KARACHI:
Earlier this week, the capital administration abruptly declared the closure of educational institutions citing security concerns. This announcement has further contributed to an already uncertain security situation in the country. Political parties, particularly the JUI-F and the ANP, have been grappling with terrorist threats. Several political figures and experts have emphasised the need for caution.
Whispers of a potential delay in the general elections have reverberated in the Senate recently, primarily attributed to the worsening security situation. However, I find this reasoning to be less than convincing. Twenty-five years ago, Pakistan did not grapple with a terrorism problem; instead, it faced challenges stemming from a flawed system that favoured certain interests over others. Had Pakistan focused on establishing democratic norms back then, the current terrorism problem could have been averted.
I am not downplaying the significant toll that terrorism has taken on Pakistanis over the last two decades. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that individuals who align themselves with militants have been marginalised from the political system. The solution to our problem lies in upholding civil supremacy, a vital element that has unfortunately been absent throughout our history. Failure to address this issue could lead to serious consequences.
Muhammad Mamoon Azeem
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2024.
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