Challenges posed by the banned terrorist groups are getting more complex with every passing day. The stability of Pakistan is in the crosshairs of the forces inimical to the very existence of Pakistan. Offensive views of the BJP stalwarts about the 1947 partition are well known! Most of the RSS-influenced ideologues of the ruling BPP regime considered that the creation of Pakistan was a practical negation of the “Akhand Bharat” dream. By this principle, any action favourable to the existence or survival of Pakistan is condemnable for BJP supporters and ‘Karsevaks’ (devotees) of RSS.
Dossiers presented before the UNO and the international community by Islamabad regarding the involvement of Indian state actors in cross-border terrorism inside Pakistan are self-explanatory.
That’s why an accord under international guarantee like the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was held in abeyance unilaterally by the BJP government amid a questionable stance on the Pahlgam attack. The whole absurd idea revolves around collective punishment to the common masses of Pakistan, that too without any reliable proof. Banned terrorist groups are such potent assets in the hands of Indian state actors who fan the fire of instability in Pakistan. Dossiers presented before the UNO and the international community by Islamabad regarding the involvement of Indian state actors in cross-border terrorism inside Pakistan are self-explanatory.
All evidence documented in the dossiers is based on the confessions of an Indian serving naval officer, Commander Khulbhoshan Jhadhav. Besides hardcore terrorist attacks against civilians and armed forces, Indian sponsored groups are using the tool of propaganda to dent the cohesion at the internal front. Speedy flow of disinformation laced with religious and ethnic hatred is used through digital platforms to provoke the simple-minded citizens against the state.
Self-style rights groups comprising activists masked as ethnic guardians are misusing the freedom of expression to twist the opinion of the masses. Ironically, ethno-political pressure groups like PTM and BYC are tight-lipped in condemnation of banned terrorist groups involved in attacks on civilians, law enforcement agencies, armed forces, unarmed labourers, foreign experts employed on development projects and national assets. This condemnable silence of so-called human rights activists reflects silent allegiance with the hardcore terrorists. A question rightly arises as to why the ethnic pressure groups are repeatedly targeting the defenders instead of condemning the killer terrorists?
Recent efforts to trigger public unrest in a few areas of KP province by exploiting the terrorism issue are undeniable relevant examples. Banned terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, especially Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP)and its splinter outfits, have access to the American leftover weapons in Afghanistan. How the banned TTP damaged the people of Pakistan with these weapons needs no elaboration. The ineffectiveness of Tehreek the Taliban Afghanistan (TTA) interim government has remained a point of serious concern for Islamabad. The terrorism factor has literally broadened the gap between Kabul and Islamabad. Exploitation of this gap by the BJP regime, using banned terrorist groups, is no longer affordable for the entire region.
Positive signs from Kabul on the complex issue of cross-border terrorism are considered encouraging, as evident from the recent statement of MOFA spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan. Though the upcoming visit of the Afghan foreign minister to Islamabad with a schedule stretched over three days got postponed, renewed engagements reflect a meltdown of tensions.
A few days back, both Islamabad and Kabul reduced tariffs on agricultural products through a mutual agreement. The opening of the Angoor Adda crossing point is also in the pipeline, as requested by Afghanistan. Removal of security-specific irritants by enhancing cooperation on mutual economic interests may deliver better results. Negative ranting of ethnic pressure groups is aimed at disrupting the state’s writ in terror-affected areas.
This factor needs no further explanation that the success of military kinetic operations depends upon public support. Sacrifices of armed forces and civil LEAs are undeniable proofs of national resolve and institutionalised devotion to the national cause. By objecting to CT operations, ethnic groups are playing the role of Devil’s Advocate.
The writer is a student.