AS Pakistan authorities are fully determined to weed out the remnants of terrorism in the ongoing campaign, media reports claim the Taliban Government in Kabul has expressed willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns over terrorists’ safe havens in the neighbouring country. It has transpired in the back-channel contacts that the Afghan side was contemplating some actions against the TTP.
If true, it could prove to be a welcome development that would complement efforts of the Pakistan Government to address the monster of terrorism that is raising its ugly head once again due to the homeopathic policy of the PTI Government which helped terrorists to return to Pakistan, regroup and pose a challenge to the state. The PTI Government ceded space to the banned outfit in the hope its militants would lay down arms and commit themselves to a peaceful life. However, this didn’t materialize and instead terrorists are openly challenging the writ of the state by targeting law-enforcing agencies and innocent people including those worshipping in mosques. It was in this backdrop that the national leadership has taken a firm decision to eliminate terrorists, who are trying to dictate their terms to the Government.
Pakistan has a demonstrated capability of successful operations against terrorists but these could not be taken to their logical conclusions because of lack of cooperation from the Afghan Government and the then coalition forces in that country. The change of Government in Afghanistan offered a ray of hope as the Taliban made commitments not to allow anyone to use Afghan soil for any other country but regrettably these pledges have not materialized. It is time a firm message should be conveyed to the Afghan side that the threat of terrorism is a big obstacle in the way of progress and development of the two countries and, therefore, they have no choice but to forge unity to address the challenge once for all.
