Exterminate terrorism

Recent attacks on Chaman border and on embassy in Kabul have simply confirmed that remnants of terror are regrouping

There shall be no appeasement to terror. The resolute words came from Army Chief General Asim Munir, as he visited the forward positions on the western front in the tribal areas. The reaffirmation that the military would not tolerate non-state actors, and the fissures of terror shall be nipped in the bud, was of utmost importance. It has come from the new military leadership at a time when unscrupulous elements are raising their ugly heads in Pakistan’s settled and tribal areas. Coupled with this is the cessation of a ceasefire unilaterally on the part of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and their nefarious designs to bleed Pakistanis. This scenario demands a strong rebuttal and the chief of army staff has won hearts of the nation by exhibiting his valour and wisdom.

The recent attacks on Chaman border and the Pakistan mission in Kabul by unknown terror groups have simply confirmed that the remnants of terror are regrouping. Moreover, they have an agenda to penalise Pakistan, and that could be hand in glove with foreign agents. The level of revulsion that was witnessed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as security forces and civilians were targeted by elements who had come back from Afghanistan hints at a big mischievous plot. While Pakistan has always been an advocate of a political approach to address discontent, the same leniency cannot be shown when it comes to dealing with hardened criminals. This is why Gen Munir has categorically stated that fight against terrorism will continue till the achievement of enduring peace and stability in the country.

Pakistan Army has been in the vanguard in the war on terrorism. But the war is far from over. The need of the hour is maximum intelligence gathering and a firm retribution to non-state actors who go on to challenge the writ of the state. Counter-terrorism collaboration with Kabul and upping the vigil are indispensable. Securing porous borders on the western frontiers and screening faceless elements is the way to go.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2022.

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