LAHORE: Syed Talat Hussain’s article, “Profiling our North Waziristan policy” (The Express Tribune, October 30) raises a question of why the army has consistently baulked at pulling down the final fortress of a ferocious foe. The writer’s own answer is that Pakistan never had a coherent and cohesive policy towards all of Fata.
I believe that there was no dithering of any kind and that the army acted in the national interest under heavy odds and in the most difficult of situations. When you are between the proverbial devil and the deep sea what choices are you left with? In spite of the brutalities inflicted by militants on ordinary Pakistanis, and in spite of their sources of support and power, the army and the people of Pakistan stand united and fully determined to root out terrorism. If we put our own house in order there will be no space for messy domestic politics. Once this happens, no external elements will dare to interfere in our internal affairs.
The people of Fata have a history of defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity. So, how could we go against our own people who believe in the rule of law and are represented in the federation under the Constitution? I respect Talat Hussain’s views but the situation demands a vision where we see the future of Pakistan lying in a strong federation, provincial autonomy, accountability and transparency. These are key ingredients for lasting peace, prosperity and justice. What Pakistan needs is international support to crush terrorism and for achieving this objective, a strategy has to be developed to isolate militants who have the backing of anti-Pakistan elements.
Terrorism tarnishes Pakistan’s image abroad. It makes our people insecure and our economy weaker. What Pakistan needs is zero tolerance for terrorism and a united stand to eradicate it for the sake of our next generations and for regional as well as world peace.
The time for proxy wars is over. The army has to act decisively to destroy the enemy which is now poised to strike at us at any time. Our rulers should also wake up to realise that we cannot afford to suffer and lose any more. Otherwise, it will all be over.
Iftikhar Ahmad
Former chief instructor/director NIPA
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2012.
