Exploring the Role of Negotiators in Crisis Situations in the Context of Pakistan With an Insight from Islamic Teachings

Abstract

This research study explores the role of negotiators in crises within the context of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Crisis negotiators must establish contact with subjects, identify their demands, and work to resolve tense and often volatile standoffs without loss of life. Tactical teams must prepare to neutralize subjects through swift tactical means. For a coordinated response to be successful, each component of the crisis negotiation team needs to understand clearly the functions of the others. This research clarifies the role of crisis negotiators who find themselves in command of hostage or other critical incidents. Such understanding has taken on particular importance in recent years. Negotiators have become very active due partly to the reputations they have established for the successful, peaceful resolution of various types of critical incidents. The research study also addresses mishandled crises in Pakistan and the essential role and need of negotiators on the spot for Pakistan's law enforcement agencies. Crisis Negotiation, if appropriately utilized, can be highly effective and greatly enhance the range of situations a negotiator will be prepared to handle. This foundation in relationship and communication is essential in crises for negotiations to progress to the point where conflict between the parties is mitigated and agreements can be made. This study also addresses the psychological impact of hostage crises combined with elements of suicidal despair and homicidal rage, often aggravated by a severe mental disorder and fueled by drugs or by certain ideologists. Furthermore, the study also explains the victim's syndrome within the crisis and its effects on their mental health after any crisis. For example, Stockholm syndrome is an emotional response. This study also includes the Islamic perspective on the role of negotiators, crisis management in Islam, and conflict resolution in the Islamic perspective. That gave guidelines to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies to develop a crisis negotiation module.