Series of attacks carried out in different parts of the country by banned militant organizations, in a row, has set alarm bells ringing all across the country. First it was ANP’s Barrister Haroon Bilour who was killed along with dozens of his supporters then four people were put to death in a bomb attack on MMA candidate and former KPK chief minister’s election rally in Bannu and the most lethal one, which was carried out by ISIS terrorists in Mastung area of Baluchistan same day, claimed the lives of more than a hundred people. The latter also claimed the life of the Baluchistan Awami Party leader, Siraj Raisani who was supposed to address the election rally in the area. These incidents of terror, aimed at creating chaos and anarchy, are part of grand conspiracy to destabilize the country at a time when elections are round the corner. In view of the prevailing situation in the country there is dire need that the caretaker government and other security related institutions should review the situation and evolve a comprehensive mechanism to foil the nefarious designs of anti-state elements who are hell bent on to destablise Pakistan.
There is no denying the fact that the security situation in the country has improved to a great extent during the past couple of years but the recent terror attacks demonstrate the fact that remnants of terror groups are still operating from somewhere within or outside the borders. We have already lost thousands of innocent people including men, women and children in this deadly war, which is still going on at different levels. We are destined to win this war for which Pakistan as a nation had to pay forfeiture of thousands of lives but there are some lessons to learn from what has happened during the past couple of days. However, in the backdrop of recent attacks the security institutions must revisit the policy and take necessary steps to plug the loopholes in its counter-terrorism strategy. This is a reality that over the years we have not been able to put a check on hate-mongers who have been using religion to gain political interests. Even mainstream politicians are using it as a tool, which is a clear violation of the code of conduct issued by the ECP. Protecting life and property is no doubt the sole responsibility of the government but the security situation will continue to deteriorate when political stakeholders by themselves will pollute the society by paddling narratives fraught with dangers. Such kind of approach is extremely detrimental for national unity; this is what we need to understand. At this critical point of time we as a nation have to stand united in our fight against terrorism and extremism to ensure stability in the country.
