The Sept. 11 attacks brought the terrorism issue into limelight. The government of Pakistan is doing whatever possible to wipe out “terrorism”. Islamabad is cooperating with a host of countries in anti-terror operations and earnestly striving to eradicate terrorism from its soil.
Its firm stance against terrorism is being acknowledged throughout the world. Islamabad has cracked down on militant groups involved in terror attacks. A number of such groups were outlawed by the government. This has reduced terrorism to a large extent.
Pakistan, as a pivotal coalition partner in the anti-terror war, proved its sincerity to the cause through its sheer contribution at the national and international level to curb the menace.
The lawlessness in tribal areas of Pakistan stemmed from people’s easy access to arms. Tribal agencies joined the Afghan war in the name of ‘Jihad’ against the Soviet forces that only served to enrich their gun culture and gave them access to sophisticated weapons.
President Pervez Musharraf’s internal and external policies proved significant in dealing with extremism and terrorism. The concept of enlightened moderation and fight against terrorism have helped to allay the misconceptions of the international community that many people in Pakistan are extremists, militants and intolerant.
World leaders now realize the significance of Pakistan in the anti-terror campaign and Pakistan now has a leading position in the Ummah. Pakistan enjoys cordial diplomatic, political and economic relations with many countries. Its image has got a boost due to its multi-pronged drive to stem terrorism both at home and at the international level.
Musharraf’s stay in power has been endorsed by the international community. Richard Boucher, spokesman of US State Department said. “We continue to encourage progress, and we continue to encourage Pakistanis to look for ways to make progress.” US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage also reposed his trust on the present Pakistani leadership saying “there have been some rather significant activities that the Pakistani forces have taken against the Taleban and Al-Qaeda, and I think this is a very good sign and I have no doubt it will continue”.
The best solution to the current state of Muslims could be found through “enlightened moderation” which is a very simplistic two-pronged strategy. The first step of this strategy implores that “Muslims should shun militancy and extremism and adopt the path of socio-economic uplift.” The second step is for “the West, and the United States in particular, to seek to resolve all political disputes with justice and to aid in the socio-economic betterment of the deprived Muslim world”.
The root cause of extremist and terrorist acts is social grievances. Efforts are needed to fight illiteracy and poverty that are core problems. Moreover, war on terror is needed to combat political disputes and social inequalities that gave rise to extremism.”
Nothing but hunger, injustice and illiteracy forces a young man or woman to give up her or his life. These when combined provide breeding grounds for extremism and terrorism. These problems need to be resolved before a change in attitudes can be expected.
Pakistan today is a front-line state in the anti-terror war, and thus a key element in any future defeat or victory. President Musharraf seems to be the best man to lead that crucial part of the fight. He must be supported by America and its allies and by all moderate Muslim states that desire the implementation of Shariah and oppose extremism. President Musharraf should be supported not only by the international community alone but by political parties and forces at home that want Pakistan to progress and prosper. No doubt Pakistan is playing its part well and honestly in the war against terrorism.