Pakistan’s Changed Security EnvironmentInbox

Brig Asif Haroon

“Pakistan is facing an alarming security crisis: Dozens of attacks in recent days by an emboldened BLA and by a relentless TTP launching its spring offensive. Anti-state actors are strengthening capacities, boosting recruitment and joining forces”.

It is being stated that the current security situation is much more dangerous than what it was during the 20-year war on terror. To give credence to their stance, a tweet of an American academician and analyst Michael Kugelman was quoted, who stated that the security situation in Pakistan is worse than it was ever before, and that it is a big test for the beleaguered Pak Army .

The word ‘beleaguered army’, is meaningful. What it implies is that the obtaining security situation is far worse than it was ever before and probably beyond the capacity of the Pakistan Army.

I beg to differ with this viewpoint. The security situation of Pakistan had become extremely dangerous in Oct 2001, and had remained so till the withdrawal of occupying forces in Aug 2021. Hardly a day passed peacefully without a terror attack, and many times there were several attacks in a day. Pakistan was confronted with high intensity rural and urban terrorism. There was a time when 19 administrative units in the northwest were in the control of TTP, Swat had been made into a state within a state, the provincial govt of Baluchistan had no writ in the interior of Baluchistan, where insurgency had morphed into a separatist movement, and Karachi had become the fiefdom of MQM

The Army, paramilitary forces and the police were not trained to fight guerrilla warfare till as late as 2008. Officers would travel from their homes to offices and back in civies in civil cars, and the name boards had been removed from the houses. Gen Musharraf used to travel in a convoy with nine similar black cars and used different routes from Pindi to Isbd. In 2014, there were 60 militant groups in North Waziristan under the umbrella of TTP which included half a dozen foreign groups as well.

Although the methodology of destabilising Pakistan remains the same in phase 2 of terrorism, and the proxies are also the same, the difference is that NATO and the US forces are not present in Afghanistan; 350,000 trained and well equipped ANSF do not exist; the six intelligence agencies no longer sit together in Kabul to jointly plan against Pakistan; there is no drone war against Pakistan; India doesn’t have 17 consulates/intelligence setups and 70 training camps all along our western border. Pakistan is no longer doing more on the dictates of the USA, the Blackwater and the CIA-FBI-MI6 combined intelligence network is not present in Pakistan, TTP and BLA have no safe havens in KP and Baluchistan.

Pakistan is not tied to the deceptive peace treaty with India, which had sheathed the long arm of ISI to respond equally to India’s clandestine operations.

Moreover, the Pak Army, FC, Police and other law enforcement agencies are now much better trained, equipped, battle hardened and motivated to render supreme sacrifices for the defence of their motherland.

Pakistan is in a better position to deal with kinetic and non kinetic threats and also has credible full spectrum nuclear deterrence.

In 1971, China couldn’t come to the rescue of Pakistan because of Russia’s nuclear threat.Today, the level of strategic partnership of Pakistan with China is unparalleled and both are strategic partners.

Russia is no longer committed to India to threaten Pakistan, and is reasonably inclined towards Pakistan . It is a strategic partner of China, which is the major threat to India.

Owing to internal rifts and cracks in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s resolve to make the state hard, the interim regime in Kabul has mellowed down its rigidity and is now amenable to restoring normality in Inter-state relations and to rein in TTP and BLA. More important for the IEA is to get rid of the Indian influence, since India is the villain of peace.

The ruling coalition govt has a two-thirds majority in the Centre and heavy majority in Punjab and Sindh, it is delivering and is on one one page with the military establishment, and both have resolved to eradicate the menace of terrorism. The Fitna Al Khawarij are being sent to hell in the two conflict zones daily.

Pakistan Likely to Adopt Proactive Policy

Time has finally come for Pakistan to deal with the explosive security threats offensively, which are endangering the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. It must shed off its apologetic, defensive and reactive policies and become pro-active.

Irrespective of the negative attitude of PTI and its allies, the coalition Govt and the military establishment are in sync and have made up their mind to implement the left over 14 points of NAP in letter and spirit.

It has been agreed in principle that security forces will launch resolute operations in the two conflict zones, and will chase the intruding terrorists across the western border by air up to their sanctuaries with a view to destroy them. The KP and Baluchistan governments would be given extra funds and facilities to upgrade their counter terrorism mechanism.

The over 92% B Area of Baluchistan, which is beyond the writ of the police and civil administration, will have to be secured by strengthening 33000 levies, which are understrength, ill- equipped and controlled by Sardars. Additionally, the 80 Baloch Sardars who are part of the problem will have to be disciplined.

