Yastasheer Abbas
IN the face of relentless warnings by Pakistan concerning the unabated increase in the foreign-origin terrorist incidents within its borders, the authorities have initiated a comprehensive operation to neutralize the escalating security challenge. The terrorist attack in D.I. Khan in which our 23 soldiers were martyred and 27 terrorists were neutralized vividly demonstrates the despondency of terrorists outfits as noose is tightened around them. This incident has once again evinced resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces to safeguard Pakistan’s national security and integrity in the face of grave security and terrorist threats.
In the current milieu, certain newspapers and media channels espousing foreign agenda are disseminating a narrative suggesting that Pakistan’s security landscape mirrors the grim conditions experienced between 2010 and 2014, prior to the initiation of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. These individuals embody a pessimistic disposition coupled with a sadistic approach, seemingly intent on fomenting chaos and uncertainty within the nation. An intellectual examination, comparing the contemporary situation with that of a decade ago, prompts several questions that warrant thoughtful consideration.
Is the situation today reminiscent of the daily bombings in every small and large city as it was in 2010? Is Swat still evincing a doleful picture of public floggings due to non-adherence to Sharia? Are Taliban still threatening to take control of Islamabad? Obviously, the answer of every Pakistani is a big No. These foreign touts have forgotten that in 2010, 62 percent of Former FATA was under sway of terrorists. As it used to happen a decade before, terrorists do not have same freedom nor the space to plan their activities by residing in the homes of local residents and the accommodations provided by their facilitators within the local population before embarking on their operations. They seem to forget the perilous state of affairs of tribal areas where thousands of people were displaced temporarily to clear No Go Areas.
Fact of the matter is we as a nation suffer from short term memory syndrome. As situation security has been ameliorated manifolds as compared to a decade ago, we are not ready even to accept minor security issues and have adopted habit of critcising every meagre issue we can lay our hands upon. Their transgression does not even spare the sacrifices of our soldiers who laid down their lives for the peace and solace of their nation.
They seem to neglect the fact that since 2016, and most notably in 2023, Pakistani security forces, including the army, have made significant strides in combating terrorism. In the year 2023 alone, Armed Forces have successfully eliminated 550 terrorists through various operations, indeed a noteworthy achievement. The heightened retaliatory actions from terrorists seem to be an unintended outcome of the security forces’ success.
The recent incident on the list of these agents of chaos is D I Khan attack. On 12 December, a group of 6 x terrorists attempted to breach a compound in Daraban, D.I. Khan, who were successfully neutralized. However, a devastating sequence unfolded with the detonation of an explosives-laden vehicle and a subsequent suicide bombing, resulting in the collapse of a building and subsequent casualties. However, these facts were intentionally kept hidden from general public to propagate an aura of uncertainty and turmoil among nation. Concomitantly, parallel operations conducted in Darazinda and Kulachi areas of the same D.I. Khan led to the elimination of 17 more terrorists.
Delaying of upcoming elections and disrupt economy progress which has been resuscitated by initiative likes SIFC is also on the list of nefarious agendas of these detractors. As the general elections scheduled for February 8 are approaching near, a coordinated effort has been launched to delay upcoming elections and derail the democratic process. Similarly, Pakistan’s improved economic outlook and enhancement of investors’ confidence is a thorn stuck in throat for the hostile elements that do not want to see Pakistan on a thriving position. Notwithstanding their vain endeavours, the Interim Government duly supported by military establishment has been quite successful in bringing economic stability in the country.
In a nutshell, despite relevant increase in spate of terrorism, it is imperative to acknowledge the substantial improvements in Pakistan’s security infrastructure over the past decade. The coordinated efforts of defense forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement have been pivotal in mitigating threats from terrorist outfits. Pakistan’s journey toward enduring peace and stability necessitates unity, resolve, and a collective commitment to safeguarding national interests.
—The columnist is a freelance writer and a poet, presently pursuing his PhD. He can be contacted on [email protected]
