Action must, but nothing rash
People all over Pakistan are in a shock over Peshawar killings. Many are extremely angry and want immediate retribution. The prime minister is particularly facing public pressure to take tough measures. One expects however that those in power would take decisions after full deliberations. They have to strictly avoid the temptation of playing to the gallery. The statement by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowing ‘to pursue militants beyond Pakistan’s borders’ is replete with serious repercussions. He needs to be reminded that this was precisely what the BJP demanded from the Congress government after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. The advice was rightly considered unfriendly and provocative by Pakistan.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are in the process of improving their relations. This is in the best interests of both the countries. The COAS and DG ISI have already visited Kabul to convey the information they possess regarding the perpetrators of the crime who are said to be operating from Afghanistan. One expects the Afghan government and ISAF leadership to act with a sense of responsibility. President Obama who matters a lot to the Afghan government has said the US stands by the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has in fact the support of the entire international community at one of the saddest moments in its history. These are the factors that the Afghan government can ill afford to ignore.
But the Afghan government has problems of its own. There are people in the neighbouring country who hurl accusations at Islamabad that it continues to harbour terrorist groups who launch attacks inside their country. After a suicide bombing at a volleyball match last month in Afghanistan’s Paktika province that killed more than 45 people, they again pointed the finger at Pakistan. This shows that the governments in both the countries need more time and have to show exemplary patience to develop the much needed mutual confidence. Both have to take measures that not only satisfy each other but also the entire region that they do not harbour terrorists who continue to destabilise other countries.
