By Khalid Khan
The suicide of Abdul Kabir, a member of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from the Khwaja Khel area in the Tirah Valley, highlights a critical yet often overlooked issue within the militant groups that reveals the deep mental health struggles leading to extreme outcomes such as suicide. His death is not simply an end but rather the logical conclusion of years spent in the grip of psychological distress, the kind that is often exacerbated by the realities of life within militant organizations.
Kabirâs story is not new and unique. It reflects the severe emotional and psychological toll suffered by many who join militant organizations. Initially, many individuals, including those in the TTP, are drawn to such groups due to poverty, ignorance, and a sense of alienation that has already taken its toll through overwhelming mental distress. These factors, often compounded by a lack of viable alternatives, make them vulnerable to the false promises and manipulation of extremist ideologies. The allure of identity, financial support, and a sense of belonging leads many, like Kabir, to fall into the clutches of groups that offer a warped sense of purpose.
Once embedded within these organizations, the stark realities of violence and extremism quickly set in. The emotional toll of engaging in violence, compounded by the internal contradictions of their cause, often leads to a growing sense of guilt and moral conflict. Kabirâs suicide was the culmination of these internal struggles, with sources indicating that his mental state had deteriorated long before he took his life in the Bhutan Sharif area. Kabirâs involvement in the TTP, a group built on violence and deceit, had increasingly felt at odds with his own moral compass. The realization that the cause he fought for was not rooted in justice but rather in destruction intensified his psychological turmoil.
The situation within the TTP is further compounded by constant infighting, paranoia, and the ever-present threat of death. Militants are frequently pitted against each other, and loyalty is measured by the willingness to participate in violence or betray others. This creates an environment of fear and insecurity, one that is toxic to mental well-being. In Kabirâs case, the overwhelming stress of daily existence, the constant fear of death, and the pressure to remain loyal to the group contributed significantly to his depression.
Many militants, as they witness the consequences of their violent actions, begin to question their beliefs and the legitimacy of the cause they have been fighting for. This realization often triggers deep depression, as they struggle to reconcile their conscience with the harm theyâve caused. Kabir, after years of violent acts, reportedly reached this point, recognizing that the violence he participated in caused harm rather than honor. This moral awakening is common among militants, but it often leads to profound internal conflict, heightened by the inability to escape the group or seek help for their psychological pain.
The mental health crisis within militant organizations like the TTP is not only the result of ideological disillusionment but also the product of the severe conditions in which these groups operate. Many militants live in a state of constant fear, both from external forces and internal betrayals. The constant threat of being hunted down by fellow militants or security forces creates an environment ripe for paranoia, isolation, and depression. In this context, Kabirâs suicide, while tragic, was not unexpected but rather the logical outcome of his spiraling mental state.
Another factor contributing to the growing mental health issues within the TTP is the connection with Afghan-based terrorist groups. The harsh conditions of living in a war zone, compounded by a constant state of hiding and fear of death, exacerbate the psychological burden on militants. The sense of betrayal, compounded by the pressures of being constantly on edge, only deepens their emotional distress. The stigma of being labeled a traitor or spy, alongside the prospect of torture or execution, creates a psychological grip on militants, preventing many from leaving the group even as they struggle with their conscience.
The recognition of the mental health crisis within these groups has led to some governmental efforts to offer rehabilitation programs to militants who surrender. These initiatives focus on not only reintegrating militants into society but also addressing their psychological distress through counseling and support. However, the stigma surrounding mental health in extremist circles remains a major barrier to the success of these programs. Many militants, despite the governmentâs offer of help, hesitate to seek support due to fear of being labeled weak or traitorous by their peers.
The internal dynamics of militant organizations, particularly the constant infighting and pressure to maintain loyalty, play a significant role in the mental health crisis. Militants like Kabir, who find themselves trapped in a cycle of violence, betrayal, and moral conflict, often reach a breaking point. For some, the psychological strain is so severe that it results in suicidal thoughts or self-destructive behavior. The fear of death, isolation, and guilt over their actions often drive militants to despair, leading to tragic outcomes such as suicide.
The mental health crisis within the TTP and similar groups should not be dismissed as an isolated issue but rather as a systemic problem that needs urgent attention. Policymakers must begin to recognize the psychological struggles of militants and understand that many individuals who join these groups are already grappling with significant mental health issues. Poverty, ignorance, and the search for belonging make them vulnerable to recruitment, but the psychological damage caused by violent ideologies only compounds the mental health crisis.
A shift in the way militants are viewed by society and policymakers is essential. Rather than being regarded as enemies or ideologues, militants should be seen for what they truly are: individuals suffering from severe psychological distress. Governments should start to publicly label those who join such groups as mentally sick, highlighting the mental health aspects of their recruitment and involvement. This could serve to erode the support base for extremist groups and dissuade potential recruits by creating fear that joining such organizations will result in being stigmatized as mentally unstable by society.
The case of Abdul Kabir is a stark reminder that the psychological toll of extremism is profound and that mental health issues must be addressed if we are to break the cycle of violence. By understanding the root causes of these issues and implementing robust mental health support systems, we can begin to dismantle the ideologies that fuel these groups. Only through a comprehensive approach that addresses both the psychological struggles and the social conditions leading to extremism can we hope to reduce the number of individuals like Kabir, trapped in a cycle of violence, despair, and ultimately, death.
Note: Khalid Khan is an accomplished poet, journalist, author, and writer based in Peshawar, Pakistan. With decades of experience in media and literature, he is a prominent voice in highlighting socio-political challenges in the region. Through his thought-provoking analyses, he advocates for progressive reforms and pragmatic policymaking to ensure a better future for Pakistan.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News.
The author Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.
