Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Technology and Terror – A Boon and Bane Relationship”, bringing together experts from academia, policy research, and counterterrorism to explore the evolving intersection of technology and terrorism.
The discussion highlighted how modern technology has transformed both terrorist tactics and counterterrorism strategies. Experts examined AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and blockchain-based terrorist financing while also emphasizing the role of AI, blockchain, unmanned platforms, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in counterterrorism efforts.
Dr. Dayyab Gillani, Director of Research Development at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), noted that while terrorists have remained operationally conservative, emerging threats such as cyberterrorism, 3D-printed weapons, and AI-driven radicalization pose significant challenges. He pointed out that digital platforms and cyber tactics are increasingly being used, despite the rarity of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
Dr. Usman W. Chohan, Advisor on Economic Affairs at CASS, discussed the financial aspects of terrorism, particularly how terrorist groups exploit blockchain and cryptocurrency to evade regulatory oversight. He stressed the need for robust countermeasures, including blockchain analytics and anti-money laundering strategies.
Muhammad Amir Rana, President of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), underscored the challenges of cyberterrorism and online radicalization. He called for stronger collaboration between governments, tech companies, and financial institutions to curb the exploitation of digital platforms by terrorist organizations.
A key part of the discussion focused on Pakistan’s need for enhanced institutional coordination and emerging tech ecosystems to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. Experts stressed that AI-driven analytics could help detect early signs of radicalization, identify terrorist networks, and optimize law enforcement resources. They urged greater collaboration between academia, private industry, and government agencies to integrate technology into national security frameworks.
During an interactive session, participants debated the ethical challenges of surveillance technologies, the risks of AI misuse in counterterrorism, and the delicate balance between security and privacy.
The session concluded with remarks by Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed (Retd.), President of CASS, who reiterated the importance of leveraging technology for national security while preventing its misuse by adversarial forces. He emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure a proactive, technology-driven counterterrorism approach for Pakistan.