Malik M. Ashraf
T.he security of the state, without any reservations, is the top priority of every nation, as it relates to the protection of sovereignty, core values, and the elimination of internal and external threats to the existence of the state. It is imperative to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain stability through political, economic, and military means. Therefore, state institutions, political entities, and all citizens are under an obligation to play their role in strengthening state security for the collective good of the nation. There is no compromise on state security anywhere in the world.
Pakistan at present is confronted with an existential threat posed by terrorist entities, particularly the TTP and BLA, operating from Afghan soil and backed by arch-enemy India and elements within the Afghan regime. There has been an exponential increase in terrorist attacks during the last two years, mostly targeting security posts and law enforcement agencies. The TTP is carrying out attacks in KPK, while the BLA is operating in Balochistan. There is irrefutable evidence of a nexus between the terrorists, the Afghan regime, and India.
Reports by the UN and other international forums also corroborate the fact that Afghanistan has become a sanctuary for terrorists enjoying the support of the Taliban regime. The situation demands impregnable national unity. It makes it incumbent upon all provincial governments and political parties to extend unqualified support to the federal government, security forces, and law enforcement agencies that are making unparalleled sacrifices to eliminate this existential threat.
It is, however, regrettable to note that despite these realities, the PTI, which is also the ruling party in KPK, is staunchly opposing the actions being taken by the security forces against terrorists. PTI leaders are demanding the withdrawal of the Army from KPK and advocating dialogue with the TTP and the Afghan government. The Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, has adopted a threatening posture in this regard. The party is also engaged in a sustained campaign to malign the Army and its leadership through social media platforms controlled by it. The question is how negotiations can be held with terrorists and a government patronising terrorism, thereby endangering the security of Pakistan, and how leniency can be shown to organisations that have a soft corner for the enemies of Pakistan.
The DG ISPR, during his press briefing the other day, was right on the mark in holding the KPK government responsible for providing a conducive political environment to terrorists, which has led to a rise in terrorism and thwarted anti-terrorism efforts by the government and security forces. It is pertinent to point out that as a result of military action in Swat and North Waziristan under Operation Zarb-e-Azb, terrorists had almost been subdued and peace restored in these areas. However, during PTI’s rule, they were brought back, leading to a resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan.
The DG ISPR was also correct in reiterating that the Army is a federal force duty-bound to defend the country’s boundaries and that no province can be handed over to terrorists and their facilitators for the sake of political interests. There can be no compromise on territorial integrity and national security. State security is the responsibility of the federal government. Terrorists pose a threat to the security of Pakistan; therefore, how to deal with them must be decided by the federal government. The Army is carrying out the orders of the federal government to eliminate terrorism, and no province has the right to oppose this mandate.
The military spokesman, while snubbing the KPK government over its demand for the withdrawal of the Army from the province, minced no words in stating that the call to stop operations in KP was intended to allow a political-crime nexus to thrive there.
Pakistan has always strived for regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan, and has made relentless efforts at bilateral and multilateral forums in this regard. It has repeatedly reminded the Taliban regime of its commitments under the Doha Agreement. However, instead of fulfilling these commitments, the Afghan regime has adopted a hostile posture towards Pakistan in collusion with India, ignoring the fact that India had supported the Northern Alliance against them. The Taliban regime even committed the indiscretion of attacking Pakistani security posts along the border, forcing the latter to give a befitting response. Pakistan once again gave peace a chance by agreeing to mediation by Türkiye and Qatar, but nothing positive emerged from these efforts.
In view of these developments, Pakistan had no choice but to adopt a clear-cut policy towards Afghanistan. It has been given the option to choose between Pakistan and the TTP. The option of negotiation is no longer on the table. This has been repeatedly stated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Under these circumstances, the PTI needs to seriously reflect on its actions and its anti-Army and anti-Pakistan strategy. If it continues on the same path, it will ultimately be the loser. It is therefore well advised to subordinate its political agenda to national interests and security. It must conduct itself as a political party in the true sense and bid farewell to violence and confrontation if it wishes to remain relevant in the future political landscape of the country.
As far as the founding chairman of the party is concerned, the party must realise that his release from prison is only possible through the judiciary. He is not a political prisoner, as is evident from his conviction on corruption charges. Agitation for his release and the creation of law and order situations will not resolve the issue.
The writer is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at ashpak10@gmail.com
