November made it painfully clear that Pakistan cannot afford half-measures against militancy as civilian fatalities surged by an unforgivable 80% while militants continue to strike with precision where the state is absent. The state proudly points to a 65% decline in security forces' deaths — and yes, the tactical improvement in counter-militancy operations is evident. But when there is a surge in civilian corpses, there is no point in celebrating any improvement.

Ninety-seven........

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