Survivors of terrorism lack access to counselling

Express Tribune

01-06-2025

Located just 45 kilometers from the Afghan border, Peshawar has been in the grip of terrorism since the last 15 to 20 years, with thousands of people losing their lives and livelihoods to the war on terror. However, not a single rehabilitation center could be built in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to help victims of terrorism and their families to recover from their trauma.
In 2009, Yasir Khan lost six members of his family in the horrific bomb blast in Peshawar's Pipal Mandi. "More than 15 years have passed since the incident, but even today, when a terrorist incident occurs, my mind goes into shock again for a few moments. Perhaps the trauma of that incident has been buried deep within me. About 150 people were killed in the blast while about 250 were injured. The survivors are suffering from post-traumatic stress, but they have not been able to access psychological help," said Khan.
Likewise, in 2014, Arif Aqeel, a school teacher was badly injured in two suicide attacks at the All-Saints Church in Peshawar. Hailing from the Christian community, Arif lost one of his legs and a large chunk of his memory due to severe head injuries. Three years later, Arif's wounds could not heal, and he passed away. "First the shock of the explosion and then the death of Arif left a lasting impact on his wife and children. The family has not received counseling till date, due to which they are still suffering from psychological problems," shared Arif's brother-in-law, Augustine Jacob.
Similarly, Sir Naeem Gulzar, who was injured in the Peshawar Qissa Khawani blasts twice, shared a poignant narration of what goes on in the mind of a survivor coping with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even though ten years have passed since the tragedy, even today Gulzar is fearful of leaving the house and going to work. "Whenever I hear the sound of a vehicle, rickshaw, or a tyre bursting, I run away, thinking it is an explosion. Despite my efforts, I cannot get rid of the fear in my mind. My family has taken me to a psychiatrist twice, but it has not helped," shared Gulzar.
Gulzar's experience is not an isolated case. With the alarming increase in terrorist activity over the past few years, more and more people directly impacted by extremist atrocities are stuck in a cycle of trauma. According to data obtained by The Express Tribune, in 2022, 200 incidents of terrorism were reported in K-P and the tribal areas, while in 2023, 560 incidents of terrorism occurred.
In 2022, a total of 83 police officers and 96 soldiers were martyred, while in 2023, 167 police officers and 101 soldiers were killed. These incidents include the Peshawar Police Lines blast, the suicide attack on the Peshawar Kocha Risaldar Mosque and the explosion at a public meeting in Bajaur. In 2023, cases of terrorism witnessed a surge of about 70 per cent in K-P and the tribal areas, while 2024, saw a further 20 per cent increase in such incidents, with 630 incidents reported throughout the year.
Talking about the impact of terrorism on the quality of life, Professor Dr Jamil Chitrali, Chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Peshawar, revealed that in the past 20 years, 70,000 to 80,000 people have been killed in terrorist activity in Pakistan, out of which about 60,000 were civilians while 20,000 were personnel from the police, armed forces and other government agencies.
"The APS attack, Pipal Mandi and Khyber Bazar blasts were such big tragedies that it seems that people in every street of Peshawar have experiences their trauma. Unfortunately, however, there are only 500 mental health professionals in the country for a population of over 240 million. Until or unless there is a district-level rehab center for victims of terrorism and their families, these people will continue to suffer from despair, depression and psychological problems," implored Dr Chitrali.
Dr Uzma Ali, a clinical psychologist, told The Express Tribune that survivors of terrorism required clinical treatment and community support to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder. "Furthermore, the families of such victims also need counseling. People going through trauma should be supported by family, and relevant institutions such as health, social welfare, and the district administration. These victims should be considered under the Victim Support Program, which could help them cope with their trauma," said Dr Ali.