Terror from western neighbour
TERRORISM has once again strengthened its roots in Pakistan. The latest attacks on Peshawar Mosque and Police station in Karachi manifest the new wave of terrorism in the land of pure. More than 100 individuals lost their lives and 200 were injured in the mosque despite being located in a secure area of the city. Another terrorist attack at the police station in Karachi also resulted in the death of four. According to CNN, Pakistan Tahreek-i-Taliban’s spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani claimed responsibility for the attack. One of the main reasons for recent attacks can be a linked between TTP and Afghan Taliban. Afghan Taliban has provided sanctuaries to TTP members many times due to their similar schools of thought. They have also been used to pressurize Pakistan on the western border.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed the desertion of American forces, but the dream of using Afghan Taliban against terror groups proved to be a futile act. Change in the Afghan regime coupled with the US exit from Afghanistan has further debilitated the security of the state. The terrorist groups have taken their strong roots due to the America’s immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan. These groups are linked with militant groups in Pakistan. According to The Diplomat, Pakistan has been witnessing an increase of 22 percent increase in terrorist activities in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Growing attacks on Pakistani security forces by terrorists operating from Afghan soil and frequent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are testing Islamabad’s ties with Pakistani Taliban. On 29th December 2022, at least three security personnel were martyred near the volatile Pak-Afghan border. These attacks have created trust deficit between the Afghan regime and Pakistan.
Furthermore, terrorist attacks emanating from Afghan soil have also supported the militants in Pakistan. The Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has frequently said to Afghanistan that a new wave of terrorism came from Afghan soil. According to an article in Voice of America, almost 1000 civilians and 300 security personnel have lost their lives in 376 attacks claimed by or blamed on the TTP. The main purpose to gain support from cross-border militant groups is to avail the opportunity of safe havens in Afghanistan.
Moreover, land border disputes are once again on the rise. Residents on Afghan side of border areas have been involved in illegal crossing through the border, considering Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as part of their state. Videos on social and mainstream media have been circulated about some gunned individuals removing fencing erected by Pakistan on the Durand Line. Another issue is the lack of funds to complete the remaining part of the fencing. These acts help TTP to pressure Pakistan to reverse some decisions. They have been demanding reversing of the KP-FATA merger to make a stronghold in border areas.
Porous border due to incomplete fencing has also generated issues of human trafficking and smuggling of dollars and drugs. Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) General Secretary Zafar Paracha explained that “The black currency market continues to exist and smugglers are selling around $5 million a day to the Afghans.” This smuggled money mounts pressure on the Pakistani rupee. As of now, Pakistan cannot afford this nefarious economic activity by Afghan citizens, considering its current dwindling forex reserves.
Resultantly, Pakistan and Afghanistan have failed to reach a breakthrough due to the aforementioned reasons. Pakistan has not yet recognized the Taliban regime because of lack of trust and external conditions, which, in turn, has created a gap between the two neighbours. In order to manage the situation, Pakistan needs to be well aware of current internal as well as external dynamics and make decisions in favour.
Therefore, Pakistan must deal with terror with an iron fist. Any leniency in this regard may create further hurdles in the peace process. Operation Zarb-e-Azab is a clear reminder of state policy which brought massive changes in the past. This requires Pakistan to take the Afghan regime into confidence and demand a hard take on terrorist tendencies spreading terror in border areas and inside the country. Cooperation from both sides will decrease the chances of enjoying safe havens by terrorists across the border. Pakistan must deal equally with all terrorist groups. The notion of “Good and Bad” Taliban must be ended and tendencies of using terror groups as proxy soldiers should be shed by both sides.
Mitigating issues on the western border requires friendly relations with all the regional countries. This will be cost-effective and help Pakistan focus on one side. Pakistan should use its foreign office and SAARC to manage relations with neighbours. Boosting trade relations with regional countries will increase the stakes for countries in Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan should leverage its strategic importance and self-centred decisions should be on priority. It is also important to shun the role of superpower mediators such as Chinese, American and Russian as they carry the history of edging their partners away from profits. Eventually, the views of all the stakeholders should be taken into account including locals and their representatives. Any gap between the state and the people will only benefit the spoilers of the peace process.
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