The Diplomat links success against terrorism to national cohesion

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – An international journal has stated in its report on terrorism in Pakistan that national unity is essential for success and effective strategy against terrorism.

According to The Diplomat, success in counter-terrorism depends on rising above all differences and fostering national cohesion. It termed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s policy, which differs from the federal government’s, as a major challenge in eliminating terrorism.

The journal noted that Pakistan’s armed forces have carried out successful military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad. However, the previous government’s flawed policy of negotiating with and allowing the return of militant groups emboldened terrorists.

The Diplomat wrote that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts are being undermined by political differences, with the KP government taking a separate path from federal policies.

It further wrote that contradictory strategies of the federal and KP governments have complicated the situation, as the KP government continues to emphasise negotiations and limited operations.

According to the international journal, the Afghan government has included hundreds of militant supporters in its state structure. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar criticised Kabul’s actions, calling them unserious regarding the elimination of militant groups.

The journal also reported disagreements between the federal government and KP over the repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees. The federal stance is that illegal migrants are facilitating terrorists. It added that terrorists benefit from unrest and political divisions.

The international journal made it clear that ignoring federal directives cannot shield Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from a new wave of militancy.