Evaluating the Role of Criminal Justice System in the Promotion and Prevention of Terrorism: A Case Study of the Regional Directorate, Peshawar

The criminal justice system plays a pivotal role in both the prevention and promotion of terrorism, acting as a double-edged sword depending on its effectiveness, fairness, and public perception. On one hand, it helps prevent terrorism through law enforcement, intelligence gathering, prosecution of offenders, and implementation of counter-terrorism laws that disrupt terrorist networks and deter potential threats. On the other hand, perceived injustices such as racial profiling, unlawful detention, or overly harsh counter-terrorism measures can alienate communities and foster grievances that fuel radicalization, inadvertently promoting terrorism. Thus, a balanced, transparent, and rights-respecting criminal justice system is essential to both counteract terrorist threats and build societal trust that underpins long-term security.