Strategic confusion

Dark clouds are still hovering over implementation process of National Action Plan in absence of national unity

It was not just an extreme form of brutality. The Peshawar school massacre was so much more than that. You cannot erase such an incident from the nation’s collective conscience. Just like the 9/11 attacks.

All this was done in the name of faith, coupled with some awry justification of revenge. But what was our response to this inhuman act in the one month since the horrendous attack on the Army Public School? Mourning, condemnation, meetings, announcements, legislations, debates, controversies and then … confusion?

Decision-makers were forced to reexamine and restructure the counterterrorism narrative and mechanisms. Are we able to face hundreds of mothers with confidence in our policies? If the answer is still ‘no’, then what is still missing in the process? It is sanity perhaps.

Dark clouds are still hovering over the implementation process of the National Action Plan in the absence of national unity. What should be done to ensure firm commitment? Our sincerity with the cause will determine our future this time. The planned bloodlust of our little angels brought about an outrage which overshadowed any previous outrage over the hundreds of terror incidents the country has witnessed in well over a decade. Let’s make good use of this outrage.

Whatever we have done so far has not been satisfying. A new social contract is required within Pakistan. But what kind of social contract should it be?

Initially, we can also adopt the draft of NAP — which was prepared before dissenting voices emerged — as a document of the new social contract. In first phase, we can divide this plan among three pillars of the state and can assign them a broader outline to make it a successful story. These are: political forces, armed forces and vibrant media that does matter no doubt. Avoiding daily visits to the schoolchildren, we can select Army Public School as a venue to sign the new contract.

Dear politicians and religious leaders, the destiny of the entire nation is in your hands. Without fair play, honesty, firm commitment and assessment of your own policies, the fruits of democracy cannot be availed.

Dear brave soldiers, we are proud of you. Unfortunately, in the past, a few individuals, through controversial policies, have damaged the very sanctity of your sacred institution. Through clear guidelines, policy statement and self- accountability we can earn undivided love, affection and respect.

Dear media outlets, your role is commendable for keeping the nation aware. It is time for you at least to hear the internal dissenting voices on your code of conduct. Our state is on target and self-regulation from you will be welcome.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2015.