A surprise, against the run of events and rhetoric
Mian Nawaz Sharif has once again opted for talks with the militants. As he spoke on the floor of the National Assembly, he tried to appease the opponents of talks by condemning the acts of terror by the militants. Instead of referring to them as ‘misguided people’, this time round they were referred to as terrorists who were told that the attacks could no more be tolerated. At a meeting of the PML-N parliamentary committee convened to discuss the matter only days before, the majority of speakers had favored the use of force against the TTP. On Tuesday, the prime minister had met the COAS for a second time in a week. The government sources were meanwhile telling the media that a decision had been taken to launch an operation. While speaking at the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC Sartaj Aziz said the government would use force against all foreign terrorists. The Punjab Home Minister Rana Sanaullah had told The Guardian that military operations would be launched but the army would be left to decide exactly what form it would take. The decision to give talks another chance therefore comes as a surprise.
Nawaz Sharif was expected to take the House into confidence over the attempts made so far to hold talks and why they failed to produce the results. This was not done. Sharif was reluctant to give any details regarding the new initiative though unlike the past he disclosed the names of the four members of the negotiating committee. Important questions about the working of the committee remain unanswered.
There was no word about the mandate given to the committee. That it would be assisted by Ch Nisar and its activity supervised by the prime minister however indicates that the committee would serve as a mail box or a medium for indirect talks between the TTP on one end and the government on the other. The only demand made from the TTP by Sharif was that it must stop the acts of terror as terrorism and talks could not continue simultaneously. As the PM proceeded to the Parliament House, three attacks were launched on the Rangers in Karachi resulting in the killing of four. Later in the afternoon a bomb exploded in Hangu killing at least one. This does not bode well for the talks. Another question is whether the government would continue the Karachi operation aimed at nabbing the militants or suspend it in the name of talks. And what would be its response if the TTP or its affiliates continue the attacks while expressing ignorance about the perpetrators? The decision to give talks another try puts a heavy burden of responsibility on the prime minister. Sharif has to ensure that the TTP agrees to accept the constitution as it stands without any ifs and buts and abide by the law of the land.
Finally the PM has shown his hand! He has appointed a committee of four wise men to talk to the TTP. The terms of reference are not disclosed and there is no time limit.TTP have has been asked to desist from violence which indeed has brought the Govt. to the negotiating table. In the recent weeks there was a hint of"breaking news" with possible military action against the TTP. The latter suddenly changed it's tune.First they were threathning the media with dire consequences and now they are using the media! TTP and it's partners al Qaida have studied the global jihad and revolutionary wars well. Pakistan is now fighting a 4GW( a symmetrical war) for which the army appears to have little experience. Unfortunately it has been preoccupied with War on Terror and internal politics of the country giving the TTP to establish itself under it's nose. 4 GW is carried in three phases. No.1) Establishing a rural base to attack and retreat because it is weaker than the security forces. This has allready happened. . This is also called preparatory phase.. The next phase is the Middel phase where attacks are carried out both in the rural and urban areas to kill and install fear and also show peaceful intentions through religious parties which believe in global jihad. This too has happened in Pakistan. Phase 3) is called the decisive phase where the TTP has gone for the JUGULAR. Transport system, and oil installations and army bases have been attacked at will severely disrupting the country's economy. Pakistan has been caught sleeping most of the time. The army has acted in a reactive mode rather than in a proactive mode. The army is as good as it's intelligence service which seems to show lack of experience. The newly elected PM has acted after nearly eight months in the office with a move which appears to appeasment rather than a muscular policy- Let us hope Pakistan will this war with pride quickly rather than late.. Too much time has been wasted allready. It is time to be resolute- It is not a war for the hearts and minds—a worn off phrase but a war to save the ISLMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
Mr Nawaz Sharif's quest for unanimous agreement on this issue is a futile one as it is unachievable. PTI and JI will never agree to military action, no matter how many people are killed. One day, the government will have to muster the political courage to go for action despite the lack of approval from these parties. That day seems as far away as it ever was. Time, however, is not on Pakistan's side.
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