Rule of law or a fragile state

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is once again ablaze with terrorism. Terrorists have adopted a pattern of target killings, IED blasts, suicide attacks, threatening calls to extort money, and hand grenade attacks. The prime targets are security agencies and the police.

The new wave of terrorism has created a sense of insecurity across K-P as armed groups move freely. But this time peace marches and public meetings, spearheaded by Awami National Party and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement have gained momentum. The peace marches are a reminder to both federal and provincial governments that the primary duty of the state is to protect the life and property of citizens.

The Defence Minister has expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in K-P, holding the provincial government responsible for deteriorating law and order. In response to this, the PTI chairman blamed the federal government for the whole mess. In the same vein, a social activist expressing his concern tweeted that the criminal silence on the part of PML-N and PPP on the situation in Swat and Waziristan is shameful and sad. They are once again proving that PML-N is only a part of Punjab and PPP of Sindh.

The people of Swat and Waziristan who have already experienced the horrors of insurgency and terrorism are now vigorously urging for peace. Their commitment to harmony and stability is inspiring. Local leaders have carried out fiery speeches during the peaceful demonstrations.

The laxity in protecting the citizens has once again brought the role of the state into question. A state is obligated to enforce laws and policies and preserve sovereignty. A state failing to ensure the security of the people and is indifferent to the movements of armed non-state actors attracts the status of a fragile, failing and eventually a failed state.

Today the state is under attack from within, which is undermining the social and economic structures and above all the social contracts. The causes are well known and have repeatedly been inked and telecasted. The public is no longer interested in listening to the causes but solutions to the problem.

Frankly, terrorism is an aggravated form of organised crime to achieve political objectives. Therefore, it should be dealt with as any other organised crimes. With anti-terrorism laws and policies in hand, one fails to understand what stops the state apparatus from taking decisive action. A zero-tolerance policy must be adopted. The roles of law enforcement agencies at federal and provincial levels are well-defined and they must act in unison. We must understand that we all sail in the same boat. If the boat sinks, everybody on board will drown.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997; Anti Money Laundry Act; the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act; the Actions (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011; and the National Action Plan, both federal and provincial governments are required to act as a team to counter terrorism, but currently both are evasive and trying to wash their hands off by passing the buck to each other.

We must realise that if the growing terrorism is not prevented and offenders are not brought to justice, there will be a spill-over effect. Gilgit-Baltistan has already become a haven for militants. The areas stretching from Afghanistan to Gilgit-Baltistan touching Kashmir are an arch where they keep shifting. These safe passages provide them with room to re-organise and act sporadically. Some reports suggest that they may return to safe spaces in Afghanistan due to pressure from the local demonstrations.

Now is the defining moment, the state must realise that the people’s concerns cannot be ignored, and the blame game must stop. The uprising can further aggravate, and ultimately deepen hatred against state institutions. It is high time for the state to respond to the people’s calls for security and fundamental rights. To avoid becoming a fragile or a failed state, the rule of law must not be compromised.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2022.

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