This is in reference to Dr Nida Shami’s recently published letter regarding the realistic approach adopted by Col Viet Luong, the commander of US and allied forces in the 261 kms long Afghanistan border adjacent to Waziristan and Kurram Agency in Pakistan. He has very rightly asserted that cross border infiltration cannot be altogether blocked by either Pakistan or Afghanistan as it would require additional surge of troops along the border on both sides and a lot of money. To think this can happen would be completely ‘naïve’.
His statement is in complete harmony with the Pakistani sentiments as he generously asserts that the Pakistani soldiers are the true defenders of the borders.
This claim is justified by the well-organised and effective ‘Protect, Detect and React’ paradigm adopted by the Pakistani forces deployed along the border that serves to control this infiltration to a large extent.
The US acknowledgement that Pakistan has “hundreds of border checkpoints across, backed up by dozens of checkpoints on our side” endorses the fact that more than 900 check posts on the Pakistani side, that are continuously being readjusted and modified according to the prevalent needs, allows maximum protection against the militant impetus. Furthermore, General Petraeus has also commented on the significance of Pakistan’s role in the war during a year-end interview while touring NATO bases in Afghanistan.
This is indicative of the fact that the contributions of Pakistan and its people play a large role in the war with a high percentage of gains to their credit in the form of dismantling terror networks and reversing the Taliban momentum in its territory.
DR UZMA VEQAR
Lahore