Daily Times

Sir: With reference to certain media reports about the alleged links of Dr Asim with al Qaeda and his role in facilitating criminals getting medical assistance without bringing it into the knowledge of law enforcement agencies. When wanted target killers can receive treatment in Karachi’s private clinics, then it is not surprising if terrorists could manage the same facility. Unless the writ of law and supremacy of constitution are enforced, the curse of terrorism will continue to haunt the country and ultimately may lead to sanctions and even compromises on our defence nuclear deterrence and sovereignty.
A nexus between corruption and terrorism exists and one supports the other. When the instruments of state such as the Customs, Federal Board of Revenue, Federal Investigation Agency, Border and Coast Guards, law enforcement and sensitive agencies created to prevent entry or exit from Pakistan of containers full of smuggled goods, facilitate such illegal trade, terrorist organisations too can use the same channels to smuggle prohibited weapons, explosives, rocket launchers hidden in containers.
If wanted criminals can flee Pakistan to evade punishment using political clout or bribes, the terrorists too can do the same. The channels of funding for terrorism are the same as used by corrupt bureaucrats, a few politicians, traders and land and drug mafia. Crime must be punished irrespective of who commits it otherwise Pakistan will suffer more. The rights of criminals should not override collective national security interests.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore