The government is expected to announce a comprehensive economic and social package for the military-extremists' battle affected people in the settled districts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) without developing consensus over the reasons of militancy, informed sources told Business Recorder.
The federal government is of the view that the militants' main objective was to introduce Shariah and removal of Army from the settled areas whereas the provincial government termed unemployment and high pressure of population as the main reasons of militancy, the sources added.
The federal caretaker cabinet, in its meeting on November 21, had discussed the reasons of militancy in the 30 percent area (7 districts out of 24) of NWFP especially Swat and Shangla, and floated different suggestions to end militancy. Explaining the sources of funding to militants in these areas, the federal interior secretary informed the cabinet that they get financial support from tribals, foreign aid, donations from transporters, and kidnapping for ransom.
He also remarked that in both the districts the writ of the government has not only been challenged, but also virtually vanished and the Shangla district has been completely taken over by diehard forces.
He apprehended that activities of the militants could be extended to other settled districts of NWFP, adding this armed campaign of the militants carries two main objectives ie introduction of Shariah and removal of Pakistan Army from these areas.
Outlining the government's initiatives to contain militancy and extremism in NWFP, he recalled that a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) was chaired by the President in July 2007, where a number of administrative and political decisions were taken. But, unfortunately, the former provincial government gave scant attention to implementing those decisions, which resulted in escalation of militancy and extremism in Swat, Matta and other areas of NWFP.
Giving a comprehensive presentation on law and order situation in Fata and Shangla as well as Swat districts, the secretary said there has been a common misperception that law and order situation in Fata and NWFP was beyond control, which was incorrect.
According to him, at present, the law and order situation in Fata was generally improving whereas 15 settled districts out of 24 remained peaceful. He also said to resolve this issue, a political will and a widespread public support are required, including two-pronged strategy ie military action as well as dialogue with the militants.
He also said that due to these reasons most of the youths of these districts were ever ready to join the militant forces. Due to the militancy, the tourism of the area was also adversely affected which had further compounded miseries of the people of these areas, he added.
He proposed that in order to address economic and social problems of the people of the area, a comprehensive package (economic and social) for Swat is essentially required on priority basis.
He also stated that Maulana Fazalullah has established an armed force called 'Shaheen Force', which mounted guns on vehicles, had captured Shangla district and about two-third area of Swat district.
He suggested that the government should seriously consider initiation of dialogue with them which the support of local Jirgas. On a query, he informed the cabinet that relief camps for displaced people of Swat and Shangla have been established at Dargai, Mardan, Basham and Batagram and their reception point has been set up at Malakand, where food, shelter and medicines are being provided to them.
To a question on sharing actionable intelligence from the Afghanistan government, fencing and mining of Afghan border, he stated the actionable intelligence is being shared by the Afghan government with Pakistan and the Afghans raised the hue and cry on the fencing and mining of their border because they do not recognise Durand Line as permanent border.
The biometric system was also installed at three points in Balochistan and Turkham in NWFP, but due to stiff resistance and non-co-operation from the Afghan side this system could also not be continued. Another point of view raised regarding situation in Fata was that struggle was in fact between landlords (Hujras) and the religious leaders (mosque) which is termed as a political battle not religious.
A few short-term measures such as negotiations and use of force and long-term measures such as restoration of Malik System were proposed to settle this struggle going on between the two elements of the Fata society. Moreover, it was also suggested that accelerating development work and involving the private sector in the development of this area could overcome the problem.
In this connection, to develop a viable course of action, the Safron minister was advised to co-ordinate with all ministers concerned and also if there is any overlapping between newly established Fata Secretariat and the Safron Ministry, the Cabinet Secretary will look into it and assist the ministerial committee.