Badhaber base attack a jarring wake-up call

Need to dissipate tension at Durand Line now more than ever

PESHAWAR: In the aftermath of the unfortunate attack on the Pakistan Air Force installation on the outskirts of Peshawar, the government needs to take serious action to fight the war against militancy and terror. Instead of wasting time and resources, it is time to implement the National Action Plan (NAP) framed by the government, politico-religious parties and armed forces unanimously to crack down on terrorism. A plan was made soon after the brutal militant attack on Army Public School on December 16, 2014.

The attack on PAF base at Badhaber has led to a great deal of unrest and uncertainty in the already war-torn nation. From Karachi to Chitral, everyone has condemned the militant attack but rulers have yet to chalk out a plan that will ameliorate the air of palpable hostility that surrounds the country.

Root of the problem

While it is true unrealistic policies of previous rulers and lawmakers have plunged Pakistan into an abyss of terror, the current rulers have done nothing to change the situation except make feeble attempts to make themselves appear less culpable.

The political system in Afghanistan is a breeding ground for extremism and terrorism. Ever since former Soviet Union troops pulled out from Afghanistan and the Soviet backed regime of Dr Najibullah collapsed in April 1922, religious leadership in Afghanistan failed to bring stability in the country and did little to prevent the establishment of a safe haven for militants from all over the world.

Role of Pakistan

Since Afghanistan has a destabilised and fragile executive system, it provides the perfect recipe for terrorists to use in their cauldron of militancy. Animosity between Kabul and Islamabad will have deleterious consequences; not just for the countries concerned but for the entire world. Therefore, instead of sending up flares of dissent, Pakistan should utilise its advantageous geo-political presence in Afghanistan and extend support to its neighbour in return of peace and stability in the entire region.

Recently, Pakistan’s leadership realised the importance of tranquility in Afghanistan and extended a hand of friendship to President Dr Ashraf Ghani. Ghani, who was expecting a major breakthrough in reconciliation with Taliban, failed in his attempt as news of the demise of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Umar upset the dynamics. After this, Afghan Taliban commanders terminated all dialogue with Ghani.

All said and done, statements on the part of certain leaders from both sides are encouraging, despite blame games and exchange of harsh words between self-styled media analysts. In his recent statement, Ghani assured his government would not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan. Islamabad has also pledged to take action against groups inimical to Afghanistan and help facilitate a peace deal.

After the Cold War, people from both sides of the Durand Line have formed unbreakable relations. Both neighbouring countries have realised their dependence on each other. Their similar economic and militancy issues will ensure cordial relations between them are of mutual benefit and will also bring stability in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st,  2015.