Hitherto the use of armed drones in Pakistan has been confined to their controversial deployment by the Americans, and the resultant arguments about territorial imperatives and violations of sovereignty. Where the significance of this development may lie is in whether — or not — Pakistan-owned and operated drones armed with Pakistan-developed missiles will take over the role currently fulfilled by American drones. This would require intelligence-sharing at the highest of levels, but there can be little doubt that the Americans do not share with Pakistan everything that they know — for the simple reason that they do not trust us not to tip off the terrorists that they are being tracked and targeted. That aside, this is a significant widening of military capabilities, and if real-time intelligence can be linked to strike capacity — surveillance and targeting working in synchronicity — then this is a powerful and effective weapon with a multitude of applications. There may be economic benefits too. Other countries also fight terrorism, and a cost-effective drone could be an international revenue earner. A discreet pat on the back to all concerned is in order.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2015.
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