There is no doubt that Pakistan is currently grappling not only with terrorism but also with extremism. On a daily basis, soldiers and police officers are losing their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
After Sargodha, a person in Swat was also burned alive on charges of blasphemy, and once again, the police appeared helpless in front of an enraged mob. The questions are where is the writ of the government and why does our state appear so helpless?
Though we try to prove our love for this country by wearing badges with the Pakistani flag, but in reality, we are not as concerned about the country as we are about ourselves, our children, and our families, or their better future.
The apex committee to implement the National Action Plan has decided to launch Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Here, the question should have been asked: in the last ten to twelve years, operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were launched, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives, but why and how have we reached a point again where another operation has become inevitable?
Another question that is in the mind of the people is why, how, and where will this operation take place? Three major parties including PTI, JUI, and ANP have announced their opposition to this operation.
This stance is entirely justified that such a large-scale operation should not commence without taking the political leadership and the nation into confidence. However, when the current government has made it clear that the final decision will be made by the cabinet and then by the parliament, where it will be thoroughly discussed, the matter should have progressed from there.
Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf has some apprehensions that the operation could be turned towards the political side that could go against them at any later stage. The defense minister unequivocally stated that this operation would not be against any particular political party as Operation Azm-e-Istahkam has no political objectives. He mentioned that he is willing to address all concerns of the government, PTI, JUI, and ANP leadership regarding this matter and will reach out to them as
After this, the way forward should be for the political leadership to sit together and amicably resolve at least this sensitive issue.
The real test here is also for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), whose stance on this matter could play a decisive role. The PPP is a party that has already sacrificed its leadership in the fight against terrorism and has always maintained a clear stance on this issue. If the PPP also has objections and concerns about this operation, it would make it almost impossible for the government to proceed with this matter.
It is essential to reiterate that the growing terrorism is currently such a significant issue that, if not addressed, it could unfortunately push the country further towards instability. From attacks on Chinese nationals to targeted killings by Indian intelligence agencies within Pakistan (as detailed in a report by The Guardian), attacks on military installations in Balochistan, and daily deadly attacks on the army and police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all these issues must be addressed, but with consultation and consensus.
It is high time that the government should bring three major parties that are opposing the proposed Operation Azm-e-Istahkam to the negotiation table to remove their anxieties before starting the operation.
Though the past operations brought peace in the country, one thing was noticed that the sanctity of the people’s property was not observed at some places during these operations but now it is hoped that institutions taking part in the Operation Azm-e-Istahkam will take care of it this time.
