ABSTRACT

Climate disasters have led to large scale destruction, disruption, and mass displacements in Pakistan. These disasters have emerged as a threat to the socioeconomic stability of the displaced persons, exploiting their vulnerabilities theryby providing fertile ground to the agencies that promote violent extremism. This study aims to explore the link between climate disasters, displacement, governance failure and the increasing risk of violent extremism. The study primarily focuses on the Muzaffargarh district, following the 2022 floods.  Qualitative explanatory design has been utilized to understand the effects and gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Data collection was carried out using qualitative key informant interviews and the focus group discussions. Findings of the research reveal that the vulnerability to joining violent extremist groups is significantly increased, when the socioeconomic vulernabilities rise and trust in the government to provide support in the event of a disaster reduce among the displaced persons.  The study underscores the critical need to integrate disaster recovery efforts with livelihood restoration, laons, subsidies and insurance for farmers, psychological support, and trust building in the government, which can be achieved by providing necessary aid and support to the affected, thereby preventing exploitation and the risk of recruitment by extremist organizations.