The government needs to have a sound plan against terrorists
To talk or not to talk with the Taliban is just going to be the principal variable in the complex equation of counterterrorism the government is going to sort out in the upcoming All Parties Conference (APC). Aside from this, a comprehensive strategy to counter terror will be devised with major political parties on board. But the government needs to have a sound plan before trying to drive others to a point: deciding in principle on holding talks with the Taliban at the first place and, identifying groups which are willing to lay down arms for peaceful means.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has reportedly contacted all major party leaders via telephone, including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, Jamiat-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hasan. This, he claimed, was in an attempt to take any decision with the input of political parties. However, it is about time the government started behaving like governments do: owning up its responsibilities, choose a path and mould the public opinion to that end.
The country has been bleeding for more than a decade now. Other political parties including the ANP, the JUI-F and former ruling PPP also convened APCs in the past over the same issue. Thousands of those who have been killed include armed forces personnel, police officers and innocent civilians. The spate of terror has shook the entire country with mosques, bus stations, markets, the military, naval and air force headquarters all having been targeted.
There are certain political forces which are quite vocal about their support for the Taliban and have also termed this a conflict imposed upon us due to foreign presence in the neighbouring Afghanistan. The government should keep it clear that these voices will not change their stance overnight in one conference. Those having the people’s mandate should brace themselves up and carry on with tough decisions even amidst a couple of voices of dissent. More important than the government’s decision to talk with the Taliban is to identify which groups would sit on the negotiation table. Those challenging the writ of the government, killing its soldiers and civilians are the enemies of the state and should be dealt with an iron hand. The high-ups should finish the parleys at the earliest to go after those who do not accept the constitution, insist on armed struggle and are not ready for peace.
The conference should evolve a clear-cut strategy and come up with a firm decision to take on the belligerent elements within the state. It should not be a confused mumbling at the end of the entire exercise of gathering all political heads under one roof. A lot of confusion still surrounds a recent government decision to give powers to Rangers in Karachi. The incumbent regime needs to change this impression and prove its mettle because taking the decision is just going to be the start.