HISTORY suggests that almost all military operations against terrorists extend over two to three years, culminate in loud declarations of triumph, but then terrorism re-emerges not much later. This relentless cycle of violence results in the frequent martyrdom of soldiers, officers and civilians alike.

From 2018 to 2021, the government facilitated the repatriation of thousands of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants as well as their families from Afghanistan back to Pakistan. However, the presumption that their resettlement would curtail support for TTP attacks within the country was misplaced.

Regrettably, the return of the militants precipitated a resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which is now gradually gripping the entire country. Following the removal of the government which had repatriated the militants, terrorist activities intensified. Unsurprisingly, amidst this turmoil, the political party, which was earlier at the helm, contended that terrorism was under control during its regime, attributing the resurgence to the leadership change.

This raises the question of whether the people who brought back TTP to Pakistan should have been allowed to remain in office to perpetuate control over terrorism. Was the repatriation of militants a strategy to exert political leverage over the state as well as its institutions?

Daringly, the TTP has declared war against the state, but Pakistan seems to be mired in delusional reveries taht are doing it no good at all.

Currently, the nation faces two major threats: the TTP’s declared war, and an economic decline that has rendered it destitute. However, official priorities appear misplaced, engaging in battles of an entirely different nature. National consensus at its core requires a unified framework which is something Pakistan sorely lacks. Without this, any discourse on resolving issues, and bringing in stability through consensus will remain futile.

Gulab Umid
Turbat

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2024