One of the fundamental reasons why terrorism is still flourishing in the region is surely not because military offensives have been unsuccessful but a severe lack of a joint strategy for its eradication.
Instead of confronting the menace in a coordinated and collaborative manner every country appears to be bent upon painting itself as the most affected and effective party in their pursuit of peace. This contest of appearing superior than the other accompanied by a continued policy of denial of others concern has done nothing for the regional security apparatus for the past decade, but has however proven immensely beneficial for the militants who are almost always triumphant in finding a breather allowing them to regroup with an enhanced assault.
The fact that Pakistani tribal regions are under a continued militant aggression facing indiscriminate firing of rockets and mortar shells for the past six months resulting in a huge number of troop casualty is significant in this backdrop.
The area surrounding Dir, Chitral and Bajaur is said to be the most affected as it adjoins the Kunar and Nuristan province of Afghanistan, also known to be one of the most richest and prosperous militant sanctuaries that houses many Taliban leaders including Maulana Fazlullah, the perpetrator of the most petrifying terror spell in Swat.
The recent report that Fazlullah is re-gathering his forces to enter into Swat through Dir once more is a serious matter that must be highlighted. That Pakistan has been informing the Afghan government and the US/Nato officials of such activity has not been entertained by either.
The Nato spokesperson when asked about the spate of attacks from within the area under their influence had the grace to provide, at least an ambiguous reply and not a downright rejection of the Pakistani claim as done by the Afghan spy agency who found it much easier to throw back a reverse accusation at Pakistan.
Analysts and opinion makers have time and again stressed upon the need to tackle terrorism as a single foe that can be wrestled with and reversed not single handedly and individually but through a joint regional strategy that every country must adhere to in their own capacity, however, constraints and limitations ought to be taken into consideration and dispelled collaboratively for achieving desired outcome. Militancy will surely remain a persistent threat until all stakeholders decide otherwise.
DR SAFA RAHMAN
Islamabad
