THIS is apropos of letters by Jilanee and Mustafa on the subject (Oct 30). It is good that this important matter is evoking different responses. It is only through sincere debates that we might prevent our government from taking any precipitous action, but help them take one that is well-thought-out, though unpleasant, but which has better chances of success.

The question of insurgency and brutality unleashed by the TTP does not involve a question of mathematics which can have only one answer. So opinion may differ which I had already conceded in my letter that I may be wrong in proposing military action. I was inclined to think , realising the earlier failed attempts, knowing the history, culture, revengeful make-up, fiercely independent nature and rebellious psyche of these people, not knowing whom to talk to whose word would bind all the tribal people, that deterrent action stood a better chance of success to curb this growing menace of insurgency. Is North Waziristan Agency a part of Pakistan in the real sense?” Ask Imran Khan.

Educating the TTP seems a good idea. But they think they already have all the education they need. It is Islam, their brand of Isalm, which they have learnt through their misguided fellow beings or unenlightened madressahs. How can you make them unlearn and relearn about true Islam, It can work on those of impressionable minds and not on the grown-up hooligans..

It also appears too naive to say that the agenda of the TTP is implementation of the Objective Resolution . This Resolution is already an integral part of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Who in his right mind would deny or refute it?.

So where is the dispute? Opinion may differ on its implementation. But the TTP wants to implement the Resolution by violent acts like attempting to murder Malala, razing of hundreds of schools for girls. rejecting polo vaccine and beheading our soldiers.

Here is the problem and which does not augur well for a dialogue. As for Yaghistan, the old name for a certain territory comprising Kandahar, Zabul, Ghazni, Kabul, etc, the idea of Syed Ahmad Barelvi and Maulana Sindhi, what relevance does it have with the problem at hand except to, perhaps, remind us of a land where there are groups which are utterly unruly and rebellious. Is this what we want North Waziristan Agency to be (as if it is already any different)?

Tailpiece: I have given my views about the TTP and not about the Pakhtun, the proud people of Pakistan with whom I have lived for 20 years in Peshawar. What I liked most in them is that a Pathan would always shake his hand with you with an erect posture and not by touching your knees or feet, an unfortunate custom from across the border which needs to be shunned.

S.M. ANWAR                  Karachi