Apparently the attack on the Karachi airport has proved to be the last straw on the camel’ back — Pakistan has decided to launch the long awaited operation in North Waziristan to flush out local and foreign terrorists. It’s now an open secret that these terrorists have been holding the territory for years with somewhat state’s nod. Many say it’s all halfhearted action, taken under pressure only when terrorists hit he country’s economic hub to halt the international flight operation.
The million dollar question is: will this operation, code named as Zarb-e-Azb, succeed? I have great doubts about its success in the long run. Foreign militants and other groups attacking Afghanistan might have concentered in North Waziristan, but Taliban are now spread all over the country, thanks to the state policy of appeasing the good Taliban. Unless and until Taliban’s political and ideological partners, financers, sympathisers and working hands are brought under limelight, nothing will change. Taliban will hit back Pakistani cities and towns with ease with the help of their sleeping cells and working hands. Religious parties will use the mayhem created by Taliban to demand cession of operation against the terrorists. Or better say by attacking North Waziristan, without getting Taliban’s supporters off the hook in the main land, we are just entering in a blind tunnel/vicious cycle.
We shall not expect much from the ruling party as they have natural inclination towards religious extremists. Therefore, in absence of a sincere leadership which shall be ready to shed off such inclinations, we will not see any political move to support the operation. Taliban know this very well that state can’t take action against their ideological supporters, religious parties and sect based seminaries therefore, with the advent of operation Zarb-e-Azb, they are dancing with joy, asking Pakistanis to “catch me if you can”.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia