The modern state may exist geographically on the map of the world, but it collapses if within its boundaries, militias, mafias or groups exist which collect extortion in full knowledge of state institutions and armed groups defy constitutional writ of the state to enforce rule of law, disregard judiciary and threaten lives of law abiding citizens. Pakistan has failed in performing its vital task of regulating state institutions, its education, health or taxation systems and performance of its security apparatus. It has failed to keep a check on entry and exit of criminals and foreign mercenaries. While the state absolved itself of its primary functions to collect taxes and protect lives and property of its citizens, its various institutions became involved in tasks which were never assigned to them, nor were such areas within their jurisdiction.
The armed militias under the banner of TTP or militant ethnic and sectarian groups, if allowed to exercise control over defined areas within the country, pose a threat to Pakistani state, which is more dangerous than the threat of an external aggression. While paid servants of the state live in islands of prosperity surrounded by a sea of confusion and anarchy, the state has failed to enforce its writ upon them. Any institution, a political or religious group which raises funds and supports armed militias has defied the writ of the state and is guilty of usurping the constitution. Once such groups are allowed to be formed, they always turn on their mentors.
The world has seen how anarchy has ruined Somalia and reduced it to a pariah state, which while existing geographically, has been reduced to a non-functional territory where law of jungle prevails. Somalia, once a functional country, has become a dysfunctional society because pressure groups and state institutions became more powerful than the state. There is no doubt that Pakistan cannot be compared to Somalia of today, nor can Somalia be compared to what it was almost three decades ago. We are in what in aviation is known as a recoverable stall, which was the status of Somalia 30 years ago. It is only a matter of time that Somalia will either disintegrate or will be wiped out as a separate entity because it has become a cancer, threatening passage of international trade on high seas, in violation of international laws and UN Charter. Almost three decades ago, the Somali pirates and feudal warlords spread terror in its cities and towns, exploiting either religion or ethnicity to pursue their agendas, today they terrorise international ships.
