The writer is an advocate of the Supreme Court and senior partner at Mandviwalla & Zafar
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbour in 1942, the US dropped atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki; when the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed in 2001, America retaliated by invading Iraq and Afghanistan. Its actions were swift and decisive, with no thought for the rest of world. The entire US nation, politicians and media stood united. Their courts conveniently looked the other way while “due process” was ignored under the garb of war on terror. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), also realising that the Islamic state is at stake, did not waste a minute in initiating the Ridda Wars against the rebels.
As if in retaliation for having held successful elections, the enemy within has launched a systematic unrelenting and ruthless attack on us. It all began with June 15, which was a black day in Pakistan indeed — similar to 1942 and 2001 in the US —when the nation watched in horror as the Quaid-e-Azam’s last abode, the Residency in Ziarat, and a symbol of Pakistan (its picture on our hundred-rupee note) was destroyed with bombs and completely burnt to ashes. Pakistan’s flag was removed and another — a separatist one was hoisted instead. This was obviously no military victory. The attack was symbolic, calculated to psychologically demolish the national spirit and show to us and the world that no one and no place in Pakistan is sacred and safe; the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed the attack and boasted: “We don’t recognise any Pakistani monument”. What happened next was equally horrible. Terrorists blew up a bus carrying girl students and nurses killing more than a dozen and then took over BMC hospital resulting in more bloodshed. This was followed by a bomb blast in Mardan on June 18, at a funeral in which dozens, including a recently-elected PTI MPA, died. Then came a suicide blast in a mosque in Peshawar on June 21 (killing at least 15), the cold-blooded murders of foreign tourists at the Nanga Parbat Base Camp and the June 26 assassination attempt on a sitting judge of the Sindh High Court in Karachi (which killed nine). For how long will we continue to tolerate this?
Our reactions are typical, something we have been witnessing for more than a decade. Leaders condemn, utter token words of sympathy, caution restraint and patience and then go about business as usual. Yes, of course, there were token walkouts by the opposition in the Senate and prayers for the dead in the assemblies. Terrorists have stuck at our core and we are still reacting only with symbolic gestures. To me, such meekness is becoming disgusting and nauseating and is exactly the reason why our enemies are becoming stronger and more aggressive.
For five years people bore heart-wrenching killings and mayhem, bravely, with patience and restraint, and hoped that the next government would break the vicious cycle with action. Now the burden falls on Nawaz Sharif who has absolute control of the federation and Punjab. Baloch nationals are in power in Balochistan with his blessings. Blaming past regimes, fist waving and empty threats will no longer work. People won’t and should not tolerate inaction anymore. It is time to take effective and decisive steps, just like the US did when faced with much less. The difference is that while America’s wars have been against enemies from outside, real or created, in Pakistan’s case, unfortunately, we have given space and shelter to and created one of the most ruthless and cruel enemies from within. Ours is not a war on terror only but, in reality, a war against zulm (cruelty) which has to be tackled differently but equally decisively. One cannot wait and exercise restraint or else this zulm will engulf us.
Nawaz has to show zero tolerance and react as if his Raiwind residence has been destroyed. Politicians have to respond as if their own daughters have been burnt alive. We have ignored the killings in Karachi and the genocide of the Hazaras for far too long. Terrorists — religious or separatist or Taliban — are beasts and should be dealt with as such. What is to be done? First, Pakistan’s armed forces, who I believe are ready for action, should be officially called in aid of the nation in accordance with the Constitution. Their agenda has to be: capture, if possible, and destroy if necessary, all these assailants. The action must go on for as long as necessary, but for it to be successful there are four essentials.
Unity: No army can win unless the nation stands united behind it. Without this, even a superpower like the US, with all its might, could not defeat the Viet Cong. All leaders have to muster wholehearted and open support for this jihad. In this, Imran Khan has a crucial role to play. He is indirectly in charge of K-P and must abandon his stance of dialogue with the enemy.
Laws: In such trying times, we must be prepared that some fundamental rights in certain affected areas, may be suspended but in order to minimise abuse and victimisation, special laws will need to be enacted, balancing the need to give legitimacy to forces to do an effective job while maintaining the minimum standards of rule of law. This could include amendments to rules of evidence and establishment of witness protection programmes to successfully prosecute terrorists. In my view, this is justified if we are to counter those who are Pakistan’s enemies and have a mission to kill us.
Defence Council: A war can become irrational and go out of control if not monitored in a transparent and structured manner. A defence council including the PM, all the CMs, opposition leaders, heads of armed services and law-enforcing agencies needs to begin the task of formulating war strategy, with Nawaz Sharif involved in day to day events, as Obama has been doing.
