And the role intelligence agencies can play
Operation Zarb-e-Azb has entered the final stage which is likely to conclude in the next few months. Despite a sense of relief at the establishment of the writ of the state in the tribal areas, it would be premature to declare a victory against terrorism in Pakistan. Nearly a dozen attacks in a fortnight in Karachi, Quetta, and DI Khan on minorities and police indicate the terrorists are challenging the authority of the state in the urban areas now. Having lost their sanctuaries in FATA they are now activating their sleeper cells and safe houses in the cities to challenge the authority of the state. Since the TTP, Al-Qaeda and IS have sympathisers among those running the seminaries like Lal Masjid, this makes their task easier.
The urban areas are quite vulnerable. The terrorists can therefore inflict heavy losses as the attack on Army Public School proves. The cities have scores of targets like airports, railway stations and power installations. There are thousands of schools which cannot be provided fool proof security for lack of adequate finances. The terrorists launch hit and run attacks on police vans or on unwary members of minority communities going about their routine business. They then melt away in the crowded streets.
Intelligence agencies have to play a crucial role in eliminating urban terrorism. The uncanny regularity in terrorist attacks in Karachi and Quetta despite the presence of several national security networks indicates that much needs to be done to improve the efficiency of the agencies. That despite a decision to take on the banned outfits and regulate the seminaries, little has been done in the direction indicates the need to say goodbye to political exigencies.
Operation Zarb-e-Azb has reduced the ability of the terrorists to attack. This is the time to act decisively and efficiently by building up the capacity of the intelligence agencies. Neglecting the job would provide an opportunity to the terrorists to strengthen their hold over the urban centres.
