Malik M. Ashraf<\/p>\n
T.he security of the state, without any reservations, is the top priority of ev\u00adery 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 po\u00adlitical, economic, and military means. Therefore, state institutions, politi\u00adcal 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.
\nPakistan at present is confronted with an existential threat posed by terrorist entities, particularly the TTP and BLA, operating from Af\u00adghan soil and backed by arch-enemy India and elements within the Af\u00adghan regime. There has been an exponential increase in terrorist attacks during the last two years, mostly targeting security posts and law enforce\u00adment agencies. The TTP is carrying out attacks in KPK, while the BLA is operat\u00ading in Balochistan. There is irrefutable evidence of a nexus between the terror\u00adists, the Afghan regime, and India.
\nReports by the UN and other international forums also corroborate the fact that Afghanistan has become a sanctuary for terrorists enjoying the support of the Tali\u00adban regime. The situation demands impregnable national unity. It makes it incum\u00adbent 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.
\nIt 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 gov\u00adernment. 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 ter\u00adrorism, thereby endangering the security of Pakistan, and how leniency can be shown to organisations that have a soft corner for the enemies of Pakistan.
\nThe 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 en\u00advironment 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 Op\u00aderation Zarb-e-Azb, terrorists had almost been subdued and peace restored in these areas. However, during PTI\u2019s rule, they were brought back, leading to a re\u00adsurgence of terrorism in Pakistan.
\nThe DG ISPR was also correct in reiterating that the Army is a federal force du\u00adty-bound to defend the country\u2019s 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 secu\u00adrity of Pakistan; therefore, how to deal with them must be decided by the feder\u00adal 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.
\nThe military spokesman, while snubbing the KPK government over its de\u00admand 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.
\nPakistan has always strived for regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan, and has made relentless efforts at bilateral and multilateral forums in this re\u00adgard. It has repeatedly reminded the Taliban regime of its commitments under the Doha Agreement. However, instead of fulfilling these commitments, the Af\u00adghan 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 Paki\u00adstani security posts along the border, forcing the latter to give a befitting re\u00adsponse. Pakistan once again gave peace a chance by agreeing to mediation by T\u00fcrkiye and Qatar, but nothing positive emerged from these efforts.
\nIn 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.
\nUnder 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 politi\u00adcal 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 wish\u00ades to remain relevant in the future political landscape of the country.
\nAs far as the founding chairman of the party is concerned, the party must re\u00adalise 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 charg\u00ades. Agitation for his release and the creation of law and order situations will not resolve the issue.<\/p>\n
The writer is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at ashpak10@gmail.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Malik M. Ashraf T.he security of the state, without any reservations, is the top priority of ev\u00adery 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[3489],"class_list":{"0":"post-524680","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-malik-m-ashraf"},"yoast_head":"\n