Terror revisits

Armed forces, strategic installations came under terror attacks at four different places across the country

It was a day of bloodbath and resilience. The armed forces and their strategic installations came under terror attacks at four different places across the country, and this points at a well-orchestrated plan to undermine peace and security. The ambush at two military convoy vehicles in Gwadar left more than 14 soldiers martyred, whereas a remote-controlled bomb explosion in Dera Ismail Khan killed five more people. A similar incident in Lakki Marwat was breath-holding and hinted at the scot-free choosing of targets and timing of dreaded elements. But the bravery of our soldiers was proved at PAF’s Mianwali Training Air Base wherein another sinister plot was foiled and nine terrorists gunned down. With scores being treated and a mopping operation underway, it is time for the state to reiterate its resolve to crush the terrorists and to go for the kill.

Though not much is known about the culprits behind the attack in Balochistan, the newly-surfaced Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan, an off-shoot of TTP, had claimed hand in the airbase attack. This gives a fair idea that non-state actors have not been cowed down by the measures to uproot them. Likewise, the modalities at work between Kabul and Islamabad have not worked in their proper perspective in deterring the criminals. What pains more is the fact that security forces are targeted and an impression is forwarded that it is an act of macho-ism. Whereas, the fact is that armed forces have played a pivotal role in eradicating terrorism, and they are in the line of fire because the enemy believes that demoralising them will work to their end. That will not be the case as the army and the civil society are on one page, and the terror fissures are a common existential threat to society.

Pakistan’s political circles must instantly kick-start a dialogue phase with aggrieved elements, especially in the backward and far-flung areas. This will help in overcoming their local grievances, and integrating them with the society. This step will be a death blow to faceless elements which take refuge among people and further their nefarious agenda.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.