Setback To People's Group Fighting Terrorism in Pakista

The dissolution of 'Lashkar-e-Aman' (peace army) in Pakistan is a massive blow to the Pakistani Government and those organizations that were fighting against terrorism. Lashkar-e Aman was constituted three years ago against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Its dissolution manifests rising supremacy of terrorist elements over society in Pakistan. It also reveals that the government has failed to provide security to those who love peace.

War Against Taliban
The decision to dissolve Lashkar-e-Aman was made after the Taliban recently carried out a terrorist attack on a funeral procession, and at the time of burial of the dead body. The funeral was of a Lashkar-e-Aman activist. In the attack, 36 people were killed and 50 others were injured. Lashkar-eAman was against Taliban terrorist activities, and it was constituted to counter their activities. The Taliban had, therefore, been targeting people affiliated to Lashkar-e-Aman.

Interestingly, the group was formed with the government's approval, and had reduced the burden on the police and army indeed. Therefore, it was the government's duty to extend full cooperation to it, so that people could be saved from terrorism indulged in by Taliban in the region. It appears that the government, which continues to fail in its war against the Taliban, found it impossible to extend cooperation to Lashkar-e-Aman, and left it in the lurch to fight a lonely battle against the Taliban.

Taliban-Lashkar-e-Aman Tussle
These people had no proper arms and weapons to take on the Taliban either, and common people had no courage to provide security to activists. That is why the Taliban constantly targeted Lashkar-e-Aman. The Taliban continued to kill these activists as police and government remained silent spectators. Since both police and government failed to take any action worth its name, the decision to dissolve Lashkar-e-Aman was made.

A prominent Lashkar-e-Aman leader, Dilawar Khan, announced the dissolution of the group, and called upon people of the area to fight against terrorists on their own. He complained that Lashkar-e-Aman activists had caught several Taliban terrorists and handed them over to the government, but they are now roaming scot-free. He further complains that the government is doing precious little for the families of those killed by terrorists, and the government does not do anything, despite attacks by the Taliban. It has failed even to provide cartridges to Lashkar-e-Aman activists to fight against the Taliban.

Pressure From Taliban
These allegations may not be totally true, but there is no doubt that pro-Taliban terrorists are roaming around freely and attacking people fearlessly. All this has pushed society in Pakistan into a jungle rule. It appears that the Pakistani Government is completely helpless and can do nothing against terrorists. At the same time, the government vociferously claims to be an important US ally in the war against terrorism.

The dissolution of the anti-Taliban Lashkar-e-Aman is a matter of grave concern because as a consequence, the threat of terrorism against people of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa has increased. The dissolution further conveys the message that the government is under great pressure from the Taliban, which is a matter of greater concern indeed. It also reveals that the government has no courage to come out against them, and if a group among people musters courage to do so, it does not get cooperation from the government.a

New US Military Strategy

For the first time in seven years, the United States has announced a revised military strategy. In the new strategy, the United States has expressed determination to continue cooperation with Pakistan to eliminate Al-Qai'da and other militant forces. Under the new strategy, the United States has also assured cooperation to solve problems with Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

A statement issued by the Pentagon in this connection states that Al-Qai'da's senior leadership is present in Pakistan and planning to attack the United States and its allies. The statement also says that terrorism has now become an international threat and joint measures will have to be taken to deal with it.

The new strategy has been prepared by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. It points out steps how US interests can be safeguarded all over the world. It may be added that the United States had earlier released national military strategy in 2004.

Encouraging Policy
The revised strategy is encouraging, as it expresses determination to continue cooperation with several countries, including Pakistan. The global cooperation is the best strategy to overcome the menace of terrorism. It is a fact that terrorism can be eliminated and a peaceful international society established only if concerted efforts are made against the monster. However, the US insistence that senior Al-Qai'da leadership is present in Pakistan is not correct. Pakistan has stated on several times that although terrorists are present in the country in shape of extremists and the Taliban, and Al-Qai'da supporters may also be hiding here; but Al-Qai'da leadership is not present on its soil. But, in spite of this, US insistence in this regard is regrettable.

What else can be a bigger proof of the presence of terrorists in Pakistan that acts of terrorism are frequently taking place in the country causing huge loss of life and property? It was just on 9 February that four bomb explosions took place in Gujranwala (a town in Punjab Province). However, only one person was injured in the explosions. A day later, a suicide attack in Mardan (a town in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province) killed 35 persons and injured several others. Therefore, how it is possible for Pakistan, which itself is a victim of terrorism, to provide shelter to Al-Qai'da on its soil? Hence, the US Administration should know all ground realities before hurling such allegations on Pakistan, so that such statements could not lead to creating differences between the two countries.

Interests of International Community
However, the fresh US strategy rightly states that terrorism has become a global threat now and concerted efforts will have to be made to deal with it. Therefore, the United States should, through its new strategy, mobilize the international community to deal with the menace. For this purpose, it is necessary that those countries, which are playing a role in the war on terror, should be fully supported, so that the financial losses they are suffering in this regard could be made up to some extent.

However, in the new strategy, it cannot be acceptable for the international community that US interests must be safeguarded across the world. This strategy can cause dissent among world nations; therefore, instead of protecting the interests of only the United States, the interests and protection of the entire international community should be ensured as a whole. And being the world superpower, the biggest responsibility in this regard lies on the United States.