Pakistan is in a complete state of shock, grief and horror after terrorists killed more than 140 children in Tuesday’s attack at a Peshawar school. As the country mourns, the world stands by its side in condemning the horrific act of terror. The latest terror strike has jolted Pakistan’s civilian and military administration, and left a brutal scar on a future generation that feels unjustifiably victimized. At the same time, the incident has raised many pertinent questions about the security situation in Pakistan and success of ongoing military operation against the notorious Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP).
Was this a one off incident of extreme brutality? The answer is possibly no. Confronted by a hardened enemy, the country is likely to be in a state of war for a long time to come. It is now apparent that the TTP, a well-funded and organized group, is driven by its ideology of radicalism and knows no boundaries in this war. These are the barbarians of our times, who will not abide by any rules of war or civilization. These fundamentalists are ready to blow themselves up and conduct more headline-grabbing attacks to challenge the resolve of Pakistan. Therefore, the responsibility lies largely on Pakistan’s civil and military leadership to uproot the scourge of terrorism from its soil.
All eyes will now be on the country’s military and politicians to set aside their differences and form a united front to formulate a stern policy against terrorism. The initial response of political parties has been encouraging and they have unanimously denounced attacks on innocent civilians. Calling off his anti-government protests across the country, Imran Khan also joined the multi-party conference summoned by PM Sharif. All major parties will be working together to devise Pakistan’s anti-terror action plan and presenting it to the nation. Although a comprehensive anti-terror policy should have already been in place, efforts to build a national consensus around the issue is a step in the right direction.
Facing public outcry after the Peshawar tragedy, the government has also lifted a moratorium on death penalty. As a result, up to 17 terrorists are expected to be hanged to death in the coming days. Further, the government will also be setting up special military courts to release pressure on the judicial system and swiftly deal with terrorism cases. At the same time, a zero-tolerance policy should also be adopted against apologists and sympathizers with the terrorist outfits.
While the massacre also casted a doubt on military gains made by Pakistan in the latest offensive against militants, the sad reality is that such an attack was always on the cards. The military has intensified its operation and carried out heavy airstrikes on terrorist hide-outs. Soon after the school attack, Gen. Raheel Sharif rushed to Kabul and sent a strong message to the newly-elected Afghan President Ghani — take action against TTP chief Fazlullah or be ready to face surgical strikes inside Afghanistan to eliminate him.
It is clear that Pakistan has had enough and it will not let the blood of slain children go in vain. The country is in a decisive battle with terrorists and willing to take all measures that help to root out the menace of terrorism.
