For too long, militants have been romanticised, the issue of drone strikes put at the forefront of debate and suicide bombers, in some cases, termed martyrs. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
While Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is reported to be eager to try all peace options before opting for this, the militants seem to have shown no particular interest in talks, and there has been some doubt cast over what Maulana Samiul Haq’s role in this is at any rate. While media reports had suggested Maulana Sami, chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, had been appointed mediator, there has been no absolute confirmation of this.
Coinciding with Chaudhry Nisar’s tougher line of talk, there are suggestions, a plan for a military operation has already been worked out, with the army ready to move on it. It seems likely this will become necessary. Given this, and the opposition we can expect from the Jamaat-e-Islami, the PTI and possibly other groups, it is important to create readiness amongst the public for such a situation. For too long, militants have been romanticised, the issue of drone strikes put at the forefront of debate and suicide bombers, in some cases, termed martyrs. If the tide is to turn, if a different strategy is to come into play, there must be a deliberate initiative, spearheaded by the government, to change this line of thinking. The right has dominated the narrative for too long and concerted efforts must be made to change this. Public support is important to any military operation. The ambiguity on this score has been a problem in the past. It must not be allowed to emerge as one again.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2014.
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It's sad when the Editor has to write an article indicating that Pakistani's have romanticized the terrorist thugs who have slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent civilians.
I agree with everything you say about how things have gone from bad to worse to fight terrorism. But when you say: 'Public support is important to any military operation' you are hitting the right tune. That is the most difficult part indeed. It appears those who have sympathies with defenders of terror are not a small minority. It appears winning their hearts is the most difficult nut to crack.