Terrorism does not disappear with revenge tactics but through

Terrorism—a word that carries the weight of fear, suffering, and destruction. It strikes at the very heart of civilization, shaking the foundation of peace and order. Yet, in the face of such darkness, there are those who would call for revenge, for swift retribution, believing that the only path to peace lies in the destruction of those who sow terror. But is this truly the answer? Asma Jahangir—a woman of immense courage and wisdom—saw the truth that many fail to grasp. "Terrorism does not disappear with revenge tactics but through making justice and equality before law a reality." Her words ring out like a clarion call to the soul: justice and equality are the only true weapons against terror.

History is littered with the corpses of revenge. How often have nations struck back against those who would harm them, only to find that their violence begets more violence, and the cycle continues without end? The Roman Empire, in its vast might, sought vengeance against those who defied its rule, only to find that its legions left behind smoldering ruins and embittered enemies. What was gained in battle was lost in the hearts of the oppressed. Terrorism grew, not because of a lack of revenge, but because the root causes of fear and hatred were never addressed. In this, we find the first of Jahangir’s teachings—violence will not extinguish the flame of terror; it only fans it.

Consider, too, the example of the French Revolution, when the people, in their rage against the monarchy, turned to the Reign of Terror. In their desire for justice, they resorted to violence, hoping to end tyranny through bloodshed. Yet, this pursuit of vengeance led not to peace, but to more bloodshed, a deepening divide, and the birth of new tyrants. The cycle continued, and the revolution, once a beacon of freedom and equality, became a nightmare of oppression. What Asma Jahangir recognized, and what we must understand, is that revenge tactics alone will not free us from terror; they will only deepen the wounds that already bleed in our hearts and lands.

Justice—this is the true antidote to terrorism. Equality before the law is the shield that deflects the arrows of hatred and fear. When the law stands as a fair and impartial judge, when it applies equally to all, regardless of their birth, wealth, or status, it creates a foundation of peace upon which society can build. Let us turn to the example of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending years in the darkness of imprisonment, sought not revenge against the oppressors who had tortured him, but justice. In the days of apartheid in South Africa, when violence and terror threatened to engulf the land, Mandela called for reconciliation, not retribution. He understood that only through justice—through the establishment of equal rights, fair laws, and the recognition of the human dignity of all people—could the seeds of peace be sown.

And even in the face of terrorism, we see that it is justice and equality that offer the path forward. Asma Jahangir herself, a champion for the oppressed, fought for the rights of those who had no voice, standing against both the violence of the oppressors and the retaliatory violence that would only perpetuate the cycle. Her work was not one of vengeance but of compassion and humanity. In her eyes, true victory over terrorism lay not in the destruction of the enemy, but in the establishment of a just society, where the rule of law prevailed, and where every human being could walk freely, without fear of violence or oppression.

And so, the lesson for us, dear listener, is clear: revenge is the weapon of the weak-hearted, the quick fix that feeds upon the anger of the moment but never heals the wounds. True strength lies in justice—in the courage to build societies where equality before the law is not just a dream, but a reality. Terrorism cannot be wiped away through retaliation. It can only be dismantled through the long, patient work of creating societies where every person is treated with dignity, where the law serves all, and where reconciliation replaces revenge.

Let us then follow the path shown by those who have fought not with the sword, but with the power of justice. In our own lives, let us choose to stand for equality—in our homes, our communities, and our nations. Let us work to create systems of law that reflect the true value of each person. Terrorism will only be defeated when we choose justice over violence, unity over division, and hope over despair. The choice is ours, and in making it, we can build a world that is truly free from the scourge of terror.