ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
It is not easy to say that Pakistan has overcome the major problems and succeeded in gaining the requisite stability. Likewise, an absolute denial of positive developments will not be justified. A realistic and impartial commentator will have to admit that today Pakistan is paddling hard in troubled waters for survival. There are encouraging statistics about significant reduction in terrorist attacks. Comparatively longer moments of relief for masses are in air as compared to the past, once frequent terrorist acts seriously damaged the routine life across the country. But it is not yet over. While being at back foot, terrorists are capable enough to execute major attacks on soft targets like lawyers, Police recruits and gathering at Shah Noorani Shrine in Baluchistan. Recent one is the terrible strike in Lahore which took 13 precious lives including two senior Police officials. This persistent strike capability of terrorists should be a real point of worry for our decision makers. There has to be a serious effort to identify the real causes of partial failure. It is an obvious reality that maximum burden of war against terrorism is still lying on the shoulders of Armed Forces and results obtained so far provide a ray of hope but recurrence of attacks at soft targets spoils the overall impact of the entire effort. Armed Forces are thickly engaged on eastern and western fronts. Traditional rival India has maintained aggressive posture on LOC through cease fire violations. Besides igniting the conventional front, India made heavy investments on unconventional covert means both at Western front and deep inside Pak territory in Baluchistan as well as Sindh specially Karachi. Armed Forces have successfully responded on both conventional and unconventional fronts. This nerve breaking engagement of Armed Forces rightly deserves appreciation as it provided a bright hope against dark forces. Federal and provincial governments too got a precious opportunity to improve upon the almost dysfunctional law enforcement mechanism. Clutches provided by military operation in fact enabled ruling regime to avoid an absolute fall in the hands of multiple terrorist outfits. Unlike the past, this time military might persistently strengthening the state to gain stability under tough challenging times. Existing regional scenario is complex and full of uncertainties. Absolute reliance on military operation is not the permanent solution as political leadership should assert vigorously to address the inbuilt weaknesses. Poor governance and non existent law enforcement outfits, should be at the top of priority list. Long term survival is not possible with present make shift arrangements. Sindh provincial government is unable to mange Karachi without Rangers since past two and half decades. It is enough evidence to prove the inefficiency of political leadership which never asserted on capacity building of Police. No better view is available in other provinces on this account. Despite large claims of efficiency and good governance, the Punjab government is unable to control the street crimes in Lahore and surroundings. ‘Chotoo Gang’ story is still alive in our memories. There are serious shortcomings capable enough to damage the over all stability of country. It is not an exaggeration of a problem rather identification of clear and present weaknesses. Pakistan is in a state of war against such well trained foreign funded hard core terrorists, who aim at absolute abolishment of state’s constitutional as well as political operating mechanism. Armed Forces have successfully countered the initial thrust and provided requisite operating space to political leadership. Unfortunately, Political leadership is pursuing a wrong priority list. Whether it is serious lack of political will or equally alarming inefficiency but surely both have unaffordable consequences. Pakistan can not prosper and survive with existing deficiencies. There are essential things to do for a better Pakistan. First, emergent capacity building of law enforcement agencies coupled with de-politicization . Second, vigorous improvement In diplomatic response. Third, unified civil military response on matters related to India, Kashmir and Afghanistan. Fourth, solid counter measures against rapidly increasing foreign ingress in right and left wing circles. State of insensitivity and inaction on these serious weak areas pose a direct threat to national security. Political leadership should realize this bitter reality that cost of prolonged inefficiency is surely unaffordable for the nation.
