Government’s inaction
The army has achieved significant successes in destroying the terrorist sanctuaries, particularly in North Waziristan and Khyber Agencies. Alongside Operation Zarb-e-Azb the army also launched an intelligence based operation (IBO) to take out the terrorists in urban areas. In the case of Karachi the IBO led to a significant reduction in target killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. A most significant breakthrough achieved was the busting of a gang comprising elements from Al-Qaeda, IS, LeJ and TTP involved in high profile attacks on military installations and personnel as well as on civilian population. In a press conference on Friday, DG ISPR revealed details of some of the major successes achieved.
Hours before the DG ISPR’s press conference there were three minor explosions in Karachi in a police station, a college and a children’s school causing injuries to a few while spreading panic. The incidents once again indicate that much needs to be done to overcome major shortcomings in order to ensure that there is no resurgence in terrorism. Three issues in particular are yet to be addressed.
The recurrence of attacks is not possible without funding. The COAS has stressed that the terrorist networks are foreign funded. So far the government has failed to plug funds received by the terrorists despite the NAP specifically promising that “All sources of funding of terrorists and terrorist organisations will be completely eliminated.” Again, while the Rangers and Police have arrested hundreds of alleged terrorists, few could be sentenced because of failure to prepare strong cases. This shows a major flaw on the prosecution side. Weak cases lead to the release of terrorists who once again start committing the crime. The war against terrorist networks cannot be won by the army single-handedly. The government and its ministers have done pretty little to mobilise public opinion against the terrorists. The people have to be made to realise the nature and the gravity of the threat so that they keep an eye on the suspects and provide timely information about them to the law enforcers.