many hypotheses have been put forward, though, and by no means has a consensus over a definition evolved yet.

DAWN, 2012

It was projected that a militarily weakened Al Qaeda, under extreme duress from the barrage of co... more It was projected that a militarily weakened Al Qaeda, under extreme duress from the barrage of counterterrorism measures from the West, would start to succumb, as evidence of which the increasing number of failed terrorist attempts were put forward.

DAWN, 2012

AMERICA’S rise to the status of the world’s premier power has not been without criticism from the... more AMERICA’S rise to the status of the world’s premier power has not been without criticism from the European intelligentsia.

DAWN, 2012

IDEOLOGY may have been the forte of Al Qaeda ideologues promoting global jihad, but it has also c... more IDEOLOGY may have been the forte of Al Qaeda ideologues promoting global jihad, but it has also combined with a military tactical doctrine to make it look more pragmatic to millions of ‘jihobbyists’ around the world.
Since this becomes a conflict between good and bad, good has to necessarily triumph over bad, since without an alternative vision for the future, no ideology can hope to succeed.

DAWN, 2012

Pakistan is exposed to multiple forms of natural and manmade disasters. Natural disasters range f... more Pakistan is exposed to multiple forms of natural and manmade disasters. Natural disasters range from earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides, and sea-based hazards. A relief and response model for coping with disasters has been the basis of our reactive response to disasters.

DAWN, 2012

IT could be asked why two countries that gained independence at same time grow at varying rates. ... more IT could be asked why two countries that gained independence at same time grow at varying rates. There are three schools of thought about this, one of the leading ones relating to institutional economics. This states that countries that have developed institutions in a democratic manner and have used them as such have a faster rate of growth.

DAWN, 2012

Several findings now find currency in social science, which suggest that compared to the ordinary... more Several findings now find currency in social science, which
suggest that compared to the ordinary citizen, terrorists do
not exhibit unusually high rates of clinical
psychopathology, irrationality, or personality disorders.

DAWN, 2012

OVER the years, studies have suggested that an extensive military response to terrorism may tempo... more OVER the years, studies have suggested that an extensive military response to terrorism may temporarily increase terrorist activity rather than cause it to decrease permanently. Walter Enders and Todd Sandler in the American Political Science Review (‘The Effectiveness of Anti-Terrorism Policies: A VAR-Intervention Analysis’) did a serial time review of US military measures against Libya. They found a rise in terrorism-related incidents.

DAWN, 2012

WE tend to think that terrorists are the ‘others’, people who cannot belong in a civilised societ... more WE tend to think that terrorists are the ‘others’, people who cannot belong in a civilised society structure. It is also tempting to assume that terrorists must necessarily be evil, deluded or homicidal misfits who are the products of poverty, ignorance and anarchy. Since these misfits are and ostensibly always have been caught up in a spiral of anarchy, they will always become terrorists, or so the thinking goes.

DAWN, 2012

THE theory of ‘just war’ is a widely used paradigm for analysing the morality of international re... more THE theory of ‘just war’ is a widely used paradigm for analysing the morality of international relations, specifically warfare.
The just war theory maintains that warfare must meet certain criteria to be legitimate. It can also be used to gauge the morality of violence other than warfare, enacted by entities other than states. Like warfare, terrorism can be a strategic decision, following a deliberate cost-benefit analysis, to engage in violent struggle.

DAWN, 2013

PAKISTAN’S ranking on the World Bank’s political stability index dropped sharply in 2006 and 2007... more PAKISTAN’S ranking on the World Bank’s political stability index dropped sharply in 2006 and 2007 before stabilising somewhat during 2007 and 2008. In 2009, Pakistan’s percentile rank on political stability dropped a further 0.5, placing it the lowest in South Asia, behind Afghanistan. The responses to instability, regionalism and economic stagnation need drastic improvement.

DAWN, 2013

AMONGST the biggest problems Pakistan faces is a very basic challenge which is sometimes convenie... more AMONGST the biggest problems Pakistan faces is a very basic challenge which is sometimes conveniently forgotten — that of the population boom. Pakistan is one of five countries in the world where every generation is double the size of the one preceding it. A 2009 British Council study documented that almost half of all Pakistanis were below the age of 20. As many as two-thirds of them were below the age of 13, making the country one of the biggest ‘youth bulge’ nations in the world.

DAWN, 2013

THERE is empirical evidence to suggest that non-violent radicalism, or what some analysts call ‘v... more THERE is empirical evidence to suggest that non-violent radicalism, or what some analysts call ‘virtual radicalism’, not only exists in Pakistani society to a considerable extent but is also on the rise. This compromises state efforts to counter terrorism and militancy. The non-violent or ‘virtual’ radicals provide ideological support and a recruitment base for violent radicals. The transformation from the former to the latter is also very difficult to predict.

DAWN, 2013

SOME time ago, a Pakistani court acquitted nine men who had been on trial for the February 2008 s... more SOME time ago, a Pakistani court acquitted nine men who had been on trial for the February 2008 suicide attack which killed the Pakistan Army’s surgeon-general, Lt-Gen Mushtaq Ahmed Baig, in Rawalpindi’s Garrison area.

The presiding judge, Justice Raja Akhlaq Hussain, said the prosecution had “miserably failed to establish [the] involvement of present accused in the alleged occurrence”. His 12-page judgment is testament to what is wrong with anti-terrorist prosecution in Pakistan, and squarely blames the police for their inability to collect evidence and substantiate allegations.

DAWN, 2013

THE Anti-Terrorist Act 1997(ATA) was amended by many ordinances, but since ordinances are a tempo... more THE Anti-Terrorist Act 1997(ATA) was amended by many ordinances, but since ordinances are a temporary phenomenon, with their lapsing the same old ATA remains with its many flaws.

There is the issue of the ATA clashing with other laws. For instance, Section 2d of the ATA deals with who shall be dealt with as a child, but the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (JJSO) 2000 also addresses this. Most suicide bombers are children and if caught are treated according to the ATA. Under the JJSO they are entitled to more lenient treatment. While legally the ATA overrides the latter because of its overarching effect, the problem of how to deal with juveniles remains.

DAWN, 2013

LITIGATION that is tangential to hard-core terrorism accounts for a huge proportion of cases trie... more LITIGATION that is tangential to hard-core terrorism accounts for a huge proportion of cases tried in the Anti Terrorism Courts (ATCs) and thus takes up a correspondingly large proportion of both time and resources.

This prevents the courts from devoting time and energy to important cases. It is an established fact that the police incriminate accused persons under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 when they want long prison sentences for, or deny bail to, suspects. Many litigants misuse the stricter sentences given in the ATCs to bring false cases against their rivals.

ANF Basic Course Manuals, 2024

The Module 4 Manual is a meticulously designed training resource for Basic Course (BC) trainees, ... more The Module 4 Manual is a meticulously designed training resource for Basic Course (BC) trainees, focusing on intelligence strategies, law enforcement methodologies, and advanced technological applications in counter-narcotics. Drawing from international case studies such as INTERPOL’s Biometric Hub and Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, the manual provides a global perspective while incorporating localized insights like Pakistan's NACTA threat analysis model. It covers the Intelligence Process Cycle, tactical and evidential intelligence, undercover operations, and surveillance techniques, highlighting ethical considerations and challenges. Practical applications include group activities, threat matrices, and case studies on ground checks and international collaboration. By integrating global best practices with domestic legal frameworks, this manual offers an engaging, interactive, and forward-thinking curriculum designed to empower trainees with the critical skills necessary for intelligence-led enforcement and strategic counter-narcotics operations.

ANF Academy Basic Course Manuals, 2024

The Training Manual: Module 3 - Enforcement offers a detailed exploration of enforcement strategi... more The Training Manual: Module 3 - Enforcement offers a detailed exploration of enforcement strategies, risk mitigation, and operational protocols critical to the Anti-Narcotics Force's (ANF) mission. It begins by emphasizing effective search techniques for persons, vehicles, and venues, with a special focus on risk mitigation at airports through passenger profiling, identity verification, and technological integration. A European case study highlights the intersection of youth travel, nightlife, and drug-related behaviors, providing insights into drug trends at popular destinations like Ibiza and Majorca. The manual progresses to operational best practices for searches, addressing privacy concerns and detailing procedures for dry port cargo examination, including ARACOR EAGLE technology for advanced inspections. It presents case studies on seaport narcotics trafficking and container profiling, exploring international jurisdiction and insider complicity. The ANF’s comprehensive "SPEAR" strategy, encompassing surveillance, intelligence, and international collaboration, is outlined as a cornerstone of its enforcement framework. Global alliances are spotlighted through success stories like Operation SpecTor against darknet drug trafficking and Operation King Cobra targeting a drug empire in the Golden Triangle. The manual also delves into crime scene management, evidence preservation, and strategic raid planning, reinforced by real-life case studies such as cocaine trafficking in Europe and postal drug smuggling in the US. Additionally, it covers two-way radio etiquette, map reading, and organizational structures within ANF police stations, emphasizing clear communication and effective teamwork. Concluding with community engagement, the manual underscores ANF’s efforts in treatment, rehabilitation, and awareness campaigns, positioning enforcement as a holistic endeavor addressing the multifaceted challenges of narcotics control.

ANF Academy Basic Course Manuals, 2024

The Training Manual: Module 2 - Law is a meticulously crafted resource designed to provide a comp... more The Training Manual: Module 2 - Law is a meticulously crafted resource designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their application within the Basic Course framework, particularly for Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officers. It introduces essential legal terminologies and offers an in-depth exploration of key legislation such as the ANF Act, the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) 1997, the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Police Rules, the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order 1984, the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules 2020, and the ANF Reward Rules. Through a scenario-based learning approach, the manual simplifies complex legal concepts, blending theoretical knowledge with plausible real-life examples to ensure practical relevance. It delves into criminal law, evidence handling, investigation procedures, and disciplinary rules, while offering detailed guidance on FIR registration, trials, and asset forfeiture. Avoiding comparative jurisprudence, the manual emphasizes the local legal context to foster clarity and applicability. With interactive case studies, practical exercises, and real-world templates, it transforms dense legal frameworks into accessible, job-relevant insights, making it an indispensable tool for understanding and applying the law effectively in counter-narcotics operations.

ANF Academy Basic Course Manuals, 2024

This manual presents a meticulous exploration of Pakistan's National Counter Narcotics Policy and... more This manual presents a meticulous exploration of Pakistan's National Counter Narcotics Policy and the operational framework of the ANF, enriched with international perspectives from the United States, Thailand, and other global entities. It provides comprehensive lessons on policy frameworks, operational strategies, and collaborative efforts at national and international levels.
The curriculum includes a detailed analysis of the Zero Poppy Strategy, alternative development initiatives, and preventive measures against illicit drug flows. It also delves into the ANF's organizational structure, specialized units, and operational successes. Comparative analyses with international counter-narcotics policies provide trainees with a global perspective, while the integration of case studies, exercises, and interactive learning modules ensures engagement and practical understanding.
The lessons also encompass global drug trends, concealment methods, screening challenges, and evolving detection techniques, providing a holistic view of the narcotics landscape. By aligning with the ANFA block syllabus, this manual ensures comprehensive coverage of the topics essential to counter-narcotics operations.

UNODC Counter Terrorism Booklets, 2021

This pivotal endeavor involved the review and drafting of a standardized national curriculum for ... more This pivotal endeavor involved the review and drafting of a standardized national curriculum for counter-terrorism investigations in Pakistan, which is set to redefine the investigative capacities of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the country. The curriculum, comprising a series of seventeen comprehensive booklets, was meticulously designed to address both the theoretical and practical dimensions of counter-terrorism. It covers a wide array of topics, ranging from the conceptual underpinnings of terrorism in Pakistan to the operational challenges faced by investigators. The curriculum leverages Pakistan-specific case studies and Anti-Terrorism Court cases to provide a localized, pragmatic framework for learning.
The table of contends of each booklet is being uploaded individually.
Key focus areas of the curriculum include:
• The dynamics of terrorism in Pakistan and the organizational structures of terrorist entities.
• Legal frameworks, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, and its application in counter-terrorism investigations.
• Investigative processes related to organized crime, the registration of FIRs, and subsequent investigations.
• Utilization of intelligence and evidence in terrorism and organized crime cases.
• Best practices for interrogation, interview techniques, witness protection, and handling.
• Investigating complex crimes such as terrorism financing, money laundering, sexual offenses, and gender-based violence.
• Compliance with international obligations and human rights standards in counter-terrorism policing.
The development process was deeply collaborative, involving extensive consultations with senior officials from law enforcement and judicial institutions across Pakistan. Key contributors included representatives from the Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs) of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), judicial academies, prosecution departments, senior legal practitioners, NACTA, and the National Police Bureau.

UNODC Counter Terrorism Booklets, 2021

This booklet, titled "Witness Protection," is a cornerstone of the standardized national curricul... more This booklet, titled "Witness Protection," is a cornerstone of the standardized national curriculum for counter-terrorism investigations in Pakistan. Part of a series of seventeen comprehensive booklets, it addresses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of counter-terrorism and organized crime investigations: ensuring the safety and security of witnesses.

Witnesses are pivotal in the prosecution of terrorism and organized crime cases, often holding the key to successful convictions. However, threats, intimidation, and violence against witnesses have historically undermined justice in Pakistan. Recognizing this challenge, this booklet provides a pragmatic framework for witness protection tailored to the country's unique sociopolitical and legal landscape.

Leveraging insights from Pakistan-specific case studies and Anti-Terrorism Court precedents, the booklet explores strategies for safeguarding witnesses while balancing investigative needs and human rights obligations. It covers a wide spectrum of topics, including:

Developing witness protection programs and legal frameworks.
Techniques for securing witness anonymity and relocation.
Strategies to counter intimidation and ensure testimony integrity.
Practical considerations for law enforcement officers managing high-risk witnesses.
Developed through extensive consultations with law enforcement, judicial institutions, and senior legal practitioners, this booklet equips investigators with the knowledge and tools to protect witnesses effectively. It underscores the importance of witness protection not just as a legal requirement, but as a cornerstone of a fair and functional justice system in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and organized crime.

UNODC Counter Terrorism Booklets, 2021