Desperation without measures

Fictitious beliefs, vain demands and radical laws all seem to be inherent in the incumbent government’s plan of action for the foreseeable future. From the infamous Protection of Pakistan Ordinance of 2013 to the National Internal Security Policy of 2014 (NISP), the government has employed a fusion of laws and policies with the aim of combating terrorism. The result: a manifest debacle.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan seems to have struck again by overwhelming our security forces and taking sufficient control of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport . This was further exacerbated by their second attempt, a day after the Jinnah International Airport attack, at the Karachi Airport Security Force (ASF) Academy.

One would think that after the brutal attack on Geo anchorperson Hamid Mir, the security forces and those responsible for ensuring the allocation of security forces would play a more robust role in beefing up security around the metropolis. If the attack on Hamid Mir wasn’t enough then how about considering the potential sentiments of those enraged by Altaf Bhai’s recent arrest in London? Did that not call for more vigilance?

The true mandate of the PPO and the NISP is clear – to underpin the concept of upholding national peace and security against those who raise arms against Pakistan. The tenacious acts of the government in getting the PPO passed reflected its will in bringing about a change. Ironically, change is the least of their problems. The multiple attacks on the Karachi airport simply represent another failing on the part of the state in tackling terrorism. Sadly, the futile attempt at holding ‘talks’ with the TTP has resulted in more attacks. Attacks that appear to be becoming more destructive in nature; attacks that appear to target the masses; attacks that are so unpredictable that, despite the agencies having sufficient information, they still baffle the mind.

The state, however, has yet to uncover the mystery behind the perpetrators. Much like the previous attacks on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in 2009, the Minhas Airbase Kamra in 2012, the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar in 2012, the Islamabad district court attack in 2014, the recent attacks on the Karachi Jinnah International Airport and the ASF Academy amplify the stronghold the TTP wishes to demonstrate before the state.

The attack may be perceived from different point of views. First, the state must and should accept that there has, indeed, been a breach in security. Merely playing the blame game whereby one executive body excludes responsibility by the fact that ‘warnings’ were issued to the Sindh government well in advance will not prevent the inevitable from happening.

Being pragmatic and accepting responsibility for the negligence displayed and the loss caused would be a better way to handle the immediate aftermath. What’s the point of raising fingers against each other when there is a common enemy? The state must work together in fighting those responsible for causing havoc on Pakistani soil.

Second, the manner in which the attacks were conducted displayed a very poor response on part of the security agencies. Day one, we take over your airport. Day two, we do the same just because we can.

Pakistan is already facing an unprecedented load of difficulties in discharging its responsibilities under various international conventions. The European Union has already hinted at withdrawing Pakistan from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status granted to it last year. Pakistan, thus far, has failed to successfully implement 27 conventions on human rights in a manner compatible with international standards (a primary requirement under the GSP Plus status).

Further, there is the Reko Diq mining dispute, which may have severe ramifications if decided against Pakistan. Currently, the case is being heard internationally before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Additionally, Pakistan may also face a challenge before the International Court of Justice in the near future as it has been implicated by the Republic of the Marshall Islands for breaching customary international law in failing to fulfil an obligation of nuclear disarmament.

Therefore, as a state, Pakistan already has its fair share of issues to deal with. We cannot afford to let non-state actors determine the fate of this country by waging war against it. Allowing such incidents will not only distract us from our existing international obligations, but also ruin ties with neighbouring countries for failing to combat terrorism effectively.

A number of international aircraft were present at the Karachi airport when the terrorist invaded and took control. Who’s to say that many international airlines will not consider reducing, or even ending, their flights to Pakistan? Who’s to say that those countries will not impose further restrictions on visa requirements for Pakistani citizens?

Pakistan is literally on the brink of survival. We cannot afford more drama at a global level. Perhaps, it’s time to consider a serious plan to defeat the enemy. How long till there is another similar incident?

Pakistan must rise from the ashes. The negotiations were just a distraction. We must not react but pre-empt what is coming. Our jawans have fought long enough. It’s time to honour those who have given their lives for the cause of this country. It’s time to fight back.

The writer is a research analyst at a think tank.