PAKISTAN is on the Titanic’s stern. The battlefront has changed. The enemy has repositioned the battleground, internalizing our security challenges. The menace no longer emanates solely from the borders; instead, it lies within. It is imperative for policymakers to promptly dissect this intricate issue. The sole recourse is to take resolute action, as the Rubicon has already been crossed. In the current state of conflict, it is essential to address three primary fronts: terrorism, political instability and the influence of social media. Each of these fronts presents unique challenges that must be carefully considered in the development of national defence strategies. Terrorism, in its various forms, poses a significant threat to national security and requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates both domestic and international considerations. Political instability, whether arising from internal or external factors, can have far-reaching implications and demands a nuanced response to prevent further escalation.
The influence of social media on modern conflict cannot be understated, as it has the power to rapidly disseminate information and shape public opinion. To safeguard national security, defense strategies must move beyond outdated concepts and adapt to the dynamic nature of contemporary conflict. This calls for a proactive and holistic approach that considers the interconnected nature of these three fronts and their potential impact on the security landscape.
The issue of militancy has evolved into a multifaceted challenge, with a troubling uptick in terror attacks. This surge in terrorism has deeply unsettled society, prompting the need for proactive measures to address this pressing menace. Simultaneously, a negative narrative permeating social media has unfairly placed the blame on the state and its institutions, disregarding those who are harbouring and facilitating terrorism. This paradoxical situation, where calls for peace clash with opposition to military intervention, underscores the importance of addressing misconceptions and advocating for a holistic approach to ensure the safety and security of all. This creates a paradox where people call for peace yet oppose military action. It’s crucial to address these misconceptions.
The quandary at hand is whether a state can secure peace without resorting to military force in this situation. While prioritizing peace is crucial, addressing the grievances of the people must precede any consideration of military action. However, an outright rejection of military action is not a viable approach. There is a concerning promotion of an anti-state narrative on various pretexts. Despite the assertive approach of the Pakistani government toward the situation with Afghanistan, the sight of protestors in Pakistan displaying the national flags of Afghanistan is worrying. How much longer can the state tolerate this defiance? Significant damage has already been inflicted, and time may be running out.
Our soldiers are being targeted by attackers from Afghanistan. The current government of Afghanistan is being led by the Taliban, a group that we supported in gaining power. Despite providing them with sanctuary, our interests have been compromised. It was hoped that once the Taliban established their government in Afghanistan, we would benefit from their support. However, it is a stark reality that the number of our soldiers killed by Afghan invaders exceeds the number of casualties suffered in conflicts with India.
If Pakistan did not support the Taliban, they were unlikely to return to power. The Taliban leadership must understand this. What is incomprehensible under the Taliban administration, Afghanistan has become a safe refuge for individuals who target Pakistan’s army and people. The hostility between the two countries is intensifying. Decisive action against terrorism is required. The time has now come to discourage those within Pakistan who serve as a proxy for enemy powers.
The parliament should rise to the occasion and address very fundamental questions such as: 1. What specific actions should be taken to discourage those within Pakistan who serve as a proxy for enemy powers? 2. How does the hostility between Pakistan and Afghanistan affect the broader region, and what are the potential ramifications? 3. What strategies or diplomatic efforts could be employed to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe refuge for individuals targeting Pakistan’s army and people? Pakistan must conduct a thorough and meticulous assessment to establish an extensive and well-rounded counterterrorism strategy. This strategy should consist of a combination of law enforcement and military operations to actively pursue and combat terrorism.
Additionally, effective response mechanisms need to be put in place to efficiently address and manage any terrorist threats. Meaningful dialogues with relevant stakeholders should also be initiated to promote collaboration and understanding, and active community engagement programs should be launched to prevent radicalization and promote social cohesion within the society. In a similar vein, we must establish a substantial code of conduct for the utilization of social media while simultaneously safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of thought, as guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution.
—The writer is a lawyer, author and talk show host.
