Daily Times

Full marks to Pakistan’s brave security agencies for foiling the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange compound in Karachi yesterday in a matter of only eight minutes, which shows that they stand ready to face all sorts of circumstances at all times. But our foremost thoughts, prayers and gratitude must go to the three security guards and one sub-inspector who laid their lives so others could live and the nation be spared of yet another black mark on its conscience. It is now the responsibility of the state of Pakistan to make sure that their families never face any hardships as they learn to live without not just their bread winners but also their family heads. The four attackers seemed to have planned a long attack, most probably by storming into the main compound and taking hostages, since they carried arms as well as food rations.

All accusations about a security lapse in this particular instance are simply wrong. Quite to the contrary, actually, the manner of the response proved that the security system is always on its toes, always prepared to respond rapidly whenever there is a terrorist threat. Even with much reduced attendance – because a large number of people are working from home due to coronavirus compulsions – there were still in excess of 6,000 people in the building. Rangers and policy personnel must therefore be credited for saving many lives by their prompt action. Also, as explained by law enforcement agencies, this attack was on the same pattern as the 2018 attempted attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. Both hits are attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and since there is a very well-known link between them and our not-so-friendly neighbour India, security officials have a pretty good idea where the funding and support would have come from.

Such operations are never “stand alone incidents,” as Sindh Rangers Director General Ahmed Bukhari said at the press conference after the attack, since it is not possible to plan and conduct them without the help of “outside intelligence agencies.” Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Special Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf were more direct in their accusations, holding India squarely responsible. It would be a good idea to involve reputable international organisations like the UN in the investigations that will now follow, because only by exposing India at the highest level will Pakistan get the international community to finally understand all the problems it has to face because of the eastern neighbour. *