Despite all the bloodshed, certain quarters in Pakistan still remain embroiled in the debate over causes of terror strikes. They continue to argue that war on terror is not our war and it has been imposed on us. Does the fight against this enemy of the state constitute someone else’s war? I think Pakistan’s Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was spot on in his address on Martyrs Day — in remembrance of thousands of Pakistani civilian and military personal who lost their lives at the hands of terrorists during last decade.

Gen. Kayani is right in pointing out that if insurgents are putting houses on fire, he is not going to indulge in a debate with onlookers about how the fire broke out, but will use all means to stop the insurgents from destroying properties. It is wrong to state that there is any confusion about who has opened the doors of hell on Pakistanis in the shape of bomb blasts, suicide bombings, destruction of schools, health centers and infrastructure. Terrorists are also not at all confused about their targets. They have clearly stated that they don’t accept Pakistan’s Constitution, judicial system and democratic setup. They are now implementing their agenda by physically stopping the election campaign of liberal parties. They are in fact paving the way for a pro-Taleban government in Islamabad this May — the one who could stop military operation against Taleban and other religious/sectarian outfits, who could withdraw forces from tribal areas, Swat valley and other hot spots.

Gen. Kayani’s message is clear and loud: Don’t do the folly by appeasing the terrorists; otherwise Pakistan will soon convert into another Afghanistan. At the Same time we expect from army to make up its mind about Taleban; A talib is a talib — Don’t differentiate them “good” ones or “bad” ones. All those “good Taleban (who are at present in our books) will not feel contented with getting power in Kabul, they will soon march toward Islamabad where “bad” Taleban and right-wing parties are ready to welcome them. That day will be the end of rule of law, judicial system and democracy in Pakistan. — Masood Khan, Jubail