Political space for terrorists

PML-N should rethink its ties with militant organisations

Elections in the country are around the corner. Every party worth the salt is busy fielding its candidates for various constituencies, as is their political right. And this is a good thing to happen. But military’s statement that it wants the elections to go ahead begs the question what prompted the military to talk about an entirely political issue. Though DG ISPR Maj Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa was quick to point out that army had supported the civilian setup in the past years and would continue to do so, many would cast aspersions on military’s intentions. Still it sounds good and might translate much better in reality if the men in khaki actually stand by their claim.

However, there really are some issues that need to be sorted out for a smooth power transition. The recent attacks on Hazara Shias in Quetta have not only rattled the country emotionally, but also cropped up questions on the readiness of country’s security and law enforcement agencies. But that’s an operational problem, the one that can be managed with a little work. What really is bothersome is the fact that the perpetrators of these attacks are well known terrorists, who proudly take responsibility of their actions and most of whom are working under the banner of a banned terrorist organisation or its successor. After the Quetta massacres whose responsibility Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) was quick to accept, the federal government has confronted the Punjab government of PML-N to take action against the LeJ and defunct Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), another well known sectarian terrorist organisation. But the PML-N appears to be unwilling to comply with the request because of its close contacts with these terrorist organisations and, as reports suggest, it has cut a deal with the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), which is just a re-branding of SSP, for seat adjustment in South Punjab on at least 14 National Assembly seats.

The culprit here is not only these militant oganisations, for that’s what they do, but also the PML-N is to be blamed equally, for it has an ambiguous stance on terrorism and many of its stalwarts have close contacts with these parties. At least in one instance, the Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah stirred quite a controversy by openly campaigning for by-elections in Jhang with the leaders of LeJ. Allowing them political space would be devastating, at least until they give up arms, renounce violence and submit to the law of the land. The PML-N should also come clean on its stance on terrorism and sever contacts with all militant organsiations.