The Wagah border terrorist attack was once again a stark reminder that while India and Pakistan may be engaged in jingoistic war-mongering, the more potent threat is from an enemy within. The other grim reality that once again surfaced was the indifference of our leaders to the loss of life and suffering of our people. Soon after the gruesome terrorist attack at Wagah, we were told that had the suicide bomber not been checked at the first stage of screening by the security forces, the damage could have been catastrophic. Leaders and state institutions that seek escapism by drawing comparison with more gruesome possible scenarios are in self-denial. Nations that value life do not ease their conscience when the blood of innocent people spills on the streets.
It is now an open secret that on October 31, the ISI had sent a dispatch to the home secretary, the inspector-general of police and the DG Rangers that according to reliable multiple sources, the TTP was planning a suicide attack at the Wagah parade ground. We are told that a red alert was also in place. Despite this unambiguous warning, the security agencies failed to prevent the bomber from striking. All praise to the intelligence personnel, who so precisely predicted the event, but it was to no avail, as more than 60 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured, some critically.
On October 10, 2009, there was a terrorist attack on the GHQ, in which six soldiers, including two senior officers, were martyred. Apparently, months before, the CID Punjab had alerted the GHQ authorities to the impending plan that was being hatched. Yet, it went unheeded and apart from loss of precious lives, Pakistan and its military’s image suffered a serious setback. Again, the intelligence and the CID Punjab have to be given credit for so accurately predicting and warning the GHQ well in advance.
It shows that despite many odds, our officers and their staff who collect, collate and disseminate intelligence are performing their tasks admirably well. But still, terrorists are able to strike at will and murder and maim innocent people because there is no follow-up action due to poor governance and warped priorities of the top government functionaries. After receipt of the red alert warning regarding the impending attack on Wagah, the chief minister Punjab or the home minister should have called a meeting of relevant organisational heads and told them to take extra preventive measures. No such meeting was held or any special instructions issued. Similarly, the warning on the GHQ attack was taken lightly in an unprofessional manner. Those responsible for not reacting on such solid evidence should have been held accountable. Taking cover on the flimsy excuse that such warnings are a routine does not stand to scrutiny. Anyone who has even the most rudimentary understanding of security matters knows that intelligence reports keep trickling and it is the responsibility of the higher organisation, where all these reports stream in, to build and assess the holistic picture and then take necessary action.
Another major failure of the government has been the inordinate delay in activation of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta). This has seriously undermined the government’s ability to combat terrorism and take remedial measures against the blowback from the military operations in North Waziristan, Khyber and other agencies. For this omission, all involved agencies have to take the blame. It is most unfortunate that it is the turf war between our premier civil and military institutions that has delayed Nacta from being operationalised. The prime minister’s decision to have Nacta organisationally placed under him is correct. Probably, the erstwhile military hierarchy preferred Nacta to be under the ministry of interior so that they could have a greater say in policy formulation and implementation. Moreover, ever since Nacta’s inception, the organisation had been treated with such contempt that it has become the parking place for relatives and favourites of politicians. Nacta has to be cleaned up and manned by professionals if the government is sincere about tackling the menace of terrorism. It is, however, good news that a seasoned bureaucrat has been posted to revive the organisation.
How long can this turf war or narrow institutional interests determine Pakistan’s destiny? Already, Pakistan has paid a heavy price in terms of blood and treasure. More than 50,000 civilians have fallen victim to terrorism and over 7,000 soldiers have been martyred. Incompetence of federal and provincial governments, coupled with the civil-military imbalance and mutual distrust, has weakened the ability of the state to mobilise its full potential against militancy, or for that matter, against all national challenges — economy, health and education.
State institutions cannot remain islands to themselves. The current internal and external threats demand pooling of resources, quick responses, cross-fertilisation of ideas and perspectives from different institutions to formulate effective policies and act in unison. And this is only possible provided institutions like the Committee on National Security and Nacta are fully utilised.
Leaders of political parties, too, bear a special responsibility in strengthening the state’s capacity to counter terrorism and extremism. With the exception of one or two parties, there is general indifference and lack of commitment in this regard. Madrassas continue to defy reform and government oversight. Clerics spout hatred among sects and against minorities, and go unchecked. The current state of insecurity has taken a heavy toll on the economy and has kept away both local and foreign investors. Political parties that have militant wings are not even prepared to shed them, knowing full well that this negates the very spirit of democracy and good governance. Merely passing resolutions in Parliament condemning terrorist attacks is not enough. Ironically, militant outfits are doing better coordination to augment their power than the government institutions. The government has to transcend from the reactive to a proactive frame of mind in order to win this existential battle. Gains in the military operation can only be sustained if accompanied by comprehensive administrative, economic, political and social measures. And there is scant progress in this direction.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (13)
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how could it be removed terrorism and sectarianism,unless and untill u realize the root cause of these abuses,u will have to remove roots instead solely making policies to remove upper parts and root again re sprout to produce thereof
No, it could not be averted.
