Reema Shaukat
Countrywide military operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was announced in February, 2017 with an objectivefor “indiscriminately eliminating residual and latent threat of terrorism”.This operation is termed as the last phase of the armed action by country’s security forces against terrorists, which has been ongoing for more than a decade.The aim of the operationis to amalgamate gains of earlier military operations like Zarb-e-Azb, Rah-e-Raast and Rah-e-Najaat.Besides ensuring more effective border management and continuation of ongoing operations in troubled areas of the country as part of this process, one of its key features is action of Rangers in Punjab which has been a longstanding demand of various segments of the society.Additionally, the country would be de-weaponised through a national campaign and a comprehensive explosives control regime would be put in place.The main objective of this military operation requireda sweeping action against suspected militant elements across the country which was alreadyinstigated after a series of bloody extremist assaults killed dozens of people across the country. It was announced that Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces and other security and law enforcing agencies (LEAs) will actively participate in and intimately support the armed forces efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country. It was mentioned by the ISPR that the efforts for this military operation entails conduct of Broad Spectrum Security / Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations by Rangers in Punjab, continuation of ongoing operations across the country, and focus on more effective border security management.
It is important to note that that Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been announced as a continuation of the National Action Plan (NAP). As part of the plan, military courts were established to fast-track terrorism cases. Intelligence-based operations across the country were initiated to disrupt and destroy terror networks in urban and rural areas. The plan had also laid an emphasis on curtailing terror financing. In NAP it was mentioned that a strict action will be taken against seminaries involved in militancy, but somehow government has vacillated on bringing them under control, apparently for fear of repercussions from religious parties as well as militants. The plan further envisioned countering hate speech and extremist material through the powers vested in the provincial police and other authorities. PEMRA and other regulatory authorities were tasked with checking and banning glorification of terrorism and militant groups through print and electronic media. The drafting of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct was also a positive step. The provinces were further instructed under NAP to raise a counter-terrorism force under a dedicated command structure. It is observed that not completely but to a great extent the government has proceeded in reducing cyber space to terrorist organizations and media adoration of their terrorist actions with effective cooperation of both print and electronic media. Strict actions are taken against misusers of social media for their nefarious activities. Therefore it is of utmost importance that the government and the security apparatus should commence a composed review of its policy framework and strategy to make it approachable and receptive to the threat which is not only real but forceful too.
Apart from difficult challenges ahead, this military operation in a span of almost five months has achieved certain successes. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is underway nationwide and has yielded numerous achievement to ensure peace and strengthen the security. Security forces, with the help of intelligence agencies, have conducted intelligence based operations (IBOs) and search operation throughout several regions of the country. There was a surge in terrorist attacks in few months but the security agencies are trying to prevent any kind of untoward incident and number of arrests have been made and many terrorists killed in counter actions. A huge amount of explosives was discovered during operation in different parts of country and likewise many IEDs which were meant to target security forces during the operation were also detected, recovered and later neutralized.All provinces held apex meetings monthly to review progress in this operation. What is challenging in this operation is dynamics of every province are different. In Punjab,the menace of terrorism is double-edged. Here, it’s a combination of sectarian militancy and outright terrorism based on negation of the state existence. In Sindh,Karachi is the only densely populated city and target killing is most frequent.Baluchistan is an extensive province but the population there is scattered. Punjab is an extensive area with considerable population, but neither it is as extensive and hardly accessible as Baluchistan nor has as much population concentration as Karachi. In KPK, operation was already going on in different terrains and Pak Afghan border management is a matter of concern too. Therefore, the strategy and modes of operation are different for all localities.
Definitely, challenges for this new military operation are not new but need concrete and long lasting steps. Implementation of NAP at all levels, role of military courts, madrassah reforms, de-radicalization processes, reforms in police and role of law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation process and long term restoration of peace in areas where operation has been completed and area declared safe by military, availability of basic necessities in those zones are some of important factors for this operation. What these law enforcement agencies are doing is significant and substantial but they must do it completely and take this operation “Radd-ul-Fasaad” to its logical end. The civil and military leadership have always lauded the sacrifices of the security personnel in the war against terrorism. Apart from all efforts which are carried out at national level we should keep in mind that this is our war and we have to finish it. Together with initiation of steps at all levels we can bring a positive change and long lasting peace in our country.
