Abstract

In a world where terrorism and extremism are an ever present danger in our lives, it is important to understand and address the roots of this radicalisation and discontent. One of the most controversial countries in the international terror dialogue, and never more so than in the light of Osama Bin Laden’s recent death, Pakistan has been at the centre of the debate for many years. Gripped by poverty, corruption, and often incompetence, the Pakistani people have suffered violence, despair, and frustration for longer than many can remember. A key component in this is the ailing education system, which should be providing Pakistan hope for a brighter future but instead continues to fail children and their families across the country and, subsequently, across the world. It is the failing of this system that is leading to the disenfranchisement and disengagement of many Pakistani children and youth within their society and leaving them vulnerable to radicalisation.