A shape for the future

Zarb-e-Azb can't just be turned off at the flick of a switch but evolved, into peaceful, settled environment

It is rare to see evidence of long-term forward planning when it comes to combating extremism and terrorism in Pakistan. Thus we give a cautious welcome to the decision by the civilian and military leadership that the military is going to be used as a backup force up to 2019 and possibly beyond, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal areas. Operation Zarb-e-Azb now takes on a whole different aspect, becomes an integrated part of internal policy and strategy and in so doing further blurs the line between civil and military governance and reinforces the perception that Pakistan is a khaki-hued democracy. Hence our caution.

Caution perhaps, but not unwelcome as the decision may create a platform on which a realistic counter-narrative to that which gives rise to extremism and ultimately terrorism, may be built. It will need to be handled delicately if local populations are not to be more alienated than they already are, and it is going to be up to the civilian administrations to move quickly to rebuild schools, hospitals and roads and improve power and water supplies – the nuts and bolts that make up the viability of any community. The military will help — as they did in Swat post to the operation there — but the lead has to come from the civilian side. The military will also do the hard fighting that may be necessary to counter incursions from the Afghan side, and there will be terrorists who will continue to ply their murderous trade no matter what.

Some places are geographically vulnerable, the Shawal Valley for one, and will require attention from the military beyond 2019 and Zarb-e-Azb cannot just be turned off at the flick of a switch but evolved, hopefully into a peaceful and settled environment for populations on both sides of the border. This forward thinking is both an opportunity and a potential threat. Money has been allocated by the federal government and that now has to be effectively and transparently spent. Failure to do so will undermine the efforts of the military. We wish this enterprise well for all our sakes.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2015.

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