ACCORDING to media reports, militant commander Maulvi Nazir has been killed in a US drone strike in South Waziristan. Killing of Maulvi Nazir in the drone attack is astonishing for the people in Pakistan.

He was the only commander who was supporting government efforts against militant groups and he was considered as the government’s big supporter in the area. Only recently, he survived a suicide attack from his rival Hakimullah Mehsud group. He ordered removal of all militants belonging to Hakimullah, most of them are involved in heinous crimes against the government.

Maulvi Nazir had also signed a peace agreement with the government and had agreed that he would not allow militants to use his area against the government. For the last several years, his area was calm and peaceful. As compared to North Waziristan, no major attack was reported against government forces. His death is a big blow to peace efforts in the area and revenge attacks can make things worse in future.

According to observers, timing of the recent drone attack is very significant. Only a few days ago, militants offered peace negotiations to the government. The government and the Pakistan army are also seeking a peaceful solution to end 10 years of bloodshed in the country. They have agreed to negotiate with militants to control growing militancy and rising suicide attacks in the country.

Some years ago a peace agreement with other militants suddenly collapsed after the killing of another militant commander Naik Mohammad and killing of several schoolchildren after an attack on a religious seminary in North Waziristan.

K. UMER FAROOQ     Jeddah