Loud and clear messages continue to emanate from top military brass to eliminate terrorism. Simultaneously, actions can also be seen on ground as security forces have intensified their intelligence-based operations that are delivering a blow to terrorists. During an operation on Saturday, eight terrorists were killed in Zarmilan area of South Waziristan. Two of our soldiers also embraced martyrdom. The nation will always remember and value these sacrifices being rendered by our security personnel for the sake of better future of the homeland.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that top military brass is not only fully cognizant of the challenges posed by terrorism but are also coming up with a strategy to effectively counter it. A day after an in-camera briefing to the National Assembly on national security matters, a meeting of Corps Commander chaired by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir on Saturday affirmed to eliminate terrorism, extremism and instability in the country by a “whole-of-the-system” approach. Indeed a holistic approach is need of the hour and military leadership is thinking on the same lines in order to achieve desired results. The national security encompasses all elements of power and that it can never be guaranteed by a single factor no matter how dominating that might appear. Military, political, diplomatic all at the same time should be mobilised to deal with the challenges. According to ISPR statement, the Corps Commander meeting resolved to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with the support of resilient people of Pakistan. The coordinated application of all elements of national power will be a key in eliminating permissive factors of extremism and terrorism.
Certainly the coordinated approach and unity demonstrated by whole nation in the wake of Army Public School massacre in Peshawar needs to be redone again to register same successes that were seen in previous anti-terrorism operations. These terrorist elements have resurfaced because of the soft policy of previous PTI government, which enabled them to regroup and move even to settled areas. We believe that this is no time of point scoring on such a sensitive issue yet we need to learn from our mistakes to ensure that these are not repeated for a more stable and peaceful environment. As regards “whole-of-the-system” approach approved by the government and mentioned by Corps Commander forum, it implies that apart from defence forces, the civilian law enforcement agencies will also take part in counter-terrorism operations. This has become imperative that these law enforcement agencies fulfil their responsibilities of internal security and working along with defence forces will help them build their capacity.
While this approach also involves other segments of the society including religious scholars, academics and definitely political circle. At present, polarisation has reached dangerous levels so much so that no institution or body is safe from it. Hence, such an approach appears to be difficult to achieve but definitely is not impossible. This nation has sailed through difficult times through unison. If we really want to confront this polarisation on multiple fronts, this is the best time to reverse it for the sake of people and country. The political leadership that is responsible for current polarisation will have to play a lead role in this regard. The political leaders will have to demonstrate flexibility to address their differences through honest dialogue to prove that they keep country’s interests supreme.
All stakeholders will also have to work out a counter-narrative against terrorism and implement it in letter and in spirit to save our future generations from extremist mindset. This must also involve steps that trigger economic activity and create income generation opportunities for our youth. There should be special focus on development of neglected areas such as tribal districts and Balochistan. By removing their sense of deprivation, permanent peace and stability can be ensured in the country. On diplomatic front, we will have to accelerate regional efforts to persuade Kabul administration to disallow Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan for terrorist and other nefarious activities.
