OUR nation, at war with armed miscreants among its population and determined to root out terrorism, faces an unprecedented, dangerous situation. Prime Minister Gilani fittingly described the fight in Swat as a struggle for survival as he rallied support in parliament for the operation.

The strain is multifaceted; not only is a humanitarian crisis at hand with the IDPs, but a security situation looms as a result of the operation. The blast in Lahore confirms it. The aftermath saw a flurry of activity condemning the attack followed by reviewing security procedures. This should have happened before the attack in Lahore.

As the president embarked on a number of foreign trips recently, the interior minister was by his side. The business conducted may have been important, and the entourage needed, but one questions the timing and tasks at home delayed because of these dealings.

The challenge in Swat is not just one of putting down an insurgency but of dealing effectively with the aftermath. It was not a natural disaster which caught us unawares. It was a planned operation, and proper planning should have included military operations, political support, the social aspect of dealing with the internally displaced and the consequent security situation. It was apparent that millions would leave their homes in a hurry, carrying few belongings and looking for any mode of transportation towards safety as they waited for the army to break the Taliban's back. That this is an extraordinary situation calling for extraordinary measures should have been catered for. Yet, our governments fail to be proactive.

At a critical hour, we see the people fleeing a war zone. All basic provisions, such as a roof over their heads, security, sanitation, electricity, medical care, food and water, become dependent on someone's charity. We witness the media running advertisements raising awareness, average citizens showing courage and generosity, provincial governments organising relief efforts, stretching their strained resources to spare what they can. We also witness the interior minister responsible for security by the president's side in front of the Elysée Palace and in Tehran for the declarations of nuclear power pacts and gas pipelines.

There can only be a couple of reasons for leaving at a critical hour. One is that the office held cannot make a difference in combating the crisis. The other is that all measures are in place, and nothing can be gained by staying behind. It is hard to believe that the highest office in charge of security would not be able to make a difference. The security services are facing a determined, elusive enemy, who will apparently declare victory by striking the innocent wherever they may be. Loss of innocent lives, wounding and maiming indiscriminately are the goals of twisted vengeance. This is not ordinary and it seems our security services are not adequately prepared to thwart the attempts.The federal government must make every effort, however minuscule, for easing suffering and coordinating efforts among government agencies. All offices must come together to ensure efficient means are employed as aid reaches the hungry and stricken, and follow up with the armed forces ensuring they have all the support necessary to reach the endgame faster. This is imperative to organising the return of the internally displaced smoothly, and most importantly to making security arrangements for those exposed.

Discussing a civil nuclear deal with France to improve the power situation, or raising awareness about Pakistan's fight against terrorism, securing energy supplies are important issues, but not at the cost of security issues at home. This is akin to leaving for business meetings when one's house is on fire. Perhaps it would be more prudent to put the fire out before leaving home. The operation in Swat is not a minor undertaking. The government must have all hands on deck until the country is declared secure.

Nearly all leaders face unexpected situations, usually grim, and needing urgent attention. In order to be effective, it is imperative to spend more time planning for things that go wrong than things that are headed in the right direction.