Pakistan gained ground against militant violence in 2010 but urban terrorism is a growing threat and military success will not bring stability unless a comprehensive strategy is developed.
The number of incidents of violence and terrorism in Pakistan fell by 11 percent in 2010 compared to the previous year. The military has launched a series of anti-Taliban offensives in the militant-infested northwest that have disrupted their activities. A sharp rise in US drone strikes also contributed to the decrease in militant attacks.
Better coordination among intelligence agencies, capacity building of law enforcement agencies, curbs on terrorism financing, and most importantly, adequate measures to prevent banned militant groups from operating across the country remained persistently lacking. Sustainable security remains elusive because of the less than impressive performance of a weak political administration beset by chronic challenges of poor governance.
KHURRAM SALEEM
Islamabad
