How to root out terrorism and extremism

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto unleashed two types of reaction. First, the PPP workers in anger went on rampage to destroy national and private assets. The second outcome was that the terrorism got recognised as the foremost problem of Pakistan which could destabilise the whole country.
Terrorism and extremism have become issues of such a magnitude that they are threatening the very cohesion and unity of the national fabric. After the death of Benazir Bhutto, the two suicidal bombings at Lahore and Karachi have sent shivers both to the government and the political leaders.
Though the government has expressed its determination to hold elections on the proclaimed date, some political leaders have expressed doubt about holding of the elections on February 18. General elections culminating into the transition to democracy are so significant that these will ensure national solidarity and integrity.
The menace of terrorism can be handled only by the collective efforts of the people, political leaders, civil society and the government. The government cannot root out terrorism alone. All the political leaders, parties and people at large should adopt a united stand against this social evil.
Instead of condemning what was done in the past, leaders should come forward and formulate polices and plans to save the country from this grave evil, which is taking a heavy toll in the shape of loss of lives of people and destruction of property and business besides the national assets.
The eradication of terrorism, in the first place would require measures to be taken at the domestic level. All political parties should use their influence in the tribal areas and should bring are people involved in the mainstream politics.
Make a high powered commission consisting of experts on terrorism issue, politicians, civil society workers, human rights, activists, bureaucrats and armed forces.
The commission should get to the root cause of this menace eg, who these people are: who is training them, who is financing them and what is their ultimate objective. It is certain that some vital information would be available and it would be easy to frame practicable and tangible solutions.
We are not a weak nation. Our leadership and armed forces are capable to safeguard our national interests. Even President Pervez Musharraf has dispelled the impression that al Qaeda could seize the nuclear assets and the fanatics can take over the country.
He held al Qaeda responsible for carrying out terrorism in the country's tribal areas and masterminded suicide bombings and rejected the notion that it was strong enough both militarily and politically to get on overall command.
The advantage of our divisions and dissension is being taken by the elements who do not want to see a strong stable Pakistan. Stability of the nation can only be ensured by the unity and fraternity of the people.
The people would be led into this direction by the political leaders. All the leaders should agree on a minimum agenda of national integrity and should strengthen the steps being taken by the government and should not indulge into mudslinging.
Such a situation will become a major deterrence for the terrorists and their will and determination will weaken. Finally, such people will either surrender themselves before the law or will abandon the nefarious game they are playing. It should be acknowledged with open mind that Pakistan played no role in creating or promoting terrorism in Waziristan Agency or in Afghanistan.
Terrorism came into existence long ago when the war was being fought by the Soviets in Afghanistan. This is the spillover effect that we are suffering from as the Afghan leaders who came into power after the withdrawal of the Soviet forces could not bring about peace into their country and the war continued among the warlords themselves for the sake of capture of power.
If the situation in Afghanistan stabilises today, things will come to normally in Pakistan. But unfortunately, the present government has not been able to establish its writ, even with the assistance of thousands of allied forces.
Pakistan has taken very elaborate and extensive measures to curb terrorism in the tribal areas. About 70,000 armed forces have been deployed on the Pak-Afghan frontier.
Up till now, Pakistan has sacrificed more than 400 of its brave soldiers to root out the menace of terrorism. Every method has been experimented in the tribal areas, especially in North Wazirstan. Jirgas were held, peace agreements have been made but the evil has not been eliminated.
The armed forces of Pakistan are still continuing the operation. About 200 diehard and trained foreigners are living in this area. Now the people of North Waziristan have themselves formed a force to expel the Mahsud tribe from their land. But still people's co-operation is needed.
The problem is being tackled very tactfully. It is true that suicidal bombing could not be stopped anywhere in the world. However, the public awareness and government's efforts together have been able to reduce the incidence of suicidal bombings.
A recent evidence of boldness and fearlessness has been demonstrated by President Pervez Musharraf by reaffirming the national sovereignty in view of the statements of the US Presidential candidates about Pakistan's nuclear programme. It has been appreciated even by the rival groups in the country. Such a unity and firmness is needed by the whole nation against terrorism and extremism. And then the nation would overcome all obstacles against its progress and prosperity.