Time to Maintain Order
By Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi
Recently, the government has announced to launch military operation in North Waziristan to wipe out the militants in backdrop of the terrorists attack at Karachi airport. Prime Minister took the nation into confidence before full scale operation. Prime minister said that negotiations carried out many times but our efforts are undermined and considered as weakness.
Soon after announcement DG ISPR confirmed that operation in NWA has been launched as sanctioned by the Govt. The COAS General Raheel Sharif while speaking at National Defence University (NDU) said that operation Zarb-e-Azb has been launched with the objectives of rooting out terrorists, eliminate their sanctuaries in NWA and rid the country of terrorism. Hence the incorrect impression being created by the propagandists that Govt and Army were not on the same page on militancy / counter terrorism has been amply dispelled. The media, political parties except for JI and JUI (F), civil society and all segments of society fully supported the Govt decision to launch military operation in NWA to eliminate the menace of terrorism.
Meanwhile certain political parties and religious groups in pursuance of their political interests appear to have lost sight of collective national goals of fighting / eliminating the scourge of terrorism. A major effort and broad based operation has been launched to smash terrorists’ safe havens in NWA and flush out all militants from Pakistani soil. This envisages provision of consummating public support, backing by political parties, media and civil society.
The Govt has to maintain its resolve to eliminate terrorism using assorted counter terrorism strategy whereas politicians must maintain order by postponing rallies, train marches, relegating politics of protest and deferring party programs to hold political meetings. Violent brawls between Punjab Police and members of PAT in Lahore leading to live firing and killing innocent people including women is absolutely deplorable and inappropriate. There is a need to remain peaceful and render all available assistance to govt to spoil all game plan of terrorists rather than opening new conflicting façade from within.
The nation must remain united as the military operation continues against terrorists in NWA. Local dissent and protests must be postponed to show solidarity with the government the Armed Forces. Media, political parties and civil society deserve appreciation for showing consistent harmony during testing times of military operation.
Moreover, IDPs must be accommodated and those trapped in war zone be rescued by bringing them to safe areas. Govt must reach out to public in NWA with sense of compassion. Political parties and religious leaders must postpone their schedules of train marches, protest rallies, political meetings and show-off congregations till the objectives of military operation are achieved.
