Terror strikes at will
by
Javed Hafiz |
In Islamabad, indeed all over Pakistan, people are sad these days. The terrorists, by attacking the Marriott Hotel have shown their reach, strength and audacity.
Pakistan security set up was caught napping on a day when no chances should have been taken. Entire Pakistani leadership was under one roof of the parliament that day to listen to the presidential address. In the evening all important personalities were at the Prime Minister House for Iftar dinner. Marriott is not far from both these places and is part of the red security zone. So the terrorist strike was at the heart of Islamabad and on a crucial day.
The message was loud and clear: the rulers of Pakistan are within our striking range. The government was clearly embarrassed and the adviser on interior affairs came out with all kinds of justifications, none of which would stick. With their clever timing, the terrorists, soon after Iftar, brought a truck, camouflaged as construction material dumper and managed to pass through the most sensitive areas of the capital. The argument that the truck was not able reach its real targets and also could not get past the hotel barrier is a mere hogwash. It was a huge security lapse, period.
Presidential address was usual run of the mill affair. Some media hype was created by Zardari’s statement that he wanted to surrender some of his powers. However, the fact is that powers enjoyed under article 58-2(b) and 17th constitutional amendment will be reviewed by a committee of the parliament. No deadline has been given. Article 58-2(b), which gives the president the power to dissolve the government and the parliament, is hugely unpopular. Even PML (Q), which supported Musharraf to his last day, is ready to scrap it now. The real catch is in the 17th amendment which, among so many things, gives the president powers to appoint armed forces’ chiefs. My feeling is that while article 58-2(b) will be quashed, the 17th amendment may undergo only cosmetic changes. Zardari would like to remain a powerful president. This amendment is a collage of so many things and the government does not yet enjoy majority in the Senate.
Of all the countries mentioned in the presidential address, India got maximum space. In his speech at the UN General Assembly President Karzai has said he saw a new ray of hope in President Zardari. Pakistan, India and Afghanistan all face the scourge of terrorism. An Indian columnist wrote recently that Pakistan was a good buffer between the extremists and India. Instead of exchanging blames reflexively, as done so far, it would be far better if our three countries were to cooperate in rooting out terrorism.
While I write these lines, Pakistani security forces are engaged in a big operation in Bajaur Agency of Fata that began last month. For the first time since 2004, the Fata residents have stood up against the Taliban in Bajaur. While the armed forces have given a good account of themselves in Bajaur and Swat, the parallel political prong has been slow, disjointed and out of focus. Parliament is yet to discuss and endorse government strategy against terrorism. In its first six months, the government has not held any round table of political parties to discuss this critical issue. Tribal leaders have not yet been invited to Islamabad to debate the problem threadbare. Support of the Ulema has not been fully mobilised to counter this menace. Government has to devise a comprehensive policy and sell it to the common man. The PPP should get its act together quickly, otherwise it would be swept aside by the deluge of problems that Pakistan faces today.
Average age of suicide bombers in Pakistan is 17 years. These boys should be in colleges and not blowing themselves up thinking that they will destroy the system by doing so. They are most likely the marginalised lot which sees no light at the other end of the tunnel. At their age, they are highly gullible. Those trying to destroy Pakistani economy and morale, use them for their nefarious ends. Some foreign media, trying to create sensationalism, is giving the impression that Pakistan is on the brink of destruction. Nothing could be farther from truth. Taliban, actively supported by the war lords and poppy growers in Afghanistan have grown in courage, reach and sophistication. Some criminal elements have also penetrated into their body. In the present scenario, Taliban appear to be the foot soldiers of Al Qaeda.
Yes, people of Pakistan are sad, but certainly there is no feeling of gloom and doom. People of Pakistan have to own this war. They are a resilient lot. They have only to be led properly. It is a test of government’s sagacity. The leaders have to lead from the front and not merely issue reactive statements. No war can be won without popular support. For this the leaders have to get closer to the people, be sensitive to their needs and evolve a caring and just system.
The author Javed Hafiz was the former ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman. |
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