Long-term measures like creating jobs and education are equally important, but cannot substitute immediate action. People living in poverty are concerned with survival but intellectuals and the better off have to galvanise first. Please media, let these not become just incidents to be reported. No economy or industry will survive for long if terrorism is allowed to continue unabated. O nation believe me, long-term strategies will be useless and ultimately, either terrorists will win or the jobless will revolt or worse, both may happen. Remember, revolutions lead to disaster, violence and blood. Surely if army action is not taken now, it will be too late to exercise this option later. Let us not be a nation in slumber.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (77)
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Hope someday wars could be fought with words on paper.Much less gruesome. I don't feel people who are asking for military option are averse to negotiations outright. Negotiations can go on while the military opposition is going on.After all this is what theTaliban are doing.They have stepped up their fight while talking of negotiations.And their targets are innocent citizens,whereas army action will be specifically against people who kill indiscriminately.I am sure if Taliban were to declare today that they are stopping their blood-bath,the army will have any reason left for action.But if they persist,as they seem to,what can the administration/army do other than confront them to protect the citizens.
@Hasan Mehmood: Dear Hasan, A masterly reply. You almost brought a tear to my eye, particularly in your last paragraph. I think you must be a script writer for Hollywood or Bollywood. You say that I have a "cold hearted composure". Nothing could be further from the truth. What I am saying, unlike you, is that war is not necessarily the best way to go, because once a war machine goes into action many innocent people finish up very dead. On flimsy excuses the US went to war over 12 years ago. Now over a million people are dead, and what has been achieved? Iraq is a disaster zone as is Libya, and Afghanistan is not doing so well even though a huge Western army is in residence, but which is too scared to move out of its army barracks so they use cowardly drone tactics instead. I could like you go into lurid details like you, but will desist. ET Moderator: Unlike Hasan, I am not tired, but would appreciate it if you printed this missive..
@Sexton Blake:
Thanks for a point wise reply unlike some others. Anyway I would like to respond as under: 1. You are taunting me for willingness to give up civil liberties in the fight against terror. Do you even have any foggiest idea about human rights under Taliban. I don't need to elaborate. 2. No one is pushing my buttons. Never been part of any party / organization / movement. Its sheer agony and frustration bursting through. 3. What do you mean by {Get Qualified to fight}. You mean anyone asking for armed operation must first enroll in a military training course. 4. It was not only the Indian trolls but the whole Indian media and establishment which went up in arms. I single handedly tried to confront them on ET pages but to no avail. Nobody could dare say what are own shameless apologists keep saying all the time. Its good that Indian Govt. did not go to war but did send a very strong message and froze any bilateral interaction. The point is no honorable nation takes such attacks lying down. One 9/11 and one 26/11 is sufficient to galvanize a whole nation. How many you need? 5. Why do people keep giving examples of USA failure. They are an occupying force and maybe enjoy less than 5% support among Afghan public. Can you say the same about Pak Army? If you can prove that a sizeable section of Pak population (say 10 to 40% or 20 to 80 Million) are supporters of Taliban ideology and willing to fight for it then of course the same thing will happen as happening to USA in Afghanistan and happened to Pak Army in Bangladesh. 6. {Pakistan Government is handling the situation quite well, albeit without allowing an unsatisfactory situation to get out of control} I must commend your level of tolerance and cold hearted composure. As unsatisfactory images of severed head of a soldier, bombed out hospitals and funerals, ID based point blank killings, a crying orphan Hazara child, destroyed mosques and Mazaars, mutilated bodies of poor men and women flash through my mind, I have no option but to stop before breaking down.
Moderator ET: Please post my reply. I am tired but forced to respond.
@Hasan Mehmood: Dear Hasan, Although your articles were well written they miss out on the big picture. In regard to your reply to me it was a complete cop-out, and you are the first person I know who is prepared to give up civil liberties and human rights, particularly when the US is in control. I just wonder who is pushing your buttons. If you are not qualified to fight get the qualifications. In regard to 26/11 the Indian Government quite wisely ignored the ranting trolls and desisted from declaring war. Further, the US and its buddies have been fighting a 13 year war, on a flimsy excuse, at a cost of one billion dollars per week, and are getting out without a satisfactory result.. Like the Indians the Pakistan Government is handling the situation quite well, albeit without allowing an unsatisfactory situation to get out of control. Further, Pakistan will need to wait for the Americans to move out of the Sub-Continent before making any major decisions.
Seems like you have nothing left to defend your stance except sarcasm. I have posted half a dozen comments without a single logical rebuttal. Yes I wont be doing any fighting for which I am not qualified. If you as an individual are not equipped to fight a war, does it mean you disband your armed forces or ask them to surrender. When 26/11 happened 99% of Indian trolls were screaming to teach Pakistan a lesson. Unlike you no Indian turned around and said look brother why are you shouting for revenge when you cant even hold a knife. What I can do is sacrifice my civil liberties, human rights and pay through my nose so my children can live in a terror free country. Happy?
@Hasan Mehmood: Dear Hasan, Why do I have the feeling that you will not be doing any fighting?
