It is deeply concerning that once again, issues of peace and security are being disrupted throughout the country, with terrorist and extremist elements escalating their bloody activities in various parts of the nation.
Recent times have seen a rise in such incidents, targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies, military installations, and checkpoints. This indicates that terrorists and their networks have intensified their reprehensible aims and agendas against Pakistan, particularly at a delicate time when the country is grappling with severe economic crises. They have resolved to launch relentless and organized attacks across different regions of Pakistan.
A recent report by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies highlighted an increase in terrorist incidents in the country in recent times. This situation arises when it was believed that Pakistan was nearing success in its war against militancy and had effectively contained it through various impactful and relevant operations. However, it now seems that the situation has once again taken a turn, with terrorism resurging on a larger scale. Attacks by militants are occurring at an alarming rate, specifically targeting security agencies and installations across the country.
While it is evident that these terrorist incidents have not significantly weakened Pakistan’s security forces, and it is unlikely that the despicable elements of terrorism would ever succeed in surrendering the country’s defense institutions through their actions, it cannot be denied that such incidents are causing overall harm to the nation and its people.
Alongside the loss of precious lives, the proliferation of terrorism and insecurity is exacerbating instability and safety issues in the country. Economic activities are being severely impacted due to heightened security concerns, as the economy and security are deeply interconnected. In an environment of insecurity and instability, the economy cannot flourish. Therefore, the increase in terrorism and insecurity is a matter of concern and worry for the entire nation, not just security forces and defense institutions.
Two types of waves of terrorism are currently operating in the country, one primarily centered around tribal areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while the other focuses on Balochistan province. However, both types of terrorism share a common feature: security forces are the primary targets.
It is undeniable that the real purpose of targeting forces is to destabilize the country and inflict damage upon it. Security forces serve as a barrier to the heinous objectives of terrorists and extremists; therefore, they are targeted.
It should be understood that terrorism and insecurity will never lead the enemy to succeed in their aims and objectives. Our defense institutions have effectively thwarted every attack by terrorists, proving their resilience and strength. It is imperative for terrorists and their backers to understand this reality and recognize that they will never achieve their goals through violence and terrorism.
The solution to terrorism and insecurity requires not just changes in state policies, reordering of priorities, and the use of force, but also a change in mindset. Negotiations, understanding, and changes in policies are inevitable for resolving issues. However, it takes two hands to clap, and the other party also needs to understand that they will never achieve their goals through violence and force.
Issues are never resolved through power and violence, and when problems persist, both the state and those who opt for violence are legitimizing the issues they claim to address. After over three decades of ongoing violence and the use of force, which has neither resolved nor shown signs of resolution, wisdom demands that, in the interest of the nation at large, ego be set aside, and each party take a step back from their positions, opting for peace, dialogue, and understanding instead of violence and force.
