Security situation in Pakistan had improved a little after the new elected government took charge. Though never fully in control, it was certainly better than the one in earlier days when daily bombings and attacks on selective installations had become a normal routine. The terror had gripped the whole country as no place seemed to have been inaccessible by the 'guardians' of Islam. But recent happenings definitely show that the outer make-up of deep issues had only temporarily kept it from resurfacing.
Attacking with missiles the groups of tribesman who are not supportive of militants, burning the state-owned resorts, abducting and killing security personnels, bombing towns after towns based on odd and disconnected reasoning, beheading people publicly charged by their 'sharia courts' as US spies, are not just barbaric actions by those who demean humanity in the name of God, but also symbolize mockery of state apparatus. Holding people hostage to their agendas and actions which repreent sheer disregard to community and state (e.g. continuous threats to video shop owners and barbers, and closing and turning state's girls schools into 'madressas') should have no tolerance at all. All this is being prolonged despite government negotiations. The peace deals with militants clearly are failing. Government should deal this serious issue with wisdom and strong determination on top-priority basis.
If the ideology of these self-righteous stubborn elements is such that it sees the state as unIslamic and vows to either make it "Islamic" (based on their version) or dismantle it otherwise, how can the state possibly make any "truce" and serve any purpose whatsoever? The simple logic of the situation has to be reiterated to people of Pakistan to gain a public consensus on the issue and weaken the support of the militants among a few misguided pockets of community. Also it needs to be realized that due to lack of information, there is a gross misconception, not only in international circles but also to large extent within the Pakistani community, that these militants are supported by tribal people across the board. The recent attack on pro-government tribesman by those who cant see peace deals forwarding should leave no doubts on the issue.
The situation, which already had been allowed to worsen to such shameful level, can not be afforded to go loose and as per the dictations of militants. The pompous 'writ of the state' need to be strengthened and public confidence reposed to give them a sense of safety and solace. Public at large also views these miscreants negatively. Many who still are confused about the rightfulness of militants need to know the full picture. Our religious leaders, who have always been more of a source of divisions, have to be poked to realize the gravity of the situation and condemn the ruthless means of the militants.
