Time for offensive defence |
Things gotta change.
The horrific terror attack in Islamabad on Saturday has made one thing clear – whatever we are doing to combat terrorism is not working. Or not working as well as it should. Synchronised terrorism in Balochistan a few days earlier also raised similar red flags. We need to up the ante.
But how?
Afghanistan is the epicentre. Almost all acts of terrorism in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa, Balochistan and now in Islamabad emanate from Afghan soil. All terror outfits have found sanctuary in Afghanistan from where they freely plot and execute their attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban regime has done nothing – despite repeated efforts by Pakistan – to rein in these terrorists. We have launched limited strikes on their camps across the border, eliminated a few leaders and neutralised hundreds of their foot soldiers, and yet the problem remains. Some say it may even be worsening. Pakistan cannot afford this state of affairs.
Combating, degrading and defeating terror should now be our top priority. It is clear that such brazen attacks are undercutting all progress in other areas, especially when it comes to the economy. It is time therefore to put those options on the table that were previously filed away in drawers. The gloves need to come off.
Which means Afghanistan and India both require from us some tough love that is less love and more tough. Can Pakistan manage this? Of course, as long as we are clear that the policy of quid pro quo plus needs to go a few plusses higher. No emotional knee-jerk reaction, but a........