@Kaghan wala.: Security has a role to play in in countries where they deal with terror on daily basis like Israel, the public also plays a big role and they don't just cry about government agencies and others. The public recognizes it has duty to serve, pay attention and cooperate with security agencies. In Pak if civilian is asked by security to follow the law, he will turn around and scoff and behave like VIP or tell us he knows this important person or that important person. And yes, in other countries they do not let restaurants, stalls and vendors to operate close to sensitive areas without the ok from authorities. So maybe now is time for store and restaurants to be streamlined and better controlled too. Do you understand?
@Malik: The restaurants have nothing to do with this tragedy. They have been there for years and years. Wherever there are large public gatherings, restaurants are essential. Yes, they provide much needed refreshments,..soft drinks, ice cream, snacks, food, water,..etc. etc. They have nothing to do with this bombing. It is the FAILURE of the state. GROSS FAILURE. Do you understand?
This tragic incident was a serious security lapse and those who are in administrative control of the sensitive area are responsible. We all need to understand the serious situation this country faces from these terrorists who are entrenched within our borders and take concrete measures to prevent such attacks. Who allowed construction of these restaurants with unchecked access to general public just 500 yards from Wagah crossing?.
No second opinion about the truth presented in the article.The more the indifferent approach towards the warnings issued by intelligence agencies,the more susceptible the country will be.
@Oats:
Not one serious life-taking act has been perpetrated on any civilians after 9/11, because they take even the minutest threat seriously unlike our govt functionaries...this is not because, of any resource constraint ( an excuse many of us will point out ) , but the will to fight these criminals on their pitch. They were able to break their back through infiltration, although they were under more disadvantageous position than us, where in we can gel in them, the Americans cannot, yet they prevented many terrorist attack with superb co-ordination with all major countries of the world for the safety of their citizens. They have proved to be pro-active, while we just wake up " shell-shocked " & cordon-off the area of blast etc; then start investigation. We become active after the act, while the Europeans & the Americans acts to prevent to save lives...that is the difference between us & them...we give priority to metro bus, motorways & other high profile projects, they give priority to maintenance of law / order & safety of their citizens...they value human lives, while we pray for the dead...for us " it was the will of Alllah swt "....unless we CHANGE our mindset sooner the better, otherwise, a time not far when each of us will become a moving target. We have to come out from the state of denial. We all were in denial when in 2009, MQM leader Altaf H warned that TTP is making inroad into Karachi. ANP & many others brushed it aside, saying MQM does not want any other people to come & settle down in Karachi...today what is happening ? Similarly, again it is MQM Altaf H warning that IS is making in-road into our Country & our honorable minister Mr Nisar has denied....let us hope & pray Mr Nisar is correct.
A true analysis.
Government is responsible for Security and Law and order situation once they got the info from intelligence agences.
Reforms needed for the existing policies. Lets create a a separate expert committee to communicate the info effectively for the preventive action. Just blame is useless
The government has to transcend from the reactive to a proactive frame of mind in order to win this existential battle. Gains in the military operation can only be sustained if accompanied by comprehensive administrative, economic, political and social measures. And there is scant progress in this direction. my general, you of all others should know that the battle has been lost and ended!! What you see now are remnants of the left overs and headless chickens who are running around in the country and outside the country pretending that it was economy of the country which is weak.
Rex Minor
With all due respect,..it took a long time to reach this hair raising stage. There is no law and order. The State does not have it's writ anywhere. The powers that be, that were in charge of security failed miserably. There should be heads rolling, demotions mandatory, immediate retirements.of Army personnel. But of course not. This is Land of the Pure. There should have been stringent checkpoints, checkposts 5 miles from the border. not 2000 yards from the border ! Specially since it is a public destination place, due to the famous Flag Lowering Ceremony. Yes, it could have been avoided..
Great article that shows the importance of coordinating efforts. Overall though, attacks and terrorism is down because the cowards and their foreign sponsors are running out of steam. Especially since the country has been holding firm against them. The only thing I would disagree with is the fact that the coward who attacked civilians did not reach the main parade ground where he would have inflicted more casualties. He was unable to get to the main area by security forces. However your point is well taken that there must be better sharing and coordination of information about coward attacks on civilians. The army has given them a sound thumping in real battles so this is all they have left. To attack women and children at parades. Unfortunately this can't be stopped 100 % anywhere in the world - even in North America or Europe.