Terror bites the dust

After the launch of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad by the Pakistan Army in 2017, terrorism in the country has been controlled to a great extent, but the last remnants of terrorists driven by a toxic ideology sporadically try to disrupt peace. Yesterday, an Army officer, Colonel Mujeeb ur Rehman, embraced martyrdom and two high-value terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan division, foiling a major terrorist attack. The ISPR said as soon as security forces cordoned off the area, terrorist opened fire. During the security operation, two terrorists were killed.

Since the Army’s intensive nationwide operation against terror groups got underway three years ago, more than 400 terrorist plots have been foiled in various parts of the country. It is a measure of the success of the operation and determination of the security forces to stamp out the menace of terrorism and extremism root, branch and stem. The entire nation stands firmly behind the security forces in the fight against the extremists and their backers, both without and within. Besides the security forces having directly confronted terrorists and many security personnel having made the ultimate sacrifice, other state organisations too are tightening the noose around terror outfits. It is due to the untiring efforts of these organisations that sources of terror financing have nearly dried up. Relentless efforts are continuing to completely finish off the terrorists, their abettors and enablers. This fight shall continue till the total defeat of the terrorists of all hues and of those who propagate the contemptible ideology.

Efforts also need to be focused on changing the mindset that gives birth to terrorism, extremism, fanaticism and such other dangerous tendencies that cause fear and misery in society and put obstacles in the way of progress. No one can be allowed to pollute our land with blood. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance!

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2020.

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