Daily Times

Incontinuation of operation Zarb-e- Azb, Operation “Radd-ul-fassad” has beenkicked off to counter nationwide terrorism offensive. Operation“Radd-ul-fassad” is the new name given to military operation in the wake of freshwave of terrorism killing at least 125 people and injuring scores of civilianand security men. Many of us liked thename Operation, “Zarb-e- Azb” as it sounded more meaningful and beautiful. Zarb-e- Azb means “sharp and cuttingstrike”. Azb also refers to the sword owned by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), which he used in the battles of Badr and Uhud. Theoperation, “Radd-ul-Fassad” is being defined as “Elimination of all Evils”. Thevery name, “Radd-ul-Fasad” suggests that evil of any kind is intolerable andwill be eliminated with full force. If we delve deep into the purpose of bothoperations, that is one and same; to de root all kinds of terrorism to make ourcountry safe and secure. So, what’s in the name when we believe in the strengthof our mighty forces and deem our intentions on right course of action?Inits broader outlook, the operation, “Radd-ul-Fassad” aims to eradicate theresidual/latent threat of terrorism, to consolidate the gains made in previous military operationsand to tighten security on borders. The two more important aspects of operationRadd-ul-Fassad are nation-wide de-weaponization and explosive control. Thisoperation seems more comprehensive and consolidated in its terms since it hasbeen started after realizing the gravest truth that the country cannot be purged off the curse of terrorism until the efforts are not done on a muchlarger scale and with more strength. In fact, the recurring incidents of Lahoreblast, Sehwan Sharif blitz and Charsadda attack sent a shock wave throughout the country. Every one either belonging to civil or military institutioncontemplated over doing more to wipe out the terrorists and substantiate theresults of Operation zarb-e-Azb, more than 26000 intelligence-based and combingoperations (IBOs). Thenew wave of terrorism also gave new dimensions to war against terrorism in Punjab.It was felt earnestly that the evil of terrorism in Punjabcould not be exterminated without the assistance of Rangers. So the decision ofthe Apex Committee meeting to carry out rangers’ operation to takeindiscriminate action against all banned outfits in Punjabto clean the scourge of terrorism especially in South Punjabwas necessary and much needed. Though the matter of deployment of rangers in Punjabhad been pending since 2013 as it was assumed confidently that Pakistanhad controlled extremism and terrorism to a greater extent but Lahoreblast on 13th February prompted Punjabgovernment to reflect upon Rangers operation to make the province more safe andsound. The approval of the operation of paramilitary forces in Punjabfor 60 days to conduct operations in more than 20 districts including Lahoreand Rawalpindi under Anti-Terrorism Act is quite positive. Inaddition to the decision of rangers operation in Punjaband the launch of countrywide operation Radd-ul-Fassad, the immediate measurestaken by Pakistanmilitary were as; militants’ hideouts in Afghanistanwere pounded, scores of terrorists inside Pakistanwere killed, Torkham border was sealed and shoot at sight was ordered for thosewho tried to cross Pakistanborder illegally. For the first time in history, Pakistanarmy called officials from Afghan embassy to GHQ and handed over the list of 76terrorists and clarified it to Afghan ambassador either to take action againstthem or hand over them to Pakistan.Moreover, heavy artillery including tanks was moved towards the border.Allsteps are taken keeping in view that there are a number of external forcesworking against Pakistanto destabilize and thwart the peace process. The immediate North Western neighbor,Afghanistan hasalways been a soaring issue for it has always provided a safe heaven to themilitants. These militants permeated deep into the system of Afghanistan havenot left its neighboring country safe. Especially Pakistanhas paid a heavy price for it in terms of physical and economic loss. TheAfghan war (1979-1989) sowed the seeds of militancy hitting Pakistanhard. Instable Afghanistanhas always hampered Pakistan’sin house efforts to fight militancy. It is a fact that peace in Afghanistanis not only essential for stability in Pakistanrather regional peace is directly associated with peaceful Afghanistan.Pakistanhas to bear the brunt of war torn Afghanistanas refugees in great number always migrated to Pakistan.Refugees from Afghanistanconstitute the biggest community in Pakistan,according to an estimate; 1.5 million refugees are registered while 1 millionaire unregistered. Pakistanhas warned Afghan refugees to vacate Pakistantime and again. According to a story published in The Guardian, since July2016, 600000 afghan migrants and refugees have been evicted. Now the deadline given to them is by the endof 2017.Pakistan is no more in a position to give refuge to Afghans as they areposing direct threat to the security of Pakistan.Evidences have also found of involvement of Afghan refugees in terroristactivities in Pakistan. Pakistanis facing criticism due to Afghans return policy to Afghanistanon certain grounds as many of the refugees are now second or third generationand have no link with Afghanistan.Most of them do not want to return due to the fear of persecution and otherproblems of safety and employment. In this regard, UNCHR can ensure secure andcomprehensive policy for the return and rehabilitation of refugees in Afghanistanon the given deadline by the end of 2017. Likewise, the presence of Indian Afghanistanhas always multiplied troubles for Pakistan.The former US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel in a video on debate on Afghanistan’said India hasalways been creating problems against Pakistanfrom Afghanistan.Though Indian embassy in US decried Chuck Hagel’s statement yet there are manyevidences available with Pakistan of Indian involvement in Afghanistanagainst Pakistan.Inthe midst of all these decisions and efforts, blast in Defense market, Lahorekilling 8 people and injuring many shows that enemy is much violent as well ascoward as it is targeting markets just to terrorize people and he has succeededin it very much. The need of the hour is tofight with all internal and external forces of extremism and militancyendangering the life and property of populace. We have to be more united andmore aggressive towards militancy for tolerance towards intolerants isdangerous to survive on this planet. Much concerted and determined efforts arerequired for we are in state of war and no place is safe for all of us. Forthis, Pakistan also needs to revive its defense ties and resolve border issueswith neighboring countries specially Iran in the South West, India in the Eastand Afghanistan in the West to control cross border terrorism. Above all, weneed to be more firm and truthful to the cause of our nation and country. Weshould not embroil ourselves in the name of military operation because there isnothing in the names of operations whether it is Operation Zarb-e- Azb orOperation Radd-ul- Fassad. What is essential is how far and how long we aresuccessful in defeating the enemy and making our country a safe heaven forpeaceful people.

The writer is a free-lance contributor and can bereached @ nazeea.jabeen@yahoo.com.