@V. C. Bhutani:
You are indeed talking objectively, but have landed on the wrong turf. The article is very intriguing, written by a man of law whose function is to defend criminals in the supeme court, but pleading for army action in a civil war as if the loss of 40,000 military occurred during Golf play. Those who are pleading for further military action are not aware of the military doctrine that if a democracy with a civilian elected Government needs the army support against the dissenting population, the army will be obliged to declare a marshall law, setting up military courts instead of civilian courts, remove the elected Government which will result in the closing down of the Author's practice!! Bravo, what a way for a deja vu?
Rex Minor
Ps you are familiar with the anglo saxon education system. How come that most educated class makes everything complicated?
@Quantum: {Please tell me what political solution does Taliban wants ?} {You don’t talk peace with people, whose sole goal is to destroy you}
Welcome to the club. That's what I have been saying at the top of my voice since last 5 years but no one is willing to listen. Rest assured you wont get a single response to your query.
Unfortunately the whole issue has been hijacked by Taliban apologists and sympathizers who have turned this into a debate between pros and cons of negotiation and Army action. Now tell me who in his right mind would opt for bloodshed by discarding negotiated settlement which sounds so pleasing to the ear. War is no solution Bla Bla....... Even Britain was forced to negotiate with IRA Bla Bla.........Look Americans are ultimately forced to negotiate Bla..,.. Bla........
No politician / intellectual / writer / TV anchor is prepared to tell the people that our maximum possible concessions wont even meet the minimum requirements of these religiously motivated barbarians and if we are unable or unwilling to fight them then lets prepare to embrace them. There is no middle ground. Let the people decide.
Can you imagine no TV anchor highlighted the categorical policy statement of TTP chief that cessation of drone strikes and American withdrawal wont change their ultimate aim of taking over the state of Pakistan and enforcing their brand of Sharia.
Those advocating a swift / concentrated / no holds barred response thru political , administrative, financial and military means simultaneously are not out of their minds or necessarily blood thirsty hawks. They are simply at their wits end.
@Ali S:
Not so fast sir, with your conclusions. Pakistan army is the weakest in the chain of the new puzzle to fight a gurrela war!! The Talbans are poised to come across their frontiers and take over the capital of Pakistan as well Baluchistan and link the region to the warm waters.
This is the scenario of the show down and any one with the use of Hegals speculative logic could come to this conclusion.
Rex Minor
Mr Hasan Mehmood, Thanks for your kind words. I am slightly intrigued that you still call me a troll. I am an interested reader and try to write with decency. I am a retired university teacher. It has been my effort throughout my life to analyse and speak with objectivity as far as possible. We could do with some objectivity in the thinking of those who write in these columns. Thanks once again. V. C. Bhutani, Edinburgh, 30 Jun 2013, 1824 GMT
You demand swift 'military action' against militants, but it's a paradox - with civilian leaderships like PML-N and PTI gladly willing to put their dignity on the chopping block to negotiate with these extremists (and somehow expecting them to magically become patriotic peace-loving hippies), the army would have to overrule the civilian leadership's decisions to carry out an effective military operation, which you liberals would cry out against for being undemocratic.
Let's face it, the parties that the people voted for are by and large happy to play in the hands of these madmen. PPP's 'liberal' label is absolutely worthless, ANP is getting slaughtered left, right and center for its vocal left-wing views, and MQM (arguably the only truly secular party in the country capable of achieving anything substantial) is limited to urban Sindh and is increasingly losing support due to its thuggish antics. Pakistan's future seems even bleaker after the elections.
@Hasan Mehmood
The Talbans are demanding freedom for five in Guatanimo prison in exchange for one American which they have been holding for over a decade. This should give you the idea about the rate of excnange which the Talibans make. In the meantime the Resistance goes on.
Rex Minor
@Rex Minor: You keep going off on a tangent. The YANKS just want to save their skin while going out in one piece. They are not surrendering American lives or American way of life. They are basically surrendering Afghan women and Afghan minorities to the Taliban. In any case Afghan Taliban (howsoever abhorrent) have a plausible motive resisting a foreign occupier force. What moral justification do you think TTP have when inspite of their warnings the greatest number of people went to vote for assemblies TTP does not believe in.
Enough is enough, If the people and authorities of Pakistan will not wake now, then they can never. Look how the Indian army and administration changed the entire hopeless situation of Jammu and Kashmir into their favour. Basic thing was that they learned from mistakes, within one year the suicide attacks were bought into control as there was no damage from them by taking precautions and counter measures. From early damages to complete control (o/a of casualities) from fidayeen attacks within two years. Security grid has been made such that even mobile and satellite phones are traced within one hour making them useless for insurgency. You need to learn from the mistakes, then only there will be path for peace.
@Hasan Mehmood:
What the Yanks have learned after fighting the Talibans for over a decade and are now ready to sign on to a dialogue for a surrender, you are still living in the delusion relying on your army long range artillery pieces! We are responsible for our decisions and No Other!.
Rex Minor
@V. C. Bhutani: I commend your analysis which although very hard hitting and critical are couched in neutral language terms and are difficult to take offence to. You seem like an honorable exception to regular Indian trolls.
