A sharp intake of breath

Whilst NAP was doubtless crafted with good intent, its downfall lies squarely at the door of provincial governments

Those who thought — and there are many, international players included — that Pakistan really had made a step-change with the National Action Plan (NAP) are going to be very disappointed by the latest developments. The federal government has watered down the counter-terrorism strategy by quietly excluding three key elements of it. They are — action against proscribed organisations, the reform of madrassas and the repatriation of Afghan refugees. The first and second of these were regarded as absolutely essential if there was ever to be a grip on the anti-terrorist nettle. The third is no less important but may be seen as a part of a wider humanitarian crisis long in need of resolution.

Whilst the NAP was doubtless crafted with good intent, its downfall, and the downfall of any effective or robust counter-terrorism plan lies squarely at the door of provincial governments. The task of implementation was delegated provincially, and for whatever reason the provincial governments have failed to deliver. The national coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) has confirmed that the three points mentioned above are “no more under consideration of Nacta”, citing they being “time-consuming issues that require long-term planning”. Of that there is no doubt, and it is that very failure of long-term planning that has led us to the position we are in today, but planning aside there does need to be a swift and coordinated national response in line with the NAP — and that is not going to happen.

The provinces have failed to develop any practical measures to oversee or monitor proscribed organisations, and beyond a few symbolic actions the religious seminaries are untouched and will remain so. Terrorism has just been handed a victory at the end of round one. This is a monumental — and truly disgraceful — failure of governance. These three goals lie at the very heart of combating terrorism in Pakistan, and a set of spineless inept politicians and bureaucrats has simply walked away from a difficult task. Shame on all concerned, and pity for the poor people of this benighted country.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2015.

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