A VERY violent and dreadful state of law and order has cropped up which has virtually taken society hostage. The country has seen some very important personalities killed by these cowardly acts. We should understand in very clear terms the root causes of these terrorist acts and the safety measures to be adopted. In this regard, the following facts are enumerated for the benefit of the general public and the people concerned.

• All terrorists are hell bent on achieving their designs, dictated by their masters - handlers, who are in total control of their lives.

• Bombers are laying their lives drugged, motivated and then blackmailed, ultimately dictated to carry out these suicide blasts to reach the heavens and life Hereafter.

• Almost 100 per cent terrorists' activity is west to east in direction and mostly found sponsored by outside forces. The Dara Adamkhel and Swat blasts indicate this vividly.

• Then who are they, if they are not natives and what are their motives?

The answer lies in the present political, religious and economic turmoil which the present regime has gifted to the nation in the last eight years. However, some short-term measures are worth giving some importance by all at the helm of affairs.

• All entry points must be fully guarded like Khairabad Bridge, Ravi Bridge and Motorway entry by electronic measures.

• All Afghans should be 100 per cent kept under watch and sent back as soon as possible.

• Afghans are mostly in link with terrorist organisations and are sponsoring the tribal dissident elements to destabilise Pakistan; of course helped by India and some other powers that are levelling the scores.

• Internal security is the police's responsibility but they are so indifferent and untrained in handling these affairs that in the nearest future it looks very bleak that they would be able to handle it successfully.

• Sniffing dogs, CID and protection of vulnerable points (VP) and soft targets like congested areas, parking places, railway stations, bus stands, schools and colleges and congregations are main targets. Therefore these must be guarded under a plan.

• A very swift and powerful blow at the known bases of militants should be given every time they strike a peaceful area so as to make them realise the resilience of the nation.

• Award or reward is the key world in this game, but at the same time the whole nation must be alert and should keep an eye on their surroundings.

• Coordination between agencies is most important in eradicating this menace.

• Cities should be divided into small pockets/zones for quick action and surveillance.

• Counter -intelligence activities should be geared up and the government must have the guts to strike the enemy in the heart - never show weakness of intent and action in this scenario.

• Success lies in resilience, determination, strength and unity. Restructured administration has totally failed to deliver and civil bureaucracy has been marginalised, which must be restored immediately. Commissioners, deputy commissioners in districts are the requirement of the country with immediate effect.

At present no tier of the civil administration is functional. Militancy is the menace gifted to us on our becoming the most ardent ally of the US, providing an opportunity to the MMA to grab power, sidelining tribal traditions and not involving the local tribal influential in decision-making. Tribals are extremely versatile, loving, patriots and true Pakistanis and they must be involved in the main stream of decision-making in the country. If we desire to achieve peace and some stability in the country, democracy is the answer.

ANEES AHMAD KHAN

Via email