ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
Eventually Pakistan had to opt for fencing at western border along Afghanistan. It is not going to be an easy task due to multiple complexities. More than 2400 kms length of border passing through unsurpassable rugged mountains is itself a great geographical hurdle. Execution of the fencing is likely to be confronted by Afghan government on diplomatic front. On ground, terrorist groups spread across the FATA will leave no stone unturned to interrupt the process. Violent response is understandable! Fencing is a step expected to snatch the liberty of movement from the terrorists who had been managing to infiltrate in Pak territory undetected by using the folds of mountainous terrain. Though, it is going to be a great advantage for Pakistan in the days to come, but in the initial phase, ground execution of the task appears to be a tough call for the armed forces. It is not difficult to visualize at this stage that execution of fencing will be an easy opportunity for the terrorists to target the manpower employed for the job. This exposure of Pak troops at an extremely hostile border is understandably a serious issue and appropriate safety of our men will prove a major tactical challenge. Intense engagements are neither unexpected nor feasible. Terrorists may use the layout of ground to inflict heavy causalities. Protective umbrella from Pak side may not prove effective against the terrorists deployed at mountain heights across the border. Loss of precious lives must be avoided through error free advance planning combined with all possible military and diplomatic measures. Response from Afghan government is easily predictable. It will be quirky, negative and biased. In the recent past, Afghan officials openly confessed about non-existence of any control over these trouble spots. Obviously, a thumb on gullet of RAW sponsored terrorists will not be acceptable to Indian influenced security apparatus in Afghanistan. Presence of ANA elements at border during fencing is also an option but its efficacy remains questionable due to unreliable intent of political government and inbuilt weaknesses of Afghan army. Fencing under existing unfavorable environment is not going to be a pleasant experience. Delay in execution coupled with loss of precious lives will be equivalent to painful compromising scenario. Terrorists and their handlers precisely want this to happen at our western borders. Armed forces have displayed extra ordinary professionalism in repulsing number of violent attacks in recent past. This success on our part is a great pinch for the terrorists and their masters. They are ready to apply all arrows available in their quiver. We should not exposé our self at this point of time. Remote of Afghan government is being operated by America. A direct dialogue with American and NATO authorities seems a compulsion under prevailing situation. Provision of security umbrella at Afghan side for entire fencing process must be guaranteed by American and NATO elements. Pakistan should come up with the precise demand at all appropriate political or diplomatic forums. Response from other side will decide the future course of action. Besides this, it will be a disclosure of real intent of the stake holders too. Deliberate home work for eventualities must be done at our end. Negligence and traditional inefficiency may cost us heavy price in terms of precious lives and morale of the men standing tall against all odds. Our political leadership and diplomatic quarters should realize the serious problems linked with upcoming fencing on our western borders.
