Pakistan's Terror Conundrum

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/pakistans-terror-conundrum/article5750648.ece

Pakistan officially known as ‘Islamic republic of Pakistan’ is sixth most populous country in the world and second in Muslim population. After the partition, from Aug 15, 1947 to March 23, 1956 Pakistan was a dominion in commonwealth of nation under two monarchs (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth III). Pakistan became an Islamist and parliamentary republic in 1956 but this was stalled by military coup led by General Ayub Khan. He was succeeded by next General Yahya Khan. Country held its first democratic election in 1970 but due to conflict with East Pakistan, Yahya Khan refused to hand over power. But after defeat in war of 1971, with secession of East Pakistan as independent state of Bangladesh, Yahya Khan was replaced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and hence civilian rule was established for a short period before the coup by General Zia-Ul-Haq followed in 1977.

General Zia-Ul-Haq used Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 to help his martial law regime survive. Due to its geopolitical position it became the center for US to counter the communist movement. US, Saudi Arabia and other western countries tried to stop the communist movement further to middle-East. Islamabad government received generous financial and diplomatic backing. Pakistan’s secret agency trained thousands of mujahideen, provided them with arms, money and tactical support. Even after withdrawal of Soviet forces general kept supporting these mujahideen to gain his control and oust Najibullah, who was supported by Soviet Union, (Najibullah was President of Afghanistan from 1987 to 1992 till mujahedeen took control of Afghanistan)

As a result of fighting between mujahideen and Soviet forces and later due to civil war in Afghanistan large number of afghan refugee crossed border among them were religious fanatics who started preaching Pakistani youth with military training in religious schools (Madrassas). The recent form of Taliban is product of these religious madrassas. In generic term Taliban is derived from term ‘Talib’ which means one who seeks knowledge. Taliban is not a distinct organization but an alliance of different groups which have common goal but different agendas. Taliban is product of dark alliance between CIA and ISI as a tool to quell soviet troops out of Afghanistan territory, a mixture of different groups including Extremists, Criminals and smugglers.These groups of people find place in the regions of FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). FATA is considered as home to most notorious terrorist leaders of the world. In 2001, the Pakistan Army entered for the first time in the region.

 In late 2007 there was a battle fought between Pakistani military forces and Taliban led forces over control of Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite victory of military forces Taliban militants slowly re-entered Swat and started engaging security forces in battles that lasted throughout 2008. By early February 2009, the Taliban had managed to regain control of most of Swat and at least 80 percent of the district was under their control. In Feb 2009 Pakistani government announced ceasefire accepting there main demand of Sharia law but under govt. supervision.

Many of the Taliban gangs operating in the North-West Frontier Province and the tribal areas of Pakistan gathered under one umbrella, i.e.; Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In December 2007 about 13 groups united under the leadership of ‘Baitullah Mehsud’ to form the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. It is led by Maulana Fazlullah. Among the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan's stated objectives are resistance against the Pakistani state, enforcement of their interpretation of sharia and a plan to unite against NATO-led forces in Afghanistan.

There was process of ‘Talibanization’ in tribal areas, which was gradual and they were successful in establishing parallel justice and administrative systems. Their agenda was to enforce their system not only in FATA or NWFP but all over the country. To achieve their aim they successfully completed several terrorist activities and tried to disrupt Pakistan’s judicial and legislative system. However Pakistan seems to be committed to become a modern Islamic secular state, as envisaged by the founder of the country ‘Quaid-e-Azam’ Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

In Jan’13 TTP offered ceasefire to govt. but was rejected because of immediate attack on airbase in Peshawar airport and murder of a leader of ANP party and hostage taking of 22 Pakistani soldier. With US announcing withdrawal of its forces it became very important for Pakistani Govt. to speed up peace talks with TTP as after the withdrawal things might get out of their hand. During the peace processes drone attacks in North Waziristan allegedly killed TTP leader ‘Hakimullah Mehsud’ and thus halting the process. A month later in Dec Afghan president ‘Hamid Karzai’ met Pakistan PM ‘Nawaz Sharif’ in Kabul to attempt peace talk with afghan Taliban and Afghan government. According to Pakistan’s narrative it has been sidelined by the US in the reconciliation process with the Afghan Taliban and accuses US of violating Pakistan’s sovereignty through the continued drone attacks in the Tribal Areas (FATA). However US assured of no more Drone attacks during govt’s planned peace talk period with TTP.

Recently in Jan’14 Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif named four-member commission to initiate peace talks with TTP but his main point for talks were no more terrorist attack. Recently TTP has announced a month’s ceasefire and gave 15 points draft for peace talks with govt. These are:

• Stop drone attacks

• Introduce Sharia law in courts

• Introduce Islamic system of education in both public and private educational institutions

• Free Pakistani and foreign Taliban captured in jails

• Restoration and remuneration for damage to property during drone attacks

• Hand over control of tribal areas to local forces

• Withdrawal of army from tribal areas and close down check posts

• All criminal allegations held against the Taliban to be dropped

• Prisoners from both sides to be released

• Equal rights for all, poor and rich

• Families of drone attack victims to be offered jobs

• End interest based banking system

• Stop supporting the US on the war on terror

• Replace the democratic system of governance with Islamic system

• Break all relations with the US

As far as India is concerned a peaceful neighborhood is always preferred. The success and failure of the talk process will not only impact Pakistan’s future but also the security and stability of entire region. The best possible thing to do for India would be to ensure its counter-terrorist action at maximum level.