Daily Times

Sir: Recently it has been reported that six soldiers were killed by militants in an attack in Orakzai tribal Agency. While 18 militants were also killed, that does not mitigate the losses among our troops. With the initiation of Operation Khyber-I, it appears the security establishment is realising how widespread and diverse the terrorist threat is. Already we have heard reports of intense fighting in Khyber Agency and the deaths of these soldiers tell us that the fighting is heating up. Far from being over, the battle against terrorism has just begun and we have very little time to organise an effective defence.

Over 100 soldiers have been martyred since Operation Zarb-e-Azb began. This is not a low number and clearly shows that terrorists in the tribal areas are still a force to be reckoned with. They have the ability to hit civilians almost at will and continue to try and undermine our morale and spirit. Within this security paradigm, political infighting and grasping for power must be put on hold. The rivalry between the civilian and military establishments must be put aside, at least for now. Someone needs to realise that terrorists pose a greater existential threat to Pakistan than India, the US, Zionists or whatever other half-witted conspiracy theory enemy they have in their ‘minds’. Otherwise, the sacrifices of our soldiers and civilians will be in vain.

ABDULLAH IMAM

Karachi