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Pakistan has once again been the victim of a terror attack after a devastating bomb blast in Bajaur tribal district killed at least 45 people and injured more than 150. The nation has seen a rise in terrorism in recent months and innocent people have paid the ultimate price.
The proscribed TTP, which has found safe haven in Afghanistan, distanced itself from the attack which targeted a gathering of the JUI-F religious party. The ISIS terror outfit is now being linked with the incident as other militant outfits are also seeking to make a comeback by targeting political parties.
Pakistan has seen a resurgence of attacks by militants since last year when a ceasefire between the TTP and the government broke down. A mosque bombing in Peshawar killed more than 100 policemen in January followed by a shooting at the police head office in Karachi. Attacks on political parties are rare as the TTP has threatened law-enforcement agencies.
On several occasions, the government and armed forces have urged the Afghan Taliban to act against the TTP and ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan. These concerns have not been heard and the Afghan Taliban continues to harbour the TTP. It is imperative for the military and civil leadership to take decisive action against the TTP sanctuaries in the neighbouring country which harm our citizens and weaken our national security.
The latest blast is also concerning as it has raised fears ahead of the elections later this year. The prospects of the elections being held are fragile amid an aggravating political and economic crisis. Although Pakistan received a breather after the IMF deal, it will be a matter of months before our economic woes haunt us again.
The prospects for the general elections have already been clouded by months of rivalry between main parties and accusations of involvement by state institutions in civilian politics. Although it can be argued why the JUI-F was targeted as it remains a government ally, we must be wary of any attempts to delay the polls and undermine the democratic process.
Pakistan has been fighting against terrorism since two decades and the people and security forces have made countless sacrifices. The Afghan Taliban is proving to be a problem Pakistan cannot avoid. It needs to take a stand and end such violent and terror incidents.
