Pakistan has long contended with the menace of terrorism, grappling with internal challenges while being intricately entwined in geopolitical dynamics. This issue is intricate, marked by both internal and external factors that contribute to the intricate security landscape.
The struggle against terrorism in Pakistan is deeply rooted domestically, with socio-economic disparities, ethnic tensions, and religious extremism playing pivotal roles. Militant groups, some originating during the Soviet-Afghan War, have evolved over time, posing a threat to the country’s stability and security. The Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions, rooted in local grievances and extremist ideologies, have targeted civilians, military personnel, and government institutions. The internal dynamics of these groups are intricate, with varying allegiances and motivations across different factions.
Controversial aspects of regional discourse include accusations of foreign support for terrorism in Pakistan, particularly from India. India supports the separatist movements in Balochistan and provides havens for anti-Pakistan militant groups. The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national agent who was accused of being an operative for India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), further strained relations.
Jadhav was implicated in supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Karachi. The porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border complicates counterterrorism efforts, with militants freely crossing between the two countries. Afghanistan’s lack of effective control over its territory adds to the challenges in combating cross-border terrorism.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, grapples with a complex web of socio-political issues and terrorism activities. Amidst these challenges, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has emerged as a significant player, employing militant tactics to pursue its goals.
Designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and several other countries, the BLA is a separatist militant group seeking an independent Balochistan. Formed in the early 2000s, the BLA has engaged in various acts of violence, targeting civilians and security forces. Known for tactics such as bombings, targeted assassinations, and attacks on security forces, the BLA has been engaged in deliberately targeting infrastructure and economic assets, including gas pipelines and electricity grids. Pakistan consistently accuses foreign actors, particularly India, of supporting and arming the BLA to destabilize the region, citing valid evidence.
The persistent violence instigated by the BLA has severe implications for the development and stability of Balochistan, hindering economic progress and raising security concerns, especially regarding infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Pakistani government has responded to the insurgency through a combination of military operations and attempts at political reconciliation. However, finding a sustainable solution remains a formidable challenge.
Shifting focus to the global handling of terrorism, numerous countries have implemented stringent measures in response to the escalating threat it poses to national and international security. Terrorism, characterized by its indiscriminate violence and ideology-driven attacks, has compelled nations to develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard their citizens and preserve societal integrity.
Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, the USA has been a leader in the global war on terror. Responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the USA initiated the War on Terror, involving military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and the implementation of the USA Patriot Act underscored that nation’s commitment to combating terrorism through a combination of domestic and international measures.
In the current situation, it is the responsibility of every individual to exercise caution while speaking or engaging in activities that may jeopardize our national security. Additionally, it is everyone’s duty to cooperate with agencies and provide them with all relevant information regarding anti-state and terrorist elements, contributing to making our country a land of peace and prosperity.
The United Kingdom has confronted its share of terrorist threats, notably from groups like the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and extremists. In response, the UK has enacted robust counter-terrorism legislation, including the Terrorism Act 2000 and subsequent amendments. The Prevent strategy aims to identify and address the root causes of radicalization, while security agencies such as MI5 work diligently to thwart potential attacks.
France has faced a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, prompting the government to implement strict measures to ensure public safety. In the aftermath of the 2015 Paris attacks, the country declared a state of emergency, granting law enforcement increased powers to combat terrorism. France has also played a pivotal role in international efforts, participating in military operations against terrorist groups in the Sahel region and the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has actively taken measures to combat terrorism, recognizing its threat to regional stability. The kingdom has implemented comprehensive strategies, including intelligence sharing, financial regulations to prevent funding to terrorist organizations, and educational reforms to counter radicalization. Saudi Arabia has also been a crucial partner in the global coalition against ISIS, participating in military operations to eliminate the terrorist group.
While many countries globally have adopted stringent laws to counter terrorism, it’s essential to note that the specific details and enforcement mechanisms can vary widely. Various nations have strict regulations to address terrorism and its elements.
In the USA, a range of anti-terrorism laws and measures, such as the Patriot Act, provides the government with broader surveillance and intelligence-gathering powers. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allows for the indefinite detention of individuals, including US citizens, suspected of involvement in terrorism, without trial. In the United Kingdom, counter-terrorism laws, including the Terrorism Act 2000, grant authorities the power to detain individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 provides measures to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, including powers to seize passports and impose travel restrictions.
Russia has a history of implementing strict counter-terrorism measures, particularly in response to incidents like the Beslan school siege and the Moscow theatre hostage crisis. The Russian government has employed strong measures, including targeted military operations and the enactment of laws granting extensive powers to security forces.
China has implemented stringent measures to combat terrorism, especially in the Xinjiang region, where ongoing conflict with Uighur separatist groups exists. The Chinese government has utilized surveillance technologies, extensive security measures, and mass detentions to counter perceived terrorist threats.
In Pakistan, when the government and law enforcement agencies take stringent actions against terrorist elements, the so-called advocates of human rights immediately step forward. Interestingly, these advocates often remain silent when other countries implement even more stringent measures against such elements within their borders. Our judicial justice system is widely known for its flaws and delays, with cases taking years to conclude and often resulting in the punishment of the innocent while the actual culprits go free. In such circumstances, whenever our agencies detain a suspicious person for investigation and evidence collection, accusations of forceful and unlawful arrests arise.
Our agencies do not apprehend innocent individuals without reason, and there is always substance behind these arrests. If one is innocent and has not acted against the state or armed forces, there is no reason for anyone to apprehend them. There is always a story behind every missing person, and our religion emphasizes the love for our country, the nation that has granted us identity and freedom. This loyalty is especially evident when we consider the struggles for freedom faced by the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir in Occupied Kashmir.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of every individual to recognize the significance of our freedom, our independent country, and its patriotic army. While it may be easy to immediately blame agencies for allegedly catching innocents, it is essential to remember that these arrests have led to the disclosure of many terrorists, anti-state elements, and foreign spies. Terrorists never admit their crimes themselves, and investigations are crucial to extracting information from them. National security is a non-negotiable aspect, and no country in the world compromises on this front.
I have come across numerous columnists and journalists who consistently blame agencies, often looking at only one side of the picture. In presenting a comprehensive and truthful picture, I attempt to address those who question why some individuals go missing. I don’t assert that all missing persons are culprits, as it is not my role or that of journalists to make such determinations. Only a thorough investigation can establish the innocence or guilt of individuals.
Various factors contribute to the phenomenon of missing persons. Notably, not all individuals reported as missing are under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies; some have affiliations with terrorist organizations and engage in conflict against the state. Individuals with ties to terrorism may go into hiding to evade arrest. Additionally, some people become missing due to personal vendettas, seeking refuge in remote areas to escape potential revenge from adversaries. Others may be connected to cross-border smuggling and various criminal activities, prompting them to remain in hiding. The classification of these individuals as missing persons can be intentional or unintentional, influenced by design or lack of awareness
Recently, a court has instructed interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to attend court proceedings in the event that he is unable to ensure the retrieval of over 50 Baloch students who are reportedly missing. It is deemed inappropriate to involve the court in overseeing missing persons cases. Notably, Pakistan has the lowest number of missing persons in the region, and the missing persons issue has been utilized as a propaganda tactic against the country. It is worth mentioning that 78 percent of the cases listed have been successfully resolved.
In the current situation, it is the responsibility of every individual to exercise caution while speaking or engaging in activities that may jeopardize our national security. Additionally, it is everyone’s duty to cooperate with agencies and provide them with all relevant information regarding anti-state and terrorist elements, contributing to making our country a land of peace and prosperity.
