Political expediency and terrorism

There can’t be a let up now

After a meeting Nawaz Sharif held with former President Asif Ali Zardari, Sindh Governor and Chief Minister, the top military and civilian leadership met to review the progress of work on the NAP. The observations made by the Prime Minister and COAS at the Apex Committee moot indicated that they were not satisfied with the performance of the Sindh government vis-a-vis the implementation of the National Action Plan. Political considerations were presumably the main reason behind the delay in the probe into the Baldia Town garments factory fire. There was a reiteration of resolve by the civilian and military leadership not to allow politics to stand in the way of eliminating terrorism from the country.

One of the major causes behind the widespread lawlessness in Karachi is the politicisation of Sindh police. Parties in power in the province get their henchmen appointed, promoted and given key posts. The issue was highlighted during the Supreme Court hearings on the law and order issue in Karachi in 2012. The apex court had noted that officials were more loyal to their political patrons than to their own institution. What the erstwhile prosecutor in the garments factory fire case told the media after tendering her resignation, supports the view that the police deliberately created hindrances in the investigation. As the investigation remained stalled for two years, the Rangers had to appoint a JIT which has recently given its findings.

Unless the anti-terror campaign is conducted without political considerations, it would not be possible to win the war against the terrorists. Any individual or group, irrespective of his religious, sectarian or political orientation, known to be involved in acts of terrorism has to be brought to justice. This needs to be done not only in Sindh but in all the four provinces besides Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK. The groups involved in attacks against other countries must not be spared either as they can train their guns anytime on Pakistan as has happened in the past, the latest example being the TTP.