We tried the talks. For close to half a year, the government pushed the path of dialogue, hoping against hope that there was a better way out, and continued pushing in the face of widespread criticism. But we were reminded, over and over, again and again, one bloody attack after another, one wailing parent and child after another, that it was not going to be. Ceasefires were broken, our courts, markets and airports targeted, security officials and innocent civilians alike, left dead. And then, after the assault on the country’s largest airport, it seems that a Rubicon was crossed.
There is no doubt that an allout military action was the last option. And in this regard, the government cannot be faulted for exhausting all options to their last. The military must be appreciated for lowering their guns while the government took its time. Today, no one can turn around and say that they didn’t try.
There’s no turning back now, but great caution must still be taken, despite the din of support across the nation for our forces. Let us not forget that North Waziristan is far more thickly populated than the south, which the army took through Operation Rah-e-Nijat (path of riddance) back in 2009. As the bombs are dropped and fire exchanged, great care must be taken in terms of civilian casualties — even though the military has set up paths for the locals to leave and has even set up surrender points for those who want to lay down their arms. The militants will resort to all sorts of tactics, and have nothing to lose, nor will they spare any quarter or scruples; but the military has much to lose in this area. They are the ones that will be facing all the questions from critics who will already be sharpening their knives. There is also a high probability of more attacks on soft targets across the country, especially in the major cities, as the militants hit back, and security must be heightened and all precautions taken in this regard.
Then there are other players involved in this decisive battle other than the people, government and armed forces of Pakistan — players that must also be on board. The reference here is to the forces across the western border in Afghanistan, which, lest we forget, have long complained about Pakistan not doing enough against terrorist sanctuaries. Now the ball is in their court. It is critical that the international forces and the Afghan National Army form a wall to guard the porous border to make sure the militants do not cross — and those who do try to cross are dealt with — the ‘hammer and anvil’ strategy as it is called in the military. Let us not forget the reports of the chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating out of Kunar province in Afghanistan and crossing over to attack Pakistan hard and often. This cannot be allowed in this case; this is no time for machinations from across the border. In Islamic history, Zarb-e-Azb is said to be the name of the sword the Holy Prophet (pbuh) used in the Battle of Badr — a battle that took place some 1,390 years ago and which changed the course of history as we know it. It is fitting that Pakistan has entered a battle that will be decisive not only for Pakistan, but for the entire region, perhaps even the world — and named it after that very sword.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (9)
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@Vakil: The world today is full of imposters. I do not blame ET management since they are being flooded by Pakistani commentors warriors, who do not get conscripted for military service nor do they receive a proper education in their outmoded education institutions to learn about the people who are living in their region and have own language and culture and mean no harm to others and want to be left alone as free people. This has been their tradition and people must learn to respect others way of life if does not negatively impact others culture.
Rex Minor
@Rex Minor: Your rants are often comical - we all know that 1971 War was one in which Pakistan was engulfed in a civil war and true to form, India took advantage of the situation resulting in the debacle of Bangladesh. What this has to do with foreign funded criminals and foreign terrorists such as Uzbeks in the tribal region escapes me? Yes you can argue that the criminals there are funded by outside agencies. Ask yourself this question: Why do you think that Pashtuns in KPK support this operation like all my family members? Do you not understand that allowing foreign funded militants to conduct attacks on a nation is wrong and must stop? You are writing about historical facts that have no bearing on the current situation. Does it matter that neighboring Afghanistan was largely created by the British with Amir Abdur Rehman supported by the British - the Afghan King gave up foreign policy and was paid a salary by the British. Does this mean Afghanistan was a slave state of British influence at that time which would explain why they are doing India's bidding for last 60 years? Does it matter than Barakzai's were defeated by Ranjit Singh who ruled Peshawar and KPK for 50 years? Is this your way of shaming us and our centuries of rule over South Asia? I think you need to focus on the idea that Pashtun in Pakistan - large number of whom are in the miltiary are currently fighting to clear Waziristan of miscreants and cowards who attack civilians.
Dear ET, why do you not print my comments...? I don't understand your logic ... the last one I gave about this Editorial had nothing in it that was insulting or anything.... yet you don't print ... it is indeed very heart-breaking for somebody who is in fact living in a territory that you people "claim" as your own by ideology (Kashmir i.e. J&K baniaga Pakistan)
With Allah's help the purer Muslims will surely defeat the infidel pretenders!
May Allah Pak grant success to our beloved Pakistan Army .. Ameen
With due respect, is it not a disgrace that Pakistan army is once again embarked on a mission to confront the civilian people who resist occupation and hegemony and resisted Brits while the rest of India surrendered? Have the political leadership declared bankruptsy and willy nilly want a further break up of the country. Have they not learnt any lessons from their past debacle in the former eastern region, and the shameful surrender to the Indian army? There should be no doubt in any ones mind that Resistance has always triumphed against Force, the lesson of WW2 history!
Rex Minor
Well written. Just to add, there may come a point when common citizens will have to take up the responsibility for identifying, reporting and preventing attacks in the cities by these butchers. Civil defense! There is no reason someone who resembles an Uzbek should be able to carry out any attacks......look for them, find them and report them.
Let us stand united. Lets not differentiate between good and bad taliban. I hope forces across the border will reciprocate in same gestures.
God speed our jawans and pakistanis! May Allah grant them victory against the cowardly,inhumane terrorists.