Counterterrorism is not a
linear process that can tackle terrorism in its entirety, but is rather a
complex and multilayered phenomenon. Military operations- as obvious from
previous episodes- do not guarantee absolute cleansing but are instrumental in
partial eradication of the menace that may then be buttressed by a political
solution. Just like an insufficient dose of antibiotics may lead to a recurrence
of an infection that requires an even higher dose than the one initially
prescribed, a partial counterinsurgency operation not only reverse the progress
but increases insurgent resilience and aggravates the situation.
Keeping in mind the perpetual failures of the previous regimes, the Punjab
government has taken a bold initiative to refurbish and form a counter terrorism
force in the province anew. Beginning by a recruitment of 1500 soldiers that was
done purely on merit through the National Testing Service after which they
started with their training. For training purposes, Turkish instructors were
called to come to Pakistan. The main aim was to build and enhance the capacity
of the force in order to perform efficiently.
The complete training had been divided in three phases – four-months exercise as
Elite Force, three-month experience as intelligence personnel and three months
as special anti-terror squad. This provincial anti-terror force is part of the
National Internal Security Policy released by the Centre on 26 February.
Further, for ensuring best possible professional training of the troops army had
also been asked to assist in skill enhancement, capacity building and
operations.
The counter terrorism force would not only work to overcome terrorism in the
province but also it would be tasked to dismantle terrorists’ activities across
the country. Chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that setting up of a
counter-terrorism force in Punjab is a historic step and this force will play a
vanguard role in the war on terror. Counter-Terrorism Force which has been
imparted professional training on modern lines will prove to be a milestone in
the elimination of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.
The chief minister said the Punjab government was fully implementing National
Action Plan and the all-out measures were being taken for the eradication of
terrorism. Laws against publication and distribution of provocative material and
misuse of loudspeakers had been made more effective while the ban on
wall-chalking was being strictly implemented. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s
vision has been given a practical shape through establishing Counter-Terrorism
Force in Punjab and it is the result of strenuous efforts of political and
administrative team of the province.
The performance of Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Provincial Minister for
Home Col (R) Shuja Khanzada, assembly members, chief secretary, inspector
general police, secretary home, secretary information and the authorities
concerned over the establishment of Counter-Terrorism Force were also
appreciated by the chief minister Punjab as they had worked to their optimal
capacities to make this possible. This, however could not have been possible
without the backing and support of the chief minister who portrayed the will of
the government to change the on ground situation.
The growing realization and assertions made by the government to root terror out
of the system representatives is certainly a positive indicator as it shows a
slight shift in policy. This has spelled out the need for enhancing the
functioning of civilian law enforcement apparatus that has become defunct under
the inaptitude and negligence of the civil authorities.
Therefore, a change was desperately called for at both the Material and Human
resource levels to bring about a change in the working methodologies adopted by
them so far. In this backdrop, devising and implementing effective new policies
and strategies in order to enhance the competence and performance of each and
every individual through a comprehensive training and education program was
direly required. The Capacity building regime carried out to develop the
potentials and skills of an individual soldier in order to undertake higher
levels of work is being greatly appreciated.
Furthermore, the obsolete gadgetry and devises had need to be enhanced for
optimal functioning such as the use of computer for data storage, retrieval and
information sharing for a much speedier action. Furthermore, high tech
surveillance and transport systems also increase working tempo. It must be
noticed that the dazzling prospects of career advancement and the possibility of
rewards amplifies the performance of any individual. With a heightened capacity
to cope with current war situation one can certainly expect a tangible change in
the number of criminal incidents.
One nation alone can neither fight terrorism nor can it reverse the momentum of
the terrorist. It has to be agreed that Pakistan, despite its shortcomings, has
given it the best it can. The terror networks have received severe setbacks that
have been instrumental in altering their operational mechanism and increased
their vulnerability. This is evident from the fact that the use of soft targets
by the terrorists such as women and children has become popular. A careful
monitoring reveals a change in the strategic intensions of the terrorists that
is targeting places with religious significance.
Despite curbs and curtailment, the terror threat is far from over. This, however
calls for a renewed and revised strategy to take counter insurgency to the next
level. The need for the civilian government to support the achievements of the
security forces and bolster their accomplishments to undermine and undercut the
insurgency is primary and is being seen clearly. It is time that the authorities
along with all stakeholders start performing to relieve people of the burden of
terrorism that Pakistan can ill afford.
It must be realized that such things are a team effort and require a will to do.
Without a serious will of the government, this dream would just remain that. The
main purpose of the Counter-Terrorism Force would be to play a key role in the
war on terror because this war needs to be won at any cost and the enemies of
the country would face a crushing defeat. Maximum resources will continue to be
provided for the eradication of terrorism. Future of the nation depended on
success in this war and no effort would be spared to make Pakistan a haven of
peace.