An operation in NW is the only option
There has been enough empty talk during the last six months about bringing a most irreconcilable breed of terrorists to the negotiation table. While people like Ch Nisar tried to justify the unjustifiable as reaction to drone attacks, the TTP single-mindedly pursued its deadly agenda. Within days of the PML-N takeover, over two dozen were killed in two attacks in Quetta. A month later another 30 were killed in the city’s Hazara Town. While well aware of the identity of the killers, neither the interior nor the information ministers were unwilling to name them in public. The killing of 11 foreign climbers including two Chinese led China to seek guarantees from Islamabad for the safety of its citizens in Pakistan. Over 80 were killed in a Peshawar Church and over 40 in the Qisa Khwani Bazaar and still those advocating the policy of appeasement refused to budge from their position. The killing of Swat GoC Major General Niazi led the JI to initiate an unseemly debate over who is the real martyr.
The TTP apologists fail to realize that the terrorists themselves have brought the drone attacks inside Pakistan. Instead of demanding action against the TTP and its affiliates, the PTI’s leadership announced a blockade of the NATO traffic which has entered its 34th day. Little did Imran Khan realise that while the blockade could hurt Pakistan’s ties with the US and the EU, it would not put an end to drone strikes as indicated by the latest one killing four. Munawwar Hasan’s demand for the withdrawal of troops from the tribal areas reminds one of an earlier move by the PTI administration in KP to remove troops from Swat, later called off under popular pressure. What JI chief’s demand implies is to hand over the FATA to the forces of anarchy and allow them to destabilize Pakistan and the regional countries.
The military’s response to a suicide bombing at one of its main camps was indicative of its edginess caused by the casualties it has patiently taken over the years. Convoys have been attacked and soldiers beheaded by the terrorists. During the last four months a total of 67 improvised explosives devices were planted to harm the army of which 27 exploded, resulting in deaths and injuries to about a hundred soldiers. Something will have to be done in NW to stop this. While a military operation seems to be the only option what needs to be ensured is safety of the non-combatants. One possible way is the evacuation of the civilians prior to the operation.