This is all the more essential if we are to contain the massive toll that terrorism has already taken on our people
ISLAMABAD: Colonel (retired) Shuja Khanzada, Punjab’s home minister, didn’t know what fate had in store for him on August 16. He became the target of heartless suicide bombers in his hometown of Attock, while speaking at a meeting of local people. In the brutal attack, 19 other innocent people, including DSP Shaukat Shah, were martyred and several others seriously injured.
Mr Khanzada was a bold, honest, upright, dedicated and competent officer. His love and concern for the downtrodden of the country has always been an example for others to emulate. On the fateful day, he was with the people of his constituency, meeting with them, listening to their grievances and, as always, assuring them of his full support in the resolution of their problems. Mr Khanzada, it is said, used to visit his home in Attock every week to meet the people of his constituency. This is something that elected representatives of the people rarely do in our country. His political career has been equally notable. He had been a member of the Punjab Assembly since 2002 and an active member of the PML-N.
Mr Khanzada was extremely vocal on the issue of terrorism and very active in crackdowns on militants and Taliban insurgents in Punjab. That, perhaps, is also one of the reasons why he fell victim to the ruthless attack of the militants and lost his life in the bargain. Pakistan has paid heavily in its war against terrorism. Thousands of innocent men, women and children have been sacrificed in this war. The valiant armed forces of Pakistan are bravely fighting a war against the militants in North Waziristan. Its successes in this regard are worthy of genuine appreciation. The time has come to further gear our efforts to root out militants from our soil once and for all. This is all the more essential if we are to contain the massive toll that terrorism has already taken on our people, and also, if we are sincerely desirous of putting Pakistan back on the path to economic development and prosperity.
M Fazal Elahi
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2015.
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