A HIGH level meeting chaired by President Pervez Musharraf has discussed various political, administrative and other meaures to curb militancy and extremism from FATA and some settled areas of the NWFP following increasing incidents of terrorism. A new strategy has also been devised focusing on strengthening the law enforcing agencies with advanced equipment, involving tribal elders and moving at a fast pace with development projects to bring the people in the mainstream of national life in order to dry up the life line of the extremist elements.

Incidents of terrorism have become a routine in FATA and in the adjoining districts of the NWFP, and it seems that the law and order machinery is at the mercy of these elements. Apparently alarmed by the situation the President convened the high-level meeting and reiterated unwavering commitment of the government to fight terrorism and extremism. It is satisfying to note that ultimately pragmatism has dawned on the policy makers and instead of just opting for the use of force, a balanced long-term strategy is to be implemented. In fact it was the failure of the successive governments that they had done nothing to pre-empt that the situation in Afghanistan will have a fall-out in Pakistan. A chain of Madaris were set up and in the name of providing religious education, poor students were given training and brainwashed for terrorist activities. In the past too we have stressed in these columns the fears that the spill-over would not remain restricted to FATA but to the rest of NWFP and whole of the country. Traditional Tribal Elders/Maliks system was ignored for unknown reasons which paved the way for the religious extremists to turn the tide in their favour through intimidation of the poor masses. They were supported by the foreign militants who had enough financial resources to recruit local people or gain their sympathies. We hope that the new strategy would be vigorously implemented without losing time otherwise it would be too late. Pakistan has been affected by terrorist activities because of its role in the fight against international terrorism. Therefore it is the duty of the NATO countries to extend substantial support in all manners to eradicate this menace because it would also be in their own interest.



-- Pakistan Observer