At present, our country and security forces are facing suicide attacks, bomb blasts, sectarian violence and targeted-killings coupled with intermittent battles with the militants.
Besides civilian casualties, more than three thousand military soldiers and policemen have become martyrs in war against terrorism while maintaining the integrity of the federation. It is on record that Pakistan is the only country which has sacrificed more than the NATO and the US in the war against terrorism. At this critical juncture, when our country has continuously been facing political instability, economic crisis and social strife, the question how to fight terrorism in Pakistan needs special attention.
Terrorism in Pakistan took origin owing to various inter-related problems such as poverty, political and economic injustices which created disparities. Terrorism can be fought on two fronts: by eliminating poverty and by using force where necessity arises.
Regarding poverty, political experts agree that poverty is the root cause of terrorism as it is said that “a hungry man is an angry man.” A large number of people in Pakistan are living below poverty line. Unemployment has made the matters worse. In these adverse circumstances, some people go to extreme levels and join terrorist groups.
Pakistan is an agricultural country; therefore, our government should make efforts to develop this sector. Our agriculture also provides raw material to the industrial sector. Without any doubt, these efforts will play a crucial role not only in providing employment to the millions of people but will also eliminate poverty in the country. In the modern era of technology and internet, technical education has become necessity of every under-developed and developing country.
It is of particular attention that Pakistan’s tribal areas have become focus of terrorism as their people are more vulnerable to extremism. Hence, joint efforts of the government as well as the moderates are needed to fight terrorism. But billions of dollars are required to develop these under-developed regions. In this context, although America has pledged to spend money for the development of Pakistan’s tribal areas, yet the same is not enough.
In order to cope with terrorism, our government should neuteralise the terrorists through reconciliation by offering them general pardon and asking them to renounce terrorism. Even extremist insurgents can be offered mediation. Nevertheless, those militants who reject the offer could be fought through military operations. Military is another element to fight terrorism. In this respect, Pakistan’s armed forces have already broken the backbone of the Taliban militants through successful military operations in Buner, Dir, Swat and South Waziristan. Nonetheless, for their global and regional interests, US-led western allies must not only increase the military and economic aid of Pakistan but also provide direct market access to Pakistani products.
President Obama had earlier said that the US should help in resolving the Kashmir dispute to deal with the problem of militancy in the region. But then he backed out on his earlier statement. The US and other major powers must help resolve this issue. In order to fight terrorism, Pakistan’s media should play a key role. It must point out criminal activities of militants. It should also indicate that Islam is a religion of peace and does not allow suicide attacks.
Our politicians must stop manipulating terrorism for their self-interests. By setting aside their differences and by showing power of tolerance, both our rulers and opposition parties need to act upon a policy of national reconciliation.
Finally, our politicians, masses and security forces must show a strong sense of unity to fight terrorism.
SABA BALOCH
Lahore