Military option!

Pakistan targets terrorism in Balochistan and K-P, but military action alone may not resolve deep-rooted issues.

The highest politico-security forum has one again opted for a military option to crush terrorism. This time the focus is on Balochistan, and the intent is to flush out non-state actors that are targeting civilians and foreign nationals at impunity. The mosaic of action also stretches to K-P which has also seen an uptick in revulsion, primarily owing to the comeback of disgruntled elements from Afghanistan. The Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan which met on Tuesday – apart from laying out a comprehensive roadmap of kinetic action – specifically named the proscribed outfits such as Balochistan Liberation Army, Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Front and Balochistan Raaji Sangar as elements acting at the behest of hostile external powers. This episode is likely to see some big action but none are sure whether it bears fruits as the genesis of the ill-will is deep-rooted in the underdeveloped and marginalised society.

Pakistan has seen countless such operations over the last two decades and the toll sits at more than 80,000 deaths. A day after the apex huddle, 12 security forces personnel were martyred at a check-post in Bannu. The new wave of terrorism is seriously impacting foreign relations as the multi-billion dollar CPEC is on the receiving end. Islamabad's inability to prevail over Kabul to rein in rogue elements on its soil has worsened ties with the western neighbour, and the once serene border with Iran is also in the line of fire. This necessitates a little more than a military mindset to deal with the fissures at multidimensional levels, and flexing economic and political muscles should be part of it.

While beefing up security measures and improving intelligence gathering is a must, the reliance on taking on the disgruntled elements merely through use of force has become debatable. Many of the groups, reactionary in essence, are home-grown and nurse genuine grievances with the state. Lack of a proactive and empowered political response has pushed them to the wall, and this is why the restive provinces of Pakistan are mired in lawlessness.