This is apropos the letter ‘BRICS concern’ (Sept 8). The concluding sentences by the writer are disappointing because they downgrade the sacrifices rendered by our security forces in the fight against terrorists. These militants and terrorists would have been eliminated long ago had they not enjoyed the support and patronage of some powerful quarters.

The Chottu gang was given a free hand to wreak havoc on the people of Punjab. Finally, the rangers were called in to smash this gang, and nothing has been heard of them since. But were other criminals brought to justice?

The Punjab administration bestows a sacred cow status on some of the terrorist outfits. They operate freely with no hurdles in their movement instead of being eliminated. The BRICS joint statement is a very bitter and harsh reality. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who retained the foreign ministry portfolio, was preoccupied with other matters and handling foreign affairs was not his priority.

I totally agree with the writer that we need a foreign policy that incorporates all stakeholders in the country.

Aamir Aqil

Lahore

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2017