Why a cut-off point?

KARACHI: It was very interesting to read Khalid Munir’s article 'Fata operations — why a cut-off point?' (June 24) in response to Syed Talat Hussain’s article 'Back to the old drawing board?' (June 23).  The observations made by Talat Hussain about the ongoing military operation were  pertinent and Khalid Munir’s response wasn’t really satisfactory.

All objectives and goals are defined by definite limits. Men and machines wear out when such limits are not specified. For the efficient functioning of the state mechanisms, deadlines are set for activities such as solving crime or dispensing justice.

Similarly, an army cannot be expected to maintain its morale for an indefinite period. Mr Munir’s suggestion that Nato forces should set the cut-off time and the Pakistan army ought to consider the war an indefinite one, defies conventional wisdom. As casualties mount, Mr Hussain’s question that why not have a cut-off point in operations in Fata needs to be answered without delay.

Published in The Express Tribune, June  26^th, 2010.