Daily Times

During the 6th Provincial Apex Committee meeting, the Punjab government has decided to take a tougher stand against banned outfits. Renewed pledges and a firm resolve have been made to eliminate sectarianism, extremism and terrorism in Punjab. Certain measures have been announced to cripple the growing threat of militancy in Punjab. The law enforcement agencies have had some success in capturing terrorists through intelligence-based operations but a lot more needs to be done. There is a need to address the root causes of terrorism besides strict implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP). The Punjab government has decided to impose a complete ban on the collection of Zakat and Fitrana by banned outfits. The gesture is good but practically it will be difficult to convince the people not to give alms to these organizations that are involved in spreading terrorism on the pretext of religion. A ban on wall chalking, publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred, provocative speeches and misuse of loudspeakers is already being implemented strictly. There is a need to launch a non-discriminatory crackdown on terrorists, and the facilitators of extremists as well as those providing them financial assistance. Unfortunately, the Punjab government has not clearly pointed out the names of banned organisations. Along with announcing measures to curb militancy, the government should issue a list of banned outfits and their leaders, so that the people could be aware of the terror mongers.

There is a need to dismantle the networks of terrorists across the country. After the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, terrorists are either fleeing across the border to Afghanistan or infiltrating into urban areas. They are looking for safe havens to further their evil agenda. The Punjab government needs to be alert to this threat. Southern Punjab is a breeding ground for terrorism, which is housing a considerable number of seminaries that are rabidly sectarian in their outlook and are involved in spreading faith-based extremism. These seminaries are acting as terror franchises of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which is a real cause of concern. Our law enforcement agencies need to break this nexus between seminaries and militant groups. The crackdown in south Punjab is seen as crucial to effectively dealing with the several militant organisations. The actual battle may be taking place in the tribal areas but the job will only be half done if the militant support networks are not destroyed in other parts of the country, particularly in southern Punjab, which is a known hotbed of militancy. The Punjab government should have the courage to call a spade a spade. It is high time that the government should get rid of any lapses in policy of being soft in its treatment of terrorists. *