@truthbetold: {In the case of 9/11 foreign terrorists attacked America} I don't think the reaction would have been different in any other case. Just look at Boston Marathon Bombing carried out by Americanized citizens without any apparent foreign hand. The way the whole intelligence and security apparatus went into overdrive and managed to kill and capture the perpetrators is eye opening. It was the top story across all networks for many days and the whole nation was united in condemnation without ifs and buts. The author's advice should be seen in the light as nothing seems to jolt us into action. I don't think anyone has commented or asked for ruthless action / extermination of BLA. In fact most political parties have condemned forced disappearances. Your dragging of Kashmir / Baluchistan is most unfortunate and a cheap attempt at point scoring. Your post mortem regarding the origin of problem does not contribute to the debate which should be primarily focused on actionable strategy to root out religious outfits basically. Your advice regarding welfare state is merely theoretical. There are economically much worse regions in the world without militancy. By the way TTP never claimed economic emancipation as their goal or cited class differences as their motivation unlike NAXALITES. Nevertheless no one denies that we should strive for welfare state as a matter of principle although European welfare states are forced to roll back social security benefits.
@truthbetold: {In the case of 9/11 foreign terrorists attacked America}
I don't think the reaction would have been different in any other case. Just look at Boston Marathon Bombing carried out by Americanized citizens without any apparent foreign hand. The way the whole intelligence and security apparatus went into overdrive and managed to kill and capture the perpetrators is eye opening. It was the top story across all networks for many days and the whole nation was united in condemnation without ifs and buts. The author's advice should be seen in the light as nothing seems to jolt us into action.
I don't think anyone has commented or asked for ruthless action / extermination of BLA. In fact most political parties have condemned forced disappearances. Your dragging of Kashmir / Baluchistan is most unfortunate and a cheap attempt at point scoring.
Your post mortem regarding the origin of problem does not contribute to the debate which should be primarily focused on actionable strategy to root out religious outfits basically.
Your advice regarding welfare state is merely theoretical. There are economically much worse regions in the world without militancy. By the way TTP never claimed economic emancipation as their goal or cited class differences as their motivation unlike NAXALITES. Nevertheless no one denies that we should strive for welfare state as a matter of principle although European welfare states are forced to roll back social security benefits.
@author,
."..when the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed in 2001, America retaliated by invading Iraq and Afghanistan. Its actions were swift and decisive, with no thought for the rest of world. The entire US nation, politicians and media stood united."
That is a very bad comparison to what is happening in Pakistan. In the case of 9/11 foreign terrorists attacked America. America did not create or nurture these terrorists. But, in the case of Pakistan, in support of practice of use of terrorists as assets in foreign policy formulations, terrorists were created and encouraged. Just see your textbooks that teach intolerance and hatred.
Some groups like the BLA are fighting for their right to self-determination, the same right that Pakistan has been preaching to India on Kashmir.
So, please do come out of denial and admit that Pakistan's problems are self-created. The solution lies in giving up the security state anti-India paradigm and associated geopolitical games. Also, massacring the Baloch is not going to help. Instead, allow an honest referendum and let them choose. If you do these and focus on turning Pakistan into a welfare state, the terror problems will vanish.
Terrorists live and operate from within the public. They are funded and organized.Their handlers have a complete net work in place to support them. A set-up like a CIA net work to make you understand. That is made more difficult by the fact that most people involved are our own people who are of all sorts ----- seasoned condemned criminals, job seekers hired for money, uneducated religious fanatics, estranged political activists etc. How can any body in the right mind think of a military operations. Military action has lot of collateral damage and is best done in the enemy territory.Pakistan must take action and that has to be tailored according to the situation on ground. Military must support in co-ordination with police, and other security, intelligence agencies and political organizations. We have to put our act together instead of drawing dividing lines.
"Time for military action against the terrorists is now"
Time for military action against both "bad" and "good" terrorists or are you advocating action against only the "bad" terrorists?
If you are talking only about taking action against the Baloch, who are demanding their right to self-determination, would you also give the Indians the same advise to take action against anti-India terrorists in Kashmir, whom you claim are fighting for their right to self-determination?
@Hasan Mehmood: I am not a regular reader of ET! In a dialogue as the word implies, one listens to the concerns of the other and put forwards ones own concerns!!! One is not emotional nor uses the abusive language and speak the language of the contrahand!! This is how a dialogue breaks the cycle of violence and the diplomacy takes over to faciltate the trust between the parties.
No sir, you have a lots of rhetoric but a very simple plea, "just let us live in peace as we deem fit" is not a lot to ask for and I am sure that with the will of God, this is exactly what they are very likely to ask of you as well.. .
Rex Minor
Please understand, Taliban's of Afghanistan were the rulers of the country. USA and its Allied forces invaded Afghanistan, because not handing over Asama Ben Laden for terrorism committing on USA soil . Actually Afghanistan's Taliban are not Terrorists. USA has no choice except dialog with them. Have piece with them and handover the country to them . As ASAMA is dead and gone there is no threat to USA from Afghanistan.Period.
Pakistani Taliban are terrorists and criminals. They took advantage of unstable Afghanistan and made Wazeristan as safe haven for the criminals of the region. They are spreading terror in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indian Held Kashmir. looting and killing innocents. These guys have no religion .They attack any one who does not fallow their Ideology. This is the product of Newly rich Saudi's, This was started by Asama and his followers.
Now is the time to completely crush them for ever . They have 3000 or more fighters with modern technology. If you have no guts to fight them. Join them and become pariah of the world.
@Rex Minor:
So who are you ? A global Islamist ? You fight terror with guns and weapons. Please tell me what political solution does Taliban wants ? Majority Muslims don't want to follow Taliban ideology, what overtures would make them happy to come to negotiating table to talk peace. I for sure know that you are an ex paki citizen. I supported GW Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003 on moral grounds. ISAF force can easily stabilize Afghanistan and provide economic prosperity. But top generals in Pakistan who control foreign policy and economic treaty don't want to see prosperous Aghanistan, they want to rule afghanistan by proxy and control it as a Satelite state. In a conventional war, US can destroy Pakistan within 48 hrs, if she chooses to do, Pakistan arm force don't stand a chance even with nuclear weapon. Remember what under secretary Armitage spoke about Pakistan.
You don't talk peace with people, whose sole goal is to destroy you. Please educate yourself in the art of diplomacy and warfare. hope this message gets published.
@Zeeshan: {The external powers are behind all the BLA, LeJ, TTP etc. and this fact is very well known to our security establishment} In that case as a patritic Pakistani shouldn't you ask them to be declared as Enemy of State and demand their swift extermination at the hands of security establishment?
@ModiFied: {It was a social leader like Jay Prakash Narain who addressed the issue purely as a social issue} If you think its just a social issue then you must be the most naive person on the face of earth.
Too late now to start war on Terrorism, new era has begun talibans in talk with USA with newspapers posting frontline pics of talibans portraying them as legal people who are a political party, thugs like talibans should be in Jail not on newspapers.
Moderator ET: Please give me right of reply to Rex Minor and post my comment. Thanks
The powers that be in Pakistan - be they government, opposition, army, intelligence, terrorist outfits, or any other - are in agreement about promoting Islamism rather than Islam. To my mind Islam is as good a religion as any other and need not be stigmatized for any reason. The problem lies with thekedars of Islam who believe that by selling all kinds of ideas to ordinary people in the name of Islam they are doing a service to Islam and Islamic civilization. The methods that they chose were sheer violence, murder, and mayhem which cannot rank as actions of civilized people. Violence, murder, and mayhem cannot have sanction Islam if they are pursued for their own sake without regard for sublime objectives. We need to remember Pakistan’s choice of jihad as an instrument of its policy after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan (1989). Pakistan used jihad against India because Pakistan was in no position to try military conclusions with India. It has been called asymmetrical warfare, at once low cost and, in Pakistan’s view, effective: it succeeded against the Soviets in Afghanistan, why would it not succeed against India. Pakistan forgot that the Soviet Union was fighting in another country. India is working in its own territory and has the support of its people. From the day Pakistan started using jihad, first in Kashmir and then in the rest of India, I had numerous occasions to say in several newspapers around the world that Pakistan was playing with fire and that riding a tiger was all right while the ride lasted but the test would come when the rider attempted to dismount. The tiger would then turn upon its former rider. This is happening in Pakistan now. Pakistan is facing the consequences of its choices of the past. It is bound to levy costs. A country’s strength is not measured in terms of military power and nuclear weapons. The Soviet Union was well endowed in these respects. We saw its fate. USA was even better endowed in these respects. We see its fate unfolding before us today. But the lessons of history and the experiences of the Soviet Union and USA in Afghanistan have been lost upon Pakistan completely. Pakistan thought and it probably still thinks that it can rule and control Afghans and Afghanistan through its proxies the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan’s newspapers regale their readers with stories and expectations of better US-Pakistan relations in the days to come. This is unlikely to come about, in spite of a pro-Pakistan secretary of state. Pakistan is in no position to serve any policy objectives of the US. It is so tightly tied to China’s apron strings that it cannot make a move on its own. Mr Nawaz Sharif discovered as much in the first week of July 1999 when he cut short a state visit to China and bounced off to Washington where he nearly signed on the dotted line. Otherwise you need not come, he was told. It is possible that years out of power (1999-2013) have taught a few things to Mr Sharif. We shall wait to see. V. C. Bhutani, Edinburgh, 29 Jun 2013, 1745 GMT
@Modified - Comparison of dacoits with terrorists is far-fetched. The dacoits were not intoxicated with religion and ideology. Most of them spared women and children... One of the 'retired' dacoits of that era expressed dismay (in an interview some yrs back) at his later day contemporaries - who violate women, something he recalled was unthinkable in his days. However these terrorists have an agenda an Islamic caliphate with Sharia wherein women, minorities or sub-sects have to disappear.
@Sexton Blake - All i can say is u r naive... Look at the way ur patron state KSA dealt / deals with these elements - ruthlessly, with a firm hand... Take no prisoners.. these are totally stamped out - hence the peace enjoyed by its citizens.
@ModiFied: {It was a social leader like Jay Prakash Narain who addressed the issue purely as a social issue}
If you think its just a social issue then you must be the most naive person on the face of earth. Thanks for your pearls of wisdom anyway.
@Zeeshan: {The external powers are behind all the BLA, LeJ, TTP etc. and this fact is very well known to our security establishment}
In that case as a patritic Pakistani shouldn't you ask them to be declared as Enemy of State and demand their swift extermination at the hands of security establishment?
@Rex Minor: I would really appreciate if you had responded to my comments pointwise.
{not pro life but pro war ready to confront force with force, not with diplomacy or a dialogue}
Since you seems like a regular ET reader, you should have noted the number of times, I have pleaded, begged, cajoled to be enlightened regarding the terms of dialogue / engagement with these barbarians without a single responce. Ok you tell me which of the following broad terms maybe considered to pacify these mindless killers. 1. Provision of health and education. 2. Socio economic uplift of the area. 3. Granting local / provisional autonomy 4. Removal of Army check posts 5. Freedom to propogate their ideology through media 6. Release of all captured militants 7. General Amnesty and so on and so forth including as I repeatedly remarked, sun - moon and everything in between.
All I would expect in return from them is to stop mindless masacres and ageee not to spread their stone age views at pain of slaughtering / bombing. No they dont need to disarm or pledge allegiance to Pak constitution. Just let us live in peace as we deem fit. Is that too much to ask? Please enlighten me.
@ModiFied:
There is no terrorism in Pakistan, but under terrorism from outside!! You are on the social network and the author is an advocate, who is advocating for war. The country needs a cultural revolution which the chinese went through and a revolution in their education system which the Europeans are currently reviewing, which emphasise on building a complete individual and not to teach only languages and science subjects. Today they stand divided as they were almost three centuries ago and then had to live as a colony of the Brits. fot two cnturies. Look around and who does one find visiting this great country of the moghul empire, the Prime Minister of the UK and several emmissaries from the USA? Both bowing to the power of 'Resistance' and now counsellng Pakistan leadership for peace with the Talibans? In simple English they are dumping Zardaris and Musharafs of Pakistan like a juiceless lemon! David Cameron has already agreed to give asylum to 600 Afghan collaborators and their families whereas the Americans are still deliberating.
Rex Minor
"" No army can win unless the nation stands united behind it." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Taliban is winning. Hence the nation must be behind them.
A pakistani general goes to Srilanka and says "We want regional peace based on balance of power: " +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What about internal peace and based on what vis a vis the Taliban?
It seems like everybody is following the agenda of US etc and leading the country to a stage where US can come and control our nukes. The external powers are behind all the BLA, LeJ, TTP etc. and this fact is very well known to our security establishment.
Those who want to understand terrorism, should start from the ravines Chambal river in India. Are is well know for its famous dacoits for almost last 200 years. It falls in the middle of India and borders no other country. No government could control them effectively till about 1975. Stories of those dacoits are part of Indian folklore. Bollywood made many famous movies on dacoits. Dacoits included both male and female gang leaders. It was a social leader like Jay Prakash Narain who addressed the issue purely as a social issue. Dacoits started laying down arms one by one. I remember when Phulan Devi laid down arms. Media of whole India descended there. Dacoit problem is almost gone except few small timers. May be Terrorism issue needs to be looked from a social angle afresh.
The author talks about how US retaliates against attacks but does not mention that US has the most powerful military in the history of humankind and is also a economic superpower. Not many countries can afford to act as US does especially if it has to do it against international pressure.
@REALLY: A minor detail is missing Bill Clinton fired the first round of Tomohawk missiles to hit the enemy camp! Many pakistani and Afghan lives were lost, but the targeted enemy survived. The Arabs retaliated with a spectacle and George W retaliated and got the whole region involved.
Rex Minor
@Hasan Mehmood: Sir, I am lucky not to be in Pakistan nor am I a citizen of Pakistan or anxious to visit Pakistan, the land of lush valleys and beautiful rivers and magnificient mountains, where people are har working but their energies are .being used in counter productive activities, not pro life but pro war ready to confront force with force, not with diplomacy or a dialogue, shooting in ones own feet. Comparing what is occuring in Pakistan to any other scenario in the world, which the author rhetroc was aiming at, is not sound thinking ? You are in the middle of a civil war and talk about a Nation! No sir, you are not a Nation but a country of several Nations. The policy of the military use that the author is proposing and you are supporting, could only end up into a separation of KPK and Baluchistan from the mainland faster than one can imagine. The political council and not the military solution, is what the country needs!! The majority wants peace, normalcy in life.
