IN post 9/11, Pakistan military remained on a forefront to counter external and internal security threats in various manifestation especially terrorism, militancy and insurgencies in various parts of the tribal areas and Balochistan. Peace and development are inseparable phenomena. Development, progress and prosperity of the society cannot be achieved without restoration of peace. The government of Pakistan launched various military operations in former tribal areas to target militants and their safe havens.
The terrorist attacks brought to naught the recreational activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and former tribal areas. This affected the potentialities of the youth and also refreshment opportunities of general masses especially children and families. In addition, the terrorists also targeted educational institutions especially female schools in tribal areas and other parts of the province. This resulted into low enrolment and closure of schools that put the career of future generation in danger. In such anarchical situation, the officers and Jawans of 11 Corpse spared no stone unturned to bring to normalcy to these areas at the cost of their blood, lives and families. In addition to this, various Brigades across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Merged District Areas (MDAs) under 11 Corpse played unprecedented role in peace building. The Touchi Scouts officers and Jawans shed their blood for their fellow countrymen.
In addition to professional responsibilities and operational activities, 11 Corpse has launched a parallel socio-economic strategy for rehabilitation of schools, colleges, health sector, provision of infrastructure facilities and revival of business activities for the local people whose local business were damaged due to severe wave of militancy in those areas.
11 Corpse played a pivotal role to establish Cadet Schools and colleges in various MDAs. Previously there was only Cadet College in Razmak, North Waziristan; which was also shifted to Peshawar due to severe security threats. Similarly, it also plays in role in rehabilitation of schools in terrorism-affected areas. It also established mobile schools, especially girls’ schools. Besides this, rehabilitation of hospitals is also on top of priorities of this Corpse. Moreover, the restoration of peace in North Waziristan District enabled the government of Pakistan with the support of 11 Corpse the exploration of Copper mines reservoirs. Frontier Works Organisation played major role in construction of 84 KMs long Bannu-Miranshah-Ghulam Khan Road. This has become the shortest trade route to Afghanistan wherein Travelling time between Bannu and Ghulam Khan Border Post has been reduced from 6 hours to 1.5 hour. With this road, 705 KMs long strategic central trade corridor to Afghanistan has been completed for all kinds of move across the border up to Central Asia.
It is also worth to mention that 102 Brigade of 11 Corpse Peshawar also played remarkable role to restore peace in Peshawar and other areas fal under its jurisdiction. It collaborated with civil law enforcing agencies. It tried to support policing system in Peshawar. Peshawar once known as ‘City of Flowers’ lost its glory and charm due to looming threats of terrorism. The dwellers of Peshawar and its vicinities were restricted to their houses and avoided to go out for recreational activities. Business of the people was also affected. Keeping in view such gloomy picture of the situation, the officers and Jawans of 102 Brigade started their day and night struggle to restore the past hustle bustle of the city of Peshawar and its surrounding areas. They played role to open Parks and Restaurants for general public. The well-known projects are the uplift of Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium Park, Garrison Recreation Park, Sher Khan Amusement Park, Khalid bin Waleed Park, Garrison Recreation Complex and restaurants.
Furthermore, leadership and command matter in development of a society and state. The Commands of 11 Corpse in different times played their professional role in restoration of peace for their people. However, the incumbent Corps Commander of 11 Corpse has approached security environment in Merged District Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by relying on multi-dimensional modus operandi, i.e., engaging local elders, youths, academia and people all walks of life in peace building and development of these century old neglected tribal areas along with operational assignments.
The militants and anti-state elements have once again raised their heads to sabotage peace and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Merged District areas. It is not sole responsibility of armed forces and security agencies to restore peace. It is the responsibility of every citizen of Pakistan to play his due role to support their security forces in this noble cause. Simply, collective efforts of the people are required in this connection. Peace cannot be dreamed of without extending helping hands to law enforcing agencies and government. People need to shun negative propaganda against law enforcing agencies and military in this war of media.
—The writer is Chairman, Department of Political Science, Islamia College Peshawar.
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views expressed are writer’s own.
