The Zarb-e-Azb against enemy behind the bush in the tough mountainous tribal region was a war of another kind - it was no conventional military operation but a war for peace. It had to be won, because losing it was just no option. This war has been won; so not only is Pakistan today more stable and stronger, the entire region is also secure and can look forward to an ambience of peaceful coexistence. By eradicating terrorists' safe havens from the tribal region Pakistan got rid of not only anti-Pakistan elements but also who nurtured inimical designs against a number of other neighbouring states. In a way this is not victory for Pakistan but for the entire region. And this has come about only because our soldiers and officers on the battlefront are courageous, committed and competent. Army Chief General Raheel Sharif is spot on when he says "today, our brave men can tell the world with pride that by eliminating terrorist networks from the far-reaches (and that include the Shawal in North Waziristan) of the Pak-Afghan border, and environment of peace and prosperity is flourishing." He always believed that "it is the disposition of the soldier that determines the outcome of the battlefield". But for the bravery of these men thousands of internally displaced persons would not have been on way back to their homes. In modern times there are not very many examples to show a national army could eradicate the curse of terrorism embedded in as difficult a terrain as our tribal region in a so short span of time. Not far from us war victory is a lingering dream of the world class juggernaut.
No wonder then the world has taken notice of Pakistan's heroic fight against terrorism and it is more integrated with rest of the world than before. Pakistan forces have presented to the world a role model depicting that given hard training and a determined mindset war on terrorism is winnable. Tribal areas of Pakistan are far more inhospitable landscape than many other anti-terrorism battlefields, and then the enemy in there was better equipped and more motivated to fight back. In this there is a message also for those who ask us to 'do more', as if they are doing enough and therefore winning the war against insurgents in Afghanistan. The mental robustness that helped the officers and men of Pak Army turn the tables on deeply entrenched terrorist outfits hasn't come in a day; it took long spells of hard training to enhance perseverance of mind and ready willingness to confront challenges. How did that come about? A plausible answer to that profound question could be found in the show at the First International Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) of Pakistan Army in Lahore over the weekend. The event brought together participants from 18 leading armies of the world. General Raheel Sharif greeted the participants, expressing hope it would "enhance their passion for battle worthiness". The war wherever being fought against terrorism and extremism is war for peace; it must be won at all costs.