Senator says terrorists narrative has no popular resonance among people, rulers failure in governance main cause of rise of extremism
Senate Defence Committee Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said that ongoing ‘Operation Zarb-e-Azab’ against terrorists in North Waziristan would have long-term positive impact on national and regional security, adding that the success would let people of Pakistan to regain the dignity and confidence they once enjoyed in the past. He was delivering his keynote address to a seminar related to “Impact of ISIS on Regional Security”, here at Islamabad Club.
Senator Mushahid, while expressing his views on the emergence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Middle East, he said Iraqi invasion led to unravelling of Middle East status quo and called the growing gap between the self- serving, greedy and grabby elites and street power the main reasons for rise of such extremism due to vacuum on account of failure of rulers. In the context of military operation in Waziristan and political scenario, Senator Mushahid said that current situation was not suitable for ISIS or any foreign group to establish its terror networks within the boundaries of Pakistan.
Senator Mushahid further said that contribution of people and forces of Pakistan must be acknowledged on national and international level. “There are not two opinions about this that sacrifices of Pakistani nation, both soldiers and civilians, is much more than any other nation, during the war against terrorists.” He said.
Senator Mushahid expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia, under the new leadership of King Salman, would play a key role to combat terrorism. He also mentioned that the Iran-US rapprochement would help combat terrorism and promote regional security, in his address. However, the root causes of Muslim anger, the festering and unresolved Palestine and Kashmir causes, have to be resolved for abiding peace and stability, he concluded.