‘Fight to the finish’

Published August 26, 2012

THIS is apropos of Abbas Nasir’s excellent analysis of the ongoing war on terrorism in his article ‘Fight to the finish’ (Aug 18).

The writer has very correctly stated that terrorists are no one’s friends and a war against terrorism is not only an American war but very much our war as well.

The recent attack on the Minhas air base and earlier attacks on Mehran Karachi and even on GHQ are glaring examples of terrorist attacks on our national security and our national blood lines.

The writer has made a correct assessment of the mindset of PML (N) and PTI leaders in this relentless war. Imran Khan and Kh. Asif’s observations that the two recent attacks in Kamra and the killing of 22 Shias at the Babusar Pass were reactions to the the army’s intention of military action in Waziristan are rather far-fetched. These observations were made without going into the depth of the issue: they were just to gain votes and popularity.

It is quite obvious, as the writer has pointed out, that the attack on Kamra was planned well in advance and was not an immediate reaction to the statement of the COAS.

The writer’s example of the futile efforts in Sri Lanka by Wickeramasinghe to reach an agreement with LTTE in 2001 should be considered by Imran Khan before making any politicalcommitments because all terrorists think alike.

Recent life threats by the TTP against Khan’s proposed protest march in Waziristan against drone attacks should serve as an eye-opener to him.

The PTI, the PML (N) and all other political parties must give their unconditional support to security forces to fight terrorism, which is a national threat.

The national interest must override all political and electioneering considerations of gaining popularity in a particular area or community.

ZAHEER AHMEDIslamabad