War & Terrorism: Consequences in Pakistan

A guest lecture on “War and Terrorism: Consequences in Pakistan” was conducted for Year 3 MBBS students under longitudinal theme of Pakistan Studies, in the Neurosciences & Psychiatry module directed by Dr Abida Shaheen. The lecture was organised by Dr Umme Kulsoom Khattak under the lead of Prof Dr Ashraf Hussain. The lecture was delivered by our worthy guest speaker Dr Irfan Mehsud, who is a PhD in Political Science and serving at National Defence University. Dr Irfan explored the ongoing challenges in Pakistan due to war and terrorism, which have deeply affected the country’s development. Conflicts with neighbouring countries and internal insurgencies have contributed to instability, while terrorism, particularly following global events, has exacerbated these issues particularly in conflict-affected areas, leading to long-term setbacks. He further discussed the psychological effects on individuals and communities due to prolonged exposure to violence and displacement, adding to the mental health issues. Communities living in areas of recurring conflict have experienced a loss of social cohesion and security, contributing to an environment of fear and uncertainty. Dr Irfan emphasised that addressing the root causes of extremism through inclusive policies and regional cooperation can help restore stability and peace. By the end of the session, through insightful discussions and Question Answer session, students gained a deeper understanding of how war impacts society, particularly in Pakistan, and learned to differentiate between the complex narratives surrounding terrorism.