COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DERADICALIZATION STRATEGIES IN PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Deradicalization plays a vital role in countering violent extremism (CVE) by supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals influenced by extremist ideologies. Different countries adopt context-specific strategies—Pakistan relies mainly on militarized efforts, while Saudi Arabia implements a structured Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare (PRAC) model. This study compares both approaches, evaluating their effectiveness, strengths, and limitations. It identifies best practices that could inform improvements in Pakistan’s CVE programs, advocating for a more holistic strategy that incorporates psychological, social, and religious dimensions. The findings offer insights for developing sustainable, evidence-based deradicalization policies.