Risking lives to save lives?
Imran Khan had initially planned a march to North Waziristan as the Agency had been the principle target of drone attacks. The aim was to express solidarity with the families of the non-combatants who fell victim to these attacks and to rouse the world’s conscience against drone strikes. Failing to receive assurance of safety from the local tribes, Imran now plans to march to South Waziristan instead where the attacks have been much less frequent. He is confident that the marchers would be safe on account of the guarantees reportedly extended by the Mehsud tribal elders. He would however be taking a serious risk by entering an area under the shadow of the militants. TTP spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan has already made it known that his organization needs no sympathy from Imran Khan who is considered by it “a liberal and thus an infidel”. Imran Khan faces a dilemma as he would be pooh-poohed by his political opponents if he cancels the march and berated if the marchers are attacked and suffer casualties. One hopes he has weighed all pros and cons before deciding to go ahead.
A number of foreigners have arrived to join the protest, including former US diplomat Ann Wrigt who is leading a nine-member ‘Women for Peace’ delegation. The inclusion of prominent peace activists from the US would weaken the extremist stand that the entire West is against the Muslims.
There is a perception that the establishment is divided over the drone attacks, some considering the strikes to be useful but unwilling to admit it publicly. While official spokesmen have consistently condemned the attacks, the reaction to the killing of two persons in Lahore by CIA contractor Raymond Davis was much harsher than to any single drone attack with much larger casualties. Suggestions have been floated that in order to make the strikes acceptable they should be conducted in consultation with the Pakistani agencies. Imran believes the government’s opposition to the march is motivated by its pro-Washington stance.
The government has been accused by the PTI of creating hurdles by not issuing visas to foreign peace activists and journalists. FATA Secretariat has recommended to the government to deny permission for the march. Imran Khan has made it known that he would hold the government responsible for any untoward consequences resulting from a confrontation. If the government has any credible reports regarding dangers to the security of the marchers, it should share them with the PTI chief. If he still insists on going ahead, the marchers should be provided full security instead of being stopped by force.