The employment of females as suicide bombers is not new in the history of insurgencies, but in the Pakistani perspective it indicates a shift in the militant combat strategy that has emerged due to a reduction in space in the post operative scenario.
In a Muslim society women are seldom checked for security purpose that lends them certain liberty that is now posing great challenges for the security forces. The recent attack in Bajuar Agency by a female bomber that killed 47 people and injuring 80 at a check post outside a UN’s food distribution point indicates a shared philosophy by all tribal people that stems from resentment towards the US.
Considering the restrain on the militant activity and tight security environment, it should be realized that a backlash in the form of the use of soft targets, such as women and children, is inevitable. In this backdrop, the need to change local mindset towards the significance of checking of both male and female as an essential component of security needs to be developed.
For this purpose, women security staff should be installed at certain places to check women carrying weapon/explosive etc. Women drivers, travelling intercity may also undergo similar scrutiny as male members.
Keeping in view the cultural and religious practices, a trust needs to be developed between security forces and the people to ensure the safeguard of their tribal rituals and honour before proceeding with the security duties. By using utmost precaution, this trend that is in its infancy in Pakistan can very easily be reversed.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
