THIS is with reference to the report ‘Govt unveils plan to crush militancy in Balochistan’ (Nov 20). The decision to launch full-fledged military operations, as sanctioned by the National Action Plan (NAP) apex committee, signifies a pivotal moment in the struggle against militancy. As such, the initiative reflects a long-overdue acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation in Balochistan and other militancy-prone regions, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The resolve is commendable, but several concerns must be addressed to ensure this effort achieves its intended objectives without falling into familiar pitfalls. The rhetoric about ‘revitalising’ the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) is troublesome. Such proclam-ations suggest that Nacta has not been functioning optimally so far.

Given Pakistan’s prolonged exposure to terrorism, Nacta should have been a perpetually active institution, proactively tracking and neutralising threats rather than requiring intermittent revival. Its perceived dormancy underscores a systemic failure to prioritise counterte-rrorism at an institutional level.

The renewed focus on military operations is a much-needed measure, particularly considering the resurgence of terror activities across the affected areas where banned outfits have for long been a menace to national security. They must be dismantled with an iron hand.

Moreover, external proxies as well as hostile foreign entities exacerbate the problem, capitalising on Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities to undermine its stability. It is imperative to identify and neutralise these actors through a nuanced, intelligence-driven approach that avoids collateral damage, and targets only genuine threats.

The apex committee’s recognition of the multifaceted nature of the problem is encouraging. Measures against religious extremism, disinformation campaigns, and sub-nationalist movements are critical to addressing the underlying causes of militancy.

The decision to establish district coor-dination committees to ensure seamless implementation of federal and provincial directives is a step in the right direction. However, these committees must them-selves be subjected to strict monitoring to prevent bureaucratic inefficiencies and ensure accountability.

Balochistan’s issues cannot be resolved through military means alone. Socioe-conomic development, political inclusion, and diplomatic engagement are integral to addressing the root causes of unrest.

Moreover, the region’s natural wealth as well as strategic importance make it a target for exploitation by both domestic and foreign adversaries, but they also present an opportunity for positive transformation if managed wisely.

One critical aspect of the strategy must be about fostering national consensus. The widening polarisation created by the opposition party threatens to undermine efforts to combat terrorism and stabilise the country.

In such a scenario, a unified political voice is essential to sending a clear message to both domestic and international audiences that Pakistan is committed to preserving its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Economic stability is another crucial factor. Militancy and terrorism thrive in conditions of poverty and inequality, and Balochistan is no exception.

Finally, addressing the region’s economic grievances through targeted development initiatives, job creation, and infrastructure investment will go a long way towards undermining the appeal of militant groups.

Majid Burfat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024