It has been decided to form a high powered ‘Iron shield’ security setup headed by the interior minister with provincial home ministers, chief secretaries, chiefs of CTD as members. It would tackle security and socioeconomic challenges.

In order to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism, the military prong should go hand-in-hand with the civil administration, judicial and media prongs. The security forces are shedding blood almost daily while dealing with the hardened terrorists. All will have to contribute and make sacrifices to achieve tangible results.

Since India is directly involved in supporting cross border terrorism, and its RAW masterminds all the big attacks, it is time for Pakistan to counter the covert operations of RAW by unsheathing the strategic long arm of the ISI, which was sheathed in 1990 and again in 2004, and to give a tit-for-tat response to Indian intrusions in IOK and insurgency prone vulnerable States of India.

Bangladesh can be co-opted to threaten seven sister states in NE India . China can also play a part by creating trouble for India in the Himalayan region or by threatening the Siliguri corridor through Sikkim.

Pakistan must become a hard state with strong teeth to bite, and its nuclear deterrence to become potent and frightening for the enemies.

The desired hardness will come after reforms of all the state institutions are carried out, merit is restored, the economy is made vibrant and self reliant by plugging all the holes of corruption and mismanagement, internal discords are ironed out, national unity and cohesiveness is achieved, rule of law and dispensation of equitable justice are fortified, border management and system of accountability made effective, and sincere efforts are made towards poverty alleviation and building the character of the nation. Above all, the provinces equipped with greater Provincial autonomy, must play their part positively and should behave responsibly .

Last but not least; Islam has no place for isms and cultish culture. The golden principles of Islam should be adhered to .

Pakistan’s Changed Security Environment
Inbox

Brig Asif Haroon

“Pakistan is facing an alarming security crisis: Dozens of attacks in recent days by an emboldened BLA and by a relentless TTP launching its spring offensive. Anti-state actors are strengthening capacities, boosting recruitment and joining forces”.

It is being stated that the current security situation is much more dangerous than what it was during the 20-year war on terror. To give credence to their stance, a tweet of an American academician and analyst Michael Kugelman was quoted, who stated that the security situation in Pakistan is worse than it was ever before, and that it is a big test for the beleaguered Pak Army .

The word ‘beleaguered army’, is meaningful. What it implies is that the obtaining security situation is far worse than it was ever before and probably beyond the capacity of the Pakistan Army.

I beg to differ with this viewpoint. The security situation of Pakistan had become extremely dangerous in Oct 2001, and had remained so till the withdrawal of occupying forces in Aug 2021. Hardly a day passed peacefully without a terror attack, and many times there were several attacks in a day. Pakistan was confronted with high intensity rural and urban terrorism. There was a time when 19 administrative units in the northwest were in the control of TTP, Swat had been made into a state within a state, the provincial govt of Baluchistan had no writ in the interior of Baluchistan, where insurgency had morphed into a separatist movement, and Karachi had become the fiefdom of MQM

The Army, paramilitary forces and the police were not trained to fight guerrilla warfare till as late as 2008. Officers would travel from their homes to offices and back in civies in civil cars, and the name boards had been removed from the houses. Gen Musharraf used to travel in a convoy with nine similar black cars and used different routes from Pindi to Isbd. In 2014, there were 60 militant groups in North Waziristan under the umbrella of TTP which included half a dozen foreign groups as well.

Although the methodology of destabilising Pakistan remains the same in phase 2 of terrorism, and the proxies are also the same, the difference is that NATO and the US forces are not present in Afghanistan; 350,000 trained and well equipped ANSF do not exist; the six intelligence agencies no longer sit together in Kabul to jointly plan against Pakistan; there is no drone war against Pakistan; India doesn’t have 17 consulates/intelligence setups and 70 training camps all along our western border. Pakistan is no longer doing more on the dictates of the USA, the Blackwater and the CIA-FBI-MI6 combined intelligence network is not present in Pakistan, TTP and BLA have no safe havens in KP and Baluchistan.

Pakistan is not tied to the deceptive peace treaty with India, which had sheathed the long arm of ISI to respond equally to India’s clandestine operations.

Moreover, the Pak Army, FC, Police and other law enforcement agencies are now much better trained, equipped, battle hardened and motivated to render supreme sacrifices for the defence of their motherland.

Pakistan is in a better position to deal with kinetic and non kinetic threats and also has credible full spectrum nuclear deterrence.

In 1971, China couldn’t come to the rescue of Pakistan because of Russia’s nuclear threat.Today, the level of strategic partnership of Pakistan with China is unparalleled and both are strategic partners.

Russia is no longer committed to India to threaten Pakistan, and is reasonably inclined towards Pakistan . It is a strategic partner of China, which is the major threat to India.

Owing to internal rifts and cracks in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s resolve to make the state hard, the interim regime in Kabul has mellowed down its rigidity and is now amenable to restoring normality in Inter-state relations and to rein in TTP and BLA. More important for the IEA is to get rid of the Indian influence, since India is the villain of peace.

The ruling coalition govt has a two-thirds majority in the Centre and heavy majority in Punjab and Sindh, it is delivering and is on one one page with the military establishment, and both have resolved to eradicate the menace of terrorism. The Fitna Al Khawarij are being sent to hell in the two conflict zones daily.

Pakistan Likely to Adopt Proactive Policy

Time has finally come for Pakistan to deal with the explosive security threats offensively, which are endangering the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. It must shed off its apologetic, defensive and reactive policies and become pro-active.

Irrespective of the negative attitude of PTI and its allies, the coalition Govt and the military establishment are in sync and have made up their mind to implement the left over 14 points of NAP in letter and spirit.

It has been agreed in principle that security forces will launch resolute operations in the two conflict zones, and will chase the intruding terrorists across the western border by air up to their sanctuaries with a view to destroy them. The KP and Baluchistan governments would be given extra funds and facilities to upgrade their counter terrorism mechanism.

The over 92% B Area of Baluchistan, which is beyond the writ of the police and civil administration, will have to be secured by strengthening 33000 levies, which are understrength, ill- equipped and controlled by Sardars. Additionally, the 80 Baloch Sardars who are part of the problem will have to be disciplined.

It has been decided to form a high powered ‘Iron shield’ security setup headed by the interior minister with provincial home ministers, chief secretaries, chiefs of CTD as members. It would tackle security and socioeconomic challenges.

In order to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism, the military prong should go hand-in-hand with the civil administration, judicial and media prongs. The security forces are shedding blood almost daily while dealing with the hardened terrorists. All will have to contribute and make sacrifices to achieve tangible results.

Since India is directly involved in supporting cross border terrorism, and its RAW masterminds all the big attacks, it is time for Pakistan to counter the covert operations of RAW by unsheathing the strategic long arm of the ISI, which was sheathed in 1990 and again in 2004, and to give a tit-for-tat response to Indian intrusions in IOK and insurgency prone vulnerable States of India.

Bangladesh can be co-opted to threaten seven sister states in NE India . China can also play a part by creating trouble for India in the Himalayan region or by threatening the Siliguri corridor through Sikkim.

Pakistan must become a hard state with strong teeth to bite, and its nuclear deterrence to become potent and frightening for the enemies.

The desired hardness will come after reforms of all the state institutions are carried out, merit is restored, the economy is made vibrant and self reliant by plugging all the holes of corruption and mismanagement, internal discords are ironed out, national unity and cohesiveness is achieved, rule of law and dispensation of equitable justice are fortified, border management and system of accountability made effective, and sincere efforts are made towards poverty alleviation and building the character of the nation. Above all, the provinces equipped with greater Provincial autonomy, must play their part positively and should behave responsibly .

Last but not least; Islam has no place for isms and cultish culture. The golden principles of Islam should be adhered to .
Inbox

Brig Asif Haroon

“Pakistan is facing an alarming security crisis: Dozens of attacks in recent days by an emboldened BLA and by a relentless TTP launching its spring offensive. Anti-state actors are strengthening capacities, boosting recruitment and joining forces”.

It is being stated that the current security situation is much more dangerous than what it was during the 20-year war on terror. To give credence to their stance, a tweet of an American academician and analyst Michael Kugelman was quoted, who stated that the security situation in Pakistan is worse than it was ever before, and that it is a big test for the beleaguered Pak Army .

The word ‘beleaguered army’, is meaningful. What it implies is that the obtaining security situation is far worse than it was ever before and probably beyond the capacity of the Pakistan Army.

I beg to differ with this viewpoint. The security situation of Pakistan had become extremely dangerous in Oct 2001, and had remained so till the withdrawal of occupying forces in Aug 2021. Hardly a day passed peacefully without a terror attack, and many times there were several attacks in a day. Pakistan was confronted with high intensity rural and urban terrorism. There was a time when 19 administrative units in the northwest were in the control of TTP, Swat had been made into a state within a state, the provincial govt of Baluchistan had no writ in the interior of Baluchistan, where insurgency had morphed into a separatist movement, and Karachi had become the fiefdom of MQM

The Army, paramilitary forces and the police were not trained to fight guerrilla warfare till as late as 2008. Officers would travel from their homes to offices and back in civies in civil cars, and the name boards had been removed from the houses. Gen Musharraf used to travel in a convoy with nine similar black cars and used different routes from Pindi to Isbd. In 2014, there were 60 militant groups in North Waziristan under the umbrella of TTP which included half a dozen foreign groups as well.

Although the methodology of destabilising Pakistan remains the same in phase 2 of terrorism, and the proxies are also the same, the difference is that NATO and the US forces are not present in Afghanistan; 350,000 trained and well equipped ANSF do not exist; the six intelligence agencies no longer sit together in Kabul to jointly plan against Pakistan; there is no drone war against Pakistan; India doesn’t have 17 consulates/intelligence setups and 70 training camps all along our western border. Pakistan is no longer doing more on the dictates of the USA, the Blackwater and the CIA-FBI-MI6 combined intelligence network is not present in Pakistan, TTP and BLA have no safe havens in KP and Baluchistan.

Pakistan is not tied to the deceptive peace treaty with India, which had sheathed the long arm of ISI to respond equally to India’s clandestine operations.

Moreover, the Pak Army, FC, Police and other law enforcement agencies are now much better trained, equipped, battle hardened and motivated to render supreme sacrifices for the defence of their motherland.

Pakistan is in a better position to deal with kinetic and non kinetic threats and also has credible full spectrum nuclear deterrence.

In 1971, China couldn’t come to the rescue of Pakistan because of Russia’s nuclear threat.Today, the level of strategic partnership of Pakistan with China is unparalleled and both are strategic partners.

Russia is no longer committed to India to threaten Pakistan, and is reasonably inclined towards Pakistan . It is a strategic partner of China, which is the major threat to India.

Owing to internal rifts and cracks in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s resolve to make the state hard, the interim regime in Kabul has mellowed down its rigidity and is now amenable to restoring normality in Inter-state relations and to rein in TTP and BLA. More important for the IEA is to get rid of the Indian influence, since India is the villain of peace.

The ruling coalition govt has a two-thirds majority in the Centre and heavy majority in Punjab and Sindh, it is delivering and is on one one page with the military establishment, and both have resolved to eradicate the menace of terrorism. The Fitna Al Khawarij are being sent to hell in the two conflict zones daily.

Pakistan Likely to Adopt Proactive Policy

Time has finally come for Pakistan to deal with the explosive security threats offensively, which are endangering the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. It must shed off its apologetic, defensive and reactive policies and become pro-active.

Irrespective of the negative attitude of PTI and its allies, the coalition Govt and the military establishment are in sync and have made up their mind to implement the left over 14 points of NAP in letter and spirit.

It has been agreed in principle that security forces will launch resolute operations in the two conflict zones, and will chase the intruding terrorists across the western border by air up to their sanctuaries with a view to destroy them. The KP and Baluchistan governments would be given extra funds and facilities to upgrade their counter terrorism mechanism.

The over 92% B Area of Baluchistan, which is beyond the writ of the police and civil administration, will have to be secured by strengthening 33000 levies, which are understrength, ill- equipped and controlled by Sardars. Additionally, the 80 Baloch Sardars who are part of the problem will have to be disciplined.

It has been decided to form a high powered ‘Iron shield’ security setup headed by the interior minister with provincial home ministers, chief secretaries, chiefs of CTD as members. It would tackle security and socioeconomic challenges.

In order to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism, the military prong should go hand-in-hand with the civil administration, judicial and media prongs. The security forces are shedding blood almost daily while dealing with the hardened terrorists. All will have to contribute and make sacrifices to achieve tangible results.

Since India is directly involved in supporting cross border terrorism, and its RAW masterminds all the big attacks, it is time for Pakistan to counter the covert operations of RAW by unsheathing the strategic long arm of the ISI, which was sheathed in 1990 and again in 2004, and to give a tit-for-tat response to Indian intrusions in IOK and insurgency prone vulnerable States of India.

Bangladesh can be co-opted to threaten seven sister states in NE India . China can also play a part by creating trouble for India in the Himalayan region or by threatening the Siliguri corridor through Sikkim.

Pakistan must become a hard state with strong teeth to bite, and its nuclear deterrence to become potent and frightening for the enemies.

The desired hardness will come after reforms of all the state institutions are carried out, merit is restored, the economy is made vibrant and self reliant by plugging all the holes of corruption and mismanagement, internal discords are ironed out, national unity and cohesiveness is achieved, rule of law and dispensation of equitable justice are fortified, border management and system of accountability made effective, and sincere efforts are made towards poverty alleviation and building the character of the nation. Above all, the provinces equipped with greater Provincial autonomy, must play their part positively and should behave responsibly .

Last but not least; Islam has no place for isms and cultish culture. The golden principles of Islam should be adhered to .