Sporadic terror attacks across the country in the last two days is a reminder that the task to nail down the unscrupulous elements is unaccomplished. The suicide bombing at a BNP rally in Quetta on Tuesday was a daredevil attempt to further political instability. While the party’s leadership survived the assassination bid, at least 14 people lost their lives. Likewise, the killing of six soldiers in Bannu, as they were on an expedition against the terror nexus, is quite unfortunate.
The brave bid on the part of the armed forces, however, led to the extermination of five khawarij as law-enforcement agencies continue to battle the faceless enemy in the wake of intrusions from the western borders and abettors of Indian-sponsored agents. Last but not least, the return of revulsion in Kurram District as a passenger van was ambushed, leading to six casualties, must drive some instant pushback from authorities.
Pakistan has been through thick and thin for a long time now, but the spike in terror evident for a year is unnerving. Despite the fact that the security apparatus is geared up to its maximum, the penetration that dreaded entities have made calls for some deep analysis. The issue can be better addressed by rewriting our security policy and bringing in stakeholders from political and civil society. The kinetic aspect can then come to provide legitimacy and ensure better results on ground.
The restive provinces of K-P and Balochistan are in need of a roadmap for healing the wounds of mis-governance and myopic decisions, and only a structured plan of action by taking all on-board can make headway at a time when opportunism has overwhelmed national interests. The situation in Balochistan should also solicit response from elements who nurse grievances against the state and government, and they must come forward to try a negotiated settlement. The good point is that the insurgencies are not secessionist and, thus, can always be moderated for a dialogue with a give and take. The troublesome districts must be touch-based with synergies for a perpetual solution.
