The Mehran naval base was the symbol of strength and maritime avarice of a professional and proud force. On the fateful day of 22 May Pakistan lost its men and material in a colossal loss of dignity. Rags can be repaired but tags when attached are there to stay. A country with all the endowments of nature, supportive weather system, hardworking people and the ideal geography is a combination which only few enjoy in this world. The menace of terrorism is spreading. It is about to devour the state itself. There has to be a comprehensive policy on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism.
A difference has to be between these two. Naval base as an icon of Pakistan’s sovereignty came under attack. Two P-3C Orion aircraft were destroyed. Who has tried to denude 1,046 km of coastal line and the outreach of Pakistan into Arabian Sea? The probable aim of these attacks was to achieve the duel objective of mitigating the capability of navy and discrediting the armed forces as the saviour of nation. What Pakistan needs the most today is ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline’. These words never resonated with such an appeal before all the state institutions. Rise or fall forever. Mend the rag or wear the tag.
ABID LATIF SINDHU
Faisalabad
