In a significant shift in its operational priorities for the first time in the 11-year-old war on terror, the Pakistan Army has declared the internal security challenges as major threat and danger to the country’s sovereignty.
According to a military doctrine published by the army, the guerilla warfare going on in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and on the western border as well as the terrorist attacks by some militant outfits on individuals and institutions have been dubbed as the biggest threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The doctrine is part of a 200-page publication known as Green Book which is published by the army on a regular basis to review its operational preparedness and professional capabilities. In the newly published Green Book, a new chapter has been added with the title, Sub-conventional Warfare. Without naming any militant outfit, the new chapter also talks about the militant intrusion in Pakistani areas from across the border in Afghanistan.
It merits mention that India has always been considered as Pakistan’s enemy No 1 by the country’s defence and security circles, but this is the first time that internal security hazards have been dubbed as more serious threat to the country’s sovereignty, which is a significant shift in the army’s doctrine.
Seeking anonymity, a senior army official confirmed the contents of the book. However, he said the Pakistan Army was ready to face all conventional and unconventional security challenges.
The inclusion of new chapter in the book is meant to prepare the army cadres to face this new warfare and threat as well as to acquire the required public support in this regard.
The distribution of the green-colored book is underway among the army officials whereas in future at some proper time, this publication could also be made part of the army’s website for general public.
The book says that some organisations and elements are hell-bent on harming the country’s sovereignty and terrorist attacks were being carried out in the tribal and settled areas for this purpose.
It says that the terrorist attacks are being
planned and executed in a cruel way and to counter them a high-level preparedness and befitting response are needed.
A security official said that the notion of absence of any serious threat on the country’s western border and the concentration of almost all defence power on the eastern frontier resulted in the inability of security forces to detect the American helicopters that flew from Afghanistan to Abbottabad on May 2, 2011 to kill Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
He said the lack of defence capabilities of local military commanders in Salala (Mohmand Agency) back in November 2011 to stop and repulse the NATO assault on Pakistani border posts, which killed several soldiers, also led to the creation of the new doctrine.
Late but a very right step by Pak army towards security of Pakistan.
Fully supported. Not late but timely understanding. Remedial measures need to be now out in place.
So they admit that they were living in denial for the last 11 years, now they read the writing on the wall cause now they see the threat to their lives.Its too late but I hope they take action not just raising slogans .
Happy that Pakistan Army has realised the intensity of the threat. I think along with military operations Pakistan needs to launch a country wide de-radicalization program to curb the menace of violence.
Another challenge is the Baloch liberation army,BLF beside TTP ,we need to know the sectarian divide created by the west and indian agencies to create chaos in the country.
Its a fourth generation warfare ,wherein spy agencies of other countries uses the anti nationals and terror outfits to destabilize the country ,on top of this we need to have efficient rulers as other countries uses weak ,corrupt and anti national govt at the centre so that they can weaken the country fast in the name of democracy.
That is why they are called approach of Fauji damagh who can reach logical truth after all kind of destruction and we have given them power of decision making of whole Pakistan and 18 crore people .I am sure after seeing their actual performances in their profession that they would take another 11 years to understand/confess that it is their homegrown breed that is eating away stability of Pakistan.Pakistani official soldiers are in state of war with state's illegitimate recruits those were being prepared for creating terrorism on western agendas.
Unfair and rude comment.
as usual
Identifying this real threat now is a bit too late. Action on urgent basis is needed not empty words.
In need of dollars the military are now wooing the american by opening their eyes to the danger that has been around since their inception.
Question that needs to be asked is how and under whose protection did the enemy became nebulous? With some justification it is alleged that this monster was created and nourished by the state agencies for strategic depth reasons. Enemy became faceless when there was a clash of interests. _India faced similar insurgency in Punjab, at the alleged behest of outsiders, but was able to deal with similar faceless enemy swiftly. In Kashmir, despite alleged infiltration, its armed forces have been able to keep the insurgency in control
In Kashmir, despite alleged infiltration, its armed forces have been able to keep the insurgency in control; no suicide squads or deadly bombings. In fact India itself instigated a successful insurgency in East Pakistan resulting in humiliating surrender and break-up. It is currently facing insurgency in other places but despite perilous border conditions, Indians are dealing with insurgents on their own conditions.
Americans, Europeans and others have taken effective steps, tightened laws but more so enhanced their counter-insurgency capabilities especially intelligence gathering to penetrate the terrorist network; the focus is on prevention. Despite loud proclamations by the Interior Minister and others, they have been unable to unmask the faceless enemy, choke their finances and supply lines, with daily bombings at enemy’s choice becoming breaking news.
While the foot-soldier’s sacrifices are noteworthy, common Pakistanis and state economy faces the brunt of faceless enemy’s ruthlessness. It is about time that intelligence agencies stop preying on politicians, hiding behind the “faceless enemy” mask and appear clueless in their pursuit strategy.
Yes, better that they realized that the threat 'within' is bigger than threat from 'outside'. If you are internally united NO ONE from outside can dare intrude like what has happened!
rIt is true that e are facing intenal threat to our stablity ans security e are plagued ith crises of great magnitude The crocodile is ready with its jaws opened to eat us alive
lack ill and couage to face them head on
We should be aware of the terrorist present around us We must report suspicious activities taking place inside our city preises
We can not trust Afghan foreigners and keep a check on their movements They pose greater threat to our security and stability
Let us be vigilant about all these devlopments happening near by
Sincerely
Javaid Bashir Attorney at law
As the threat itself has been entirely created by our own security agencies,maybe the army can tell its own intelligence agencies to sort them out.
We areplagued with threats within Pakistan, due to wrong policies of the government. Especially in the field of foreign affairs. We have not formed an independent foreign Policy. We follow the dictates of the West.
this must change to avert the threat and bring bacl normacy in the country. we need to e eliminate .the safe hevens in the rugged west terrrain in the mountains borderin g Afghanistan, and stop their movement .
The terrorist groups have created training camps and terrorits bases with in the territory of Pakistan. These groups have their convulated Islamic brand of ideology and create trouble for gaining the control our the government.
We are figting the War on terror for the safety of the world , and suffering the consequences of this volcanic eruptions.
We must eliminate all pockets of resistance with in the country. This war must be owned by us in a united msanner . we can win with a house divide on the issue.
The religious rightist supporters must realize that they are escalating the War and creating evil forces with in Pakistan. We must have one Policy to fight against them.
avaid Bashir
LAHORE
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