Rex Minor
Dear Reader,
I would like to share a latest "Lesson Learnt" by UK to all of you. Please Read: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23109196
Completely agree with you...............but do the people who would have to do the job have what it takes to get the job done ?
@joy: "We simply did not have the time to make our own locomotive.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What about now?
@joy: "For the first 50 years we were trying to conquer India, and when we failed, we shifted focus towards Afghanistan." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You must share the name of this wise man. Thanks.
Pakistan has had a long history of saviours whose actions have harmed more than help.
1) Take the Muslim League. Pakistanis followed one man, he makes Urdu a national language, without due consideration of the feelings of the majority of Pakistanis of the time. That leads to the country's breakup. The fuse was ignited by Jinnah, a man who is still revered in Pakistan today.
2) A variety of Politicians and Army Chiefs were ushered to power, only to leave a legacy that is not welcome in any civilised society.
3) Pakistanis supported the Mujahideen in Afghanistan and Kashmir. Never did they expect of they turning on the Pakistani state sometime in the future. Never did one Pakistani realised that the toxic ideologies of these groups would spread all over Pakistan and lead to this day.
The terrorists are working on a strategy and are only targeting the smaller provinces.They know that if they strike the heartland of civil-military establishment (Punjab) the state will strike back with full might in Waziristan and elsewhere ,Operation in Swat the was only launched once the taliban threatened the bastion of power in Islamabad So for now the terrorists will keep calling the shots and our rulers will be looking the other way.
If all the oceans were ink and all the woods turned paper, this nation would still not be prepared to call these murderers what they are and take up cudgels against them.Whether its the common folk in the street,the brass tacks,the vision less leaders they just do not have it in them.Like the lamb for slaughter we probably await and then lump it on Providence and call it 'our fate'. We have done since Dhaka fell and will have no qualms even now_Bleed my poor country and wait for miracles!
after reading this intelligent and thought provoking article..I am reminded of a video I saw on you tube where in the then Railways Minister of Pakistan was being interviewed. When the journalist asked him why Pakistan has till date not produced a locomotive of its own, his reply was startling,,,he said." where was the time to build a locomotive. For the first 50 years we were trying to conquer India, and when we failed, we shifted focus towards Afghanistan. We simply did not have the time to make our own locomotive."
"when the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed in 2001, America retaliated by invading Iraq and Afghanistan. Its actions were swift and decisive, with no thought for the rest of world." And after Killing thousands people they accepted they were wrong...Emotions must be kept aside from taking such a huge decision...Talks should be given a final chance then Military operation is last option...
@Rex Minor: You are lucky to be in Pakistan or if you are a Pakistani. Try something like that on mainstream American media and you would be lynched. You have totally missed the Author's point. When nations are faced with such attacks even once they react overwhelmingly and disproprotionately. Forget 9/11 and super power USA, even India almost went to war and the whole media / political parties went into overdrive without exception in case of 26/11. Well we are faced with hundreds of 26/11 without lifting a finger. What I find utterly confusing and painful is majority's claim that these barbarians are CIA/RAW funded agents on one hand and our brothers needing councilling on the other hand without battling an eyelid. Similarly the people who claim we have failed to defeat them in numerous army actions are the same who have never declared them to be enemy of state to start with.
"In such trying times, we must be prepared that some fundamental rights in certain affected areas..." Are there any fundamental rights in these areas at present? These areas are being ruled by British era FCR. Reminds me of the "Enabling Act" passed by Hitler to suspend certain civil rights.
Public opinion has never mattered to those who have framed the Foreign, Security and Terrorism policy of the country. If it had mattered the nation would not have continued pursuit of such suicidal policies for over 65 years. The real reason the country has few friends and many enemies is that no policy has evolved to keep pace with a dynamic World in a state of continual flux. Secondly, no one has been held accountable for atrocities, blunders and bloomers committed in so called "national interest" in 1971, or even before and after. Lack of accountability is basically a license to get away with anything, Constitution be damned.
It is convenient to forget that the monsters running riot and spilling blood have been reared and ideologically fed by the State. No citizen, Think Tank or intellectual ever questioned such bankrupt policies and people lacked any kind of foresight to visualize the blow back and dangers. Good and bad actions is not about convenience, similar to Good and bad Taliban. I can keep an Army to guard my fortress but within my fortress I am vulnerable because when my family members can no longer bear my brutalities, there is a real threat of their killing me. The Army will be guarding the fortress outside, when no one is left living inside. As and when citizens find the backbone and the spine to confront the ideological spin being given to falsely justify every violent act, things will start getting better. Till then it remains a long and winding road.
The people of Pakistan seem to want solution for every internal problem from military, be it is a democracy,civic administration,foreign relation,utilization of external aid but for external threats.The duty of military is to safe guard borders of its motherland and not to meddle in civil administration.The tragic Salala massacre or US raid in Abbodabad, Pakistan military hardly faced any criticism but US and and political leaders were targeted.The people of Pakistan overlooked the inefficiency of ISI to notice Osama in their guest room. In India Maoist menace is not less than Taliban but Indian political leaders did not ask military to intervene but asked military to train police commandos in jungle warfare and results are encouraging.
@ Aysha M, not just PML-N, PTI leadership but all Jehadi demagogues too who freely roam around us, publish their weeklies with pack of lies, theirs and Taliban's false achievements etc.
Dear Ali Zafar, You made one or two good points, but missed out on all the important ones. Basically, most of the Western world, namely US/UK/NATO and one or two vassal states such as Australia, have been attempting to control a few Taliban freedom fighters in Afghanistan for nearly 13 years and have failed miserably. Now you are suggesting that Pakistan take on the majority of the Taliban who have been keeping their powder dry waiting for the US/UK/NATO combo to leave. No one can see into the future, but I would suggest that the Taliban will be kept fairly busy attempting to take control of Afghanistan. In regard to Pakistan's future options my suggestion is that they follow a policy of Taliban containment and diplomacy. If the US/UK/NATO efforts are any criteria containment and diplomacy are Pakistan's best and perhaps only option. Pakistan has enough additional problems containing the idiots in New Delhi..
atlast, we have someone who said whats need to be done.. hopefully govt will listen to all those who have suffered and do full fledge militery operation as it did in swat, buneer when islamabad was threatened..
Military action in Balochistan too (where Jinnah got his residency destroyed)? Good God liberals are gonna crucify you for even suggesting something like that. Terrorism is what TTP does only - BLA is just a charity organization caring for the elderly & the diseased.
It is now or never.
Well Argued, But Confused nation cannot do so ....... First you need to label out of "Hire Forces" and "Beggar one".. A brave man / Nation will enable to do so... Do you think, we are.
"Time for military action against the terrorists is now" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You sound like the americans!
When TTP is able to pull off their attacks and mindlessly kill innocent people, leaders of PTI and PML-N should be nominated in the FIR.
These leaders are unable to condemn TTP and Talibans get energized by the tacit approval of these parties. These leaders' confusion is causing irreversible damage to the country.
@Umar: A very balanced and fair Op Ed by ET. I agree with Umer 100%. I could not have said it any better! Thanks and regards, M
"Surely if army action is not taken now, it will be too late to exercise this option later. " ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ No action will happen till the Gen Kayani retires. He prefers dealing with Kerry rather than confronting Taliban.
"Let us not be a nation in slumber." ++++++++++++++++++++++++ After 65 years the nation is in deep slumber. Its been fed on a diet of anti India and anti US sleep medicine.
Military Will ++++++++++++ When Malala Yousef Zai was attacked a Pakistani Military General said "“We refuse to bow before terror. We will fight, regardless of the cost. We will prevail.” Follow up action? Zilch. We must face the fact that there is no will in the Military estabilishment to neutralise the Militants...only to issue ISPR statements. The military prefers an enemy it can nuke, not one that can wage an asymmetrical war of attrition.
A beautifully written article. Please keep up the good work, Sir. Yours is a voice of sanity and courage which should shame the Taliban sympathizers and the spineless cowards running the show.
The author has a wide knowlege of history, but prefers to quote the winners and not the loosers! Sir, no other Nation in the world has managed to raise One million fully mechanised miltary in modern history, which spread across in a Blitz Krieg the European landscape and yet at the end were the loosres 2nd time in European history, inspite of their weaponry which was the finest and the most innovative, futuristic and superior to those of the enemy combined. I will spare the details that most of American superior equipment since the ww2 has been simple copies perhaps by accident --------. Pakistan colonial structured army is unique in the sense that it surrendered to avoid loss of life against the Indian equivalent which just about had sorrounded them.and without any combat. Now please tell us what legitamacy your verbatam has in suggesting to the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to continue military confrontation, when he has the mandate of peace from the majority and not of WAR. Remember the old Greek who once said that war is not the solution of the root of all problems which brings nothing but tragedy for all.
Rex Minor
Yes you launch war and claim success like in SWAT while Taliban go in hiding and spring somewhere else... great strategy!
Well written and well argued. This is indeed the time for aggressive action against terrorists. I would also include a ban on all madressa with more than 10 students.
These terrorists are your own children , be it your religious children or political children. You have given birth to them . Now you have to feed them by your blood and flesh .Whole world knows how USA backed Pakistan divided USSR . The mess Pak has created is not going to finish in near future.
Pakistani LEAs first try to tackle terrorists of Lyari gang wars like Zafar githi/langda, Uzair Baloch , Baba Ladla etc then they should dream about TTP and LeJ. Please don't write funny stuff.
ET , don't censor my comments - as you do always.
Abandoning talks and focussing on military action - maybe you want to make a tyrant out of Pakistan.
You should learn from others' history, your own too. Watch the documentary THE GATEKEEPERS. We Pakistanis are making the same mistakes as them...yet we consider ourselves a superior nation by some sort of birthright. LEARN FROM HISTORY, or bear the consequences.
ok so want Pakistan as state to wagewar against terrorism.. I just wonder what we are doing since last 10 years ...