Straws in the wind that generate hope

Staying the course

There are a number of signs that indicate a change in Pakistan’s attitude towards non-state actors which have so far enjoyed immunity. The decision to take out those who had used Pakistan’s soil to launch terrorist attacks inside China’s Sinkiang province was implemented years ago. Complaints from Afghanistan and India were, however, ignored. Ch Nisar has now told the Senate that the attacks launched by non-state actors from Pakistan’s soil have projected a negative image of the country. Early this month, Sartaj Aziz surprised many by admitting that Pakistan is in a position to pressurise the Afghan Taliban to hold talks with Afghan government as it has played host to them and their families for years. The decision to forewarn India about a group of terrorists which had crossed into the neighbouring country came soon after as a happy surprise.

Ch Nisar’s remarks indicate that due process has been initiated to ban JuD. The development marks a U-turn in the government’s policy as at least two federal ministers had only a year back categorically ruled out any action against the network which they maintained was not involved in terrorism. Pakistan is likely to face an internal backlash after the change in policy as JuD which has long been defended as a non-violent charity has supporters in religious parties as well as the administration. With the government and military on the same page over the policy, they are in a position to deal with any storm in the tea cup. What is needed now on the part of the government is to stay the course.