Adil Najam
Government and opposition politicians have embraced the idea of a national conference on how to deal with terrorism. The idea of a conference, in itself, is not much. But the idea of creating a national consensus and a national sense of purpose on dealing with the menace of terrorism is critical if any of the tough steps that will need to be taken, could be taken. One hopes that the conference will, indeed, do that.
But the creation of that common sense of purpose – and let us acknowledge that there is no such thing in Pakistan today – is not just the state’s responsibility. It is equally, and maybe even more, a responsibility of society. The fissures within the state reflect the even deeper fissures within society. And both build upon each other.
It is important, therefore, for all of us to have the exact same conversation that we want our political leaders to be having. A conversation that is focused on practical solutions, difficult decisions, tough realizations, and ultimately an agenda of action. Figuring out ‘how we got here’ is always important, but only to the extent that it actually leads to meaningful strategies of ‘how do we get out of here.’ So, as part of this national conversation, we ask our readers to suggest practical steps forward – ‘practical’ does not mean that it has to be easy, but it does mean that it has to be doable. What do you think should be done, by whom, and how? Have your say; there just may be someone listening.
By way of context, as well as good advice on how the national leadership – and we ourselves – should approach the question, this editorial from Dawn makes very good sense:
…the militants are not only at war with the Pakistani state, they are bent upon subjugating the Pakistani people as well. Security installations, government buildings, mosques, schools, shrines, hospitals and markets, all have been attacked. With this blurring of targets, there is also a need to realise that, whatever their nomenclature, ideology, agenda and area of operation, the militants must now be seen in holistic terms — and their tactics unanimously condemned. This should be the thought behind the attempt to form a consensus on a strategy to curb terrorism…. What is not a matter of debate is that the terrorists are prepared to stop at nothing to destroy the state and inflict their obscurantist agenda on the people. So when the national conference [conversation] takes place … it should be with the realisation that there is a common goal to pursue. There should be no room for blame-games or fiery speeches. Serious discussions will be required, with informed input from all concerned, so that a workable plan to thwart militancy can be put in place. Such a plan would include suggestions on how to prepare the people to take on those who threaten their way of life.
We also seek a serious conversation. What do you think should be done, by whom, and how? You can, of course, say whatever you want. But one hopes that we will get beyond the usual spate of incrimination, finger-pointing, conspiracy, and denial. Certainly look back if you must, but if you are spending more time looking back than forward, then you are probably driving in the wrong direction. To the extent you can, we would appreciate if you would respond to the question with the clarity and unambiguity it deserves: What do you think should be done, by whom, and how?
One important thing is to remind ourselves of how the Taliban slowly took over Swat and how timely warnings by those who saw it then were ignored. If these early warnings had been heeded, things would not have worsened to the extent that a military operation became necessary to clear the Taliban from there. And it’s important to keep pointing this out to PML-N and others in denial of the problem in South Punjab again and again before we have another Swat like situation.
“We fully support the security forces to defeat the terrorist.”
The present day terrorist, the Taliban, is the brain child of the security forces. How one can expect them to kill their own beloved child?
Naive!
BTW: One prophet tried to get rid of one of his two sons, but the order came from Allaah.
It is important that we defeat the terrorist at any cost. Victory is essential in this war as many lives have been given and we are not ready to give away any more. We fully support the security forces to defeat the terrorist.
It is important that we rehabilitate the militants who are being openly tortured in jail cells and this is no hidden fact. We can get further arrest leads from them and can use them against their own organization to neutralize the mindset of fellow militants.
Fissures in the Society
Here we are not talking of any Religious, Scientific, Philosophic or Royal Society; but we are concerned a Human Society which is composed of the citizens of Pakistan. In any human society there are all types of people. There are pious, rogues, peaceful, warriors, killers and so on…
In religious states like Islamic Republic of Islam, there is a ruling class, which uses the religion (Islam) for its own benefit; even if the members of this class may not practice the rituals of the religion.
This exploitation of the religion can be also used by some other groups (in the Society) which may claim to follow the true religion.
A Human Society is always heterogeneous. The diversity is inherent in a human society. Why Pakistani Society will be a Homogeneous without any division or fissure?
Dividing the people of Pakistan in two categories (1) Terrorists (Taliban!) and (2) Others (the rest of the Nation) is wrong, unjust and without any foundation. Declaring the Taliban as enemy of the nation is equivalent to kicking them out of the nation.
Earlier a secular intellectual used Islam to declare a minority of Muslims as Non-Muslims establish an Islamic Republic in Pakistan. Now ATP intellectuals are trying to exclude, a group of Pakistani citizens, from the nation who are fighting to establish their own Islam in Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The killing of innocent citizens (by a Jihadi or by a soldier) is a hideous act and it should be condemned and fought against by all means.
What Should Be Done?
In an earlier post (ATP), I wrote:
“The militancy in Pakistan is on both sides. Both of them are fighting for their own interests and both of them are power hungry. They may call each other enemies but none of them is the enemy of Pakistan. Any enemy of Pakistan will fight for the destruction of Pakistan or against vital interests of the State of Pakistan.
As long as the Pak Army (militants of the Secular) is involved in bombarding the terrorists (Taliban) and killing the innocent people as collateral damages, the matter will go bad to worse and worse to worst.
The people of Pakistan and the police force .with proper training and arms should be able to eradicate the Islamic Militancy. The Army may help by supplying arms and training but not any command or any direct action”.
But, after that the people of Pakistan will have to get rid of the other Militant Group, if they want to establish a Democracy??”