Daily Times

The news about the formation of the Joint Intelligence Directorate (JID) under the auspices of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is a welcome revelation for many of us. Finally, the long-awaited step has been taken, and all credit goes to the accomplished coordinator of the NACTA, Ahsan Ghani, who worked tirelessly to bring all intelligence agencies to one table. This was exactly the original idea behind the creation of the NACTA. However, due to bureaucratic, administrative and other hindrances, the NACTA remained dormant for many years. The nomination of more than 50 military personnel by the army, including members of military intelligence, Inter Services Intelligence, and others is most definitely a great step forward. Despite this important accomplishment, a very important aspect of national security, the prime responsibility of NACTA, is being ignored. However, intentionally or unintentionally, this still remains a question.

Difa-e Pakistan Council (DPC), a conglomeration of various political and religious parties, some of which are banned in the country, held a protest rally in Islamabad, and spoke openly against the US and India. Hafiz Saeed, head of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) was the highlight of the protest rally. The rally was well-organised with provision of water and refreshments for the protestors. Most of the arrangements were made by the members of the JuD.

The JuD protest rally poses a number of questions at the security establishment of country, especially when it comes to Pakistan’s relationship with other countries, particularly the US and India. First of all, why a conglomeration of banned organisations was allowed to operate openly in Islamabad. Secondly, if the NACTA and its allied intelligence and law enforcement agencies are focused on providing security to the country, and particularly on the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), why didn’t they take any action against the organisers of a protest rally consisting mostly of the members of various banned outfits? Thirdly, if some of the banned organisations, which are also part of the DPC, are still considered as strategic assets why are they banned?

The protest rally openly criticised Indian and US policies especially regarding Pakistan. The recent killing of the Taliban chief in Pakistan through a drone strike was particularly criticized.

It is definitely understood that drone strikes are an open violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. However, it is the prime responsibility of government to lodge a protest against such strikes, and the government including the armed forces lodged a strong protest with the ambassador of the United States of America, which is exactly how a civilised nation behaves when it comes to international politics. Burning flags of a diplomatically friendly country, and hurling threats against it, especially by non-state actors, brings a bad name to Pakistan.

Pakistan is undergoing a very difficult time in its history. On one hand, there is a dire need for the country’s economy to take off, as years and years of extremist violence has badly damaged it. Secondly, the extremist violence needs to be curtailed at all costs. Thirdly, Pakistan needs friends in the international arena for support during this difficult time. Therefore, such protests will only bring a bad name to the country.

Such protests also undermine the authenticity of organisations like the NACTA and other allied institutions, as they fail to exert control over activities of organisations that are banned and have brought shame to the country at various instances.

The reorganisation of the NACTA and the formation of the JID must also be supported by a new resolve to put an active control over banned outfits, which have been involved in incidents of violent extremism both inside and outside the country. The presence of such organisations and their allies undermines the country’s resolve against violent extremists especially under the NAP.

It is strongly hoped that once the JID starts functioning properly, the gaps that remain in the implementation of the NAP would be filled, and the questions that often arise due to protest rallies and other events organised by banned outfits would be answered, once and for all.

The writer is a development consultant. She tweets at @GulminaBilal and can be reached at coordinator